Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
27% cheaper
Fort Lauderdale is 27% more affordable than Los Angeles. A $75,000 salary in Los Angeles is equivalent to $55,120 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 Los Angeles sits at 262 (national average = 100). The median home in Fort Lauderdale costs $380,000 compared to $850,000 in Los Angeles, a difference of $470,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,000 in Fort Lauderdale versus $2,700 in Los Angeles.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Fort Lauderdale scores 106 while Los Angeles scores 107.
Healthcare costs in Fort Lauderdale (99) are lower than Los Angeles (103). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Fort Lauderdale is $54,468 compared to $65,290 in Los Angeles. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Fort Lauderdale.
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