Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
19% cheaper
Mesa is 19% more affordable than Fort Lauderdale. A $75,000 salary in Fort Lauderdale is equivalent to $60,861 in Mesa.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Florida salaries · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Fort Lauderdale has a housing index of 155 while Mesa sits at 98 (national average = 100). The median home in Fort Lauderdale costs $380,000 compared to $350,000 in Mesa, a difference of $30,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,000 in Fort Lauderdale versus $1,350 in Mesa.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Fort Lauderdale scores 106 while Mesa scores 99.
Healthcare costs in Fort Lauderdale (99) are higher than Mesa (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Fort Lauderdale is $54,468 compared to $60,234 in Mesa. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Mesa.
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