Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
16% cheaper
Raleigh is 16% more affordable than Fort Lauderdale. A $75,000 salary in Fort Lauderdale is equivalent to $62,705 in Raleigh.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Florida salaries · North Carolina salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Fort Lauderdale has a housing index of 155 while Raleigh sits at 107 (national average = 100). The median home in Fort Lauderdale costs $380,000 compared to $370,000 in Raleigh, a difference of $10,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,000 in Fort Lauderdale versus $1,500 in Raleigh.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Fort Lauderdale scores 106 while Raleigh scores 100.
Healthcare costs in Fort Lauderdale (99) are lower than Raleigh (108).
Median household income in Fort Lauderdale is $54,468 compared to $67,266 in Raleigh. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Raleigh.
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