Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
13% cheaper
Madison is 13% more affordable than Fort Lauderdale. A $75,000 salary in Fort Lauderdale is equivalent to $65,164 in Madison.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Florida salaries · Wisconsin salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Fort Lauderdale has a housing index of 155 while Madison sits at 115 (national average = 100). The median home in Fort Lauderdale costs $380,000 compared to $340,000 in Madison, a difference of $40,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,000 in Fort Lauderdale versus $1,400 in Madison.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Fort Lauderdale scores 106 while Madison scores 101.
Healthcare costs in Fort Lauderdale (99) are lower than Madison (105). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Fort Lauderdale is $54,468 compared to $67,565 in Madison. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Madison.
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