Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
16% cheaper
Richmond is 16% more affordable than Fort Lauderdale. A $75,000 salary in Fort Lauderdale is equivalent to $63,320 in Richmond.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Florida salaries · Virginia salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Fort Lauderdale has a housing index of 155 while Richmond sits at 108 (national average = 100). The median home in Fort Lauderdale costs $380,000 compared to $300,000 in Richmond, a difference of $80,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,000 in Fort Lauderdale versus $1,400 in Richmond.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Fort Lauderdale scores 106 while Richmond scores 100.
Healthcare costs in Fort Lauderdale (99) are lower than Richmond (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Fort Lauderdale is $54,468 compared to $50,120 in Richmond. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Richmond.
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