Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
22% cheaper
Jacksonville is 22% more affordable than Fort Lauderdale. A $75,000 salary in Fort Lauderdale is equivalent to $58,402 in Jacksonville.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Florida salaries · Florida salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Fort Lauderdale has a housing index of 155 while Jacksonville sits at 89 (national average = 100). The median home in Fort Lauderdale costs $380,000 compared to $280,000 in Jacksonville, a difference of $100,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,000 in Fort Lauderdale versus $1,400 in Jacksonville.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Fort Lauderdale scores 106 while Jacksonville scores 101.
Healthcare costs in Fort Lauderdale (99) are higher than Jacksonville (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Fort Lauderdale is $54,468 compared to $53,025 in Jacksonville. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Jacksonville.
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