Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
11% cheaper
Plano is 11% more affordable than Fort Lauderdale. A $75,000 salary in Fort Lauderdale is equivalent to $67,008 in Plano.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Florida salaries · Texas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Fort Lauderdale has a housing index of 155 while Plano sits at 123 (national average = 100). The median home in Fort Lauderdale costs $380,000 compared to $400,000 in Plano, a difference of $20,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,000 in Fort Lauderdale versus $1,700 in Plano.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Fort Lauderdale scores 106 while Plano scores 98.
Healthcare costs in Fort Lauderdale (99) are lower than Plano (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Fort Lauderdale is $54,468 compared to $96,348 in Plano. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Plano.
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