Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
21% cheaper
Fort Lauderdale is 21% more affordable than Long Beach. A $75,000 salary in Long Beach is equivalent to $59,032 in Fort Lauderdale.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Florida salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Fort Lauderdale has a housing index of 155 while Long Beach sits at 236 (national average = 100). The median home in Fort Lauderdale costs $380,000 compared to $700,000 in Long Beach, a difference of $320,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,000 in Fort Lauderdale versus $2,200 in Long Beach.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Fort Lauderdale scores 106 while Long Beach scores 106.
Healthcare costs in Fort Lauderdale (99) are lower than Long Beach (103). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Fort Lauderdale is $54,468 compared to $60,567 in Long Beach. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Fort Lauderdale.
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