Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
31% cheaper
Memphis is 31% more affordable than Fort Lauderdale. A $75,000 salary in Fort Lauderdale is equivalent to $51,639 in Memphis.
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 Memphis sits at 63 (national average = 100). The median home in Fort Lauderdale costs $380,000 compared to $155,000 in Memphis, a difference of $225,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,000 in Fort Lauderdale versus $1,000 in Memphis.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Fort Lauderdale scores 106 while Memphis scores 93.
Healthcare costs in Fort Lauderdale (99) are higher than Memphis (92).
Median household income in Fort Lauderdale is $54,468 compared to $41,228 in Memphis. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Memphis.
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