Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
28% cheaper
Knoxville is 28% more affordable than Fort Lauderdale. A $75,000 salary in Fort Lauderdale is equivalent to $54,098 in Knoxville.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Florida salaries · Tennessee salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Fort Lauderdale has a housing index of 155 while Knoxville sits at 73 (national average = 100). The median home in Fort Lauderdale costs $380,000 compared to $240,000 in Knoxville, a difference of $140,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,000 in Fort Lauderdale versus $1,100 in Knoxville.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Fort Lauderdale scores 106 while Knoxville scores 94.
Healthcare costs in Fort Lauderdale (99) are higher than Knoxville (93). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Fort Lauderdale is $54,468 compared to $42,898 in Knoxville. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Knoxville.
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