Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
26% cheaper
Fort Lauderdale is 26% more affordable than Oakland. A $75,000 salary in Oakland is equivalent to $55,455 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 Oakland sits at 264 (national average = 100). The median home in Fort Lauderdale costs $380,000 compared to $780,000 in Oakland, a difference of $400,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,000 in Fort Lauderdale versus $2,700 in Oakland.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Fort Lauderdale scores 106 while Oakland scores 109.
Healthcare costs in Fort Lauderdale (99) are lower than Oakland (113).
Median household income in Fort Lauderdale is $54,468 compared to $73,692 in Oakland. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Fort Lauderdale.
Amazon affiliate links