Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
5% cheaper
Fort Lauderdale is 5% more affordable than Riverside. A $75,000 salary in Riverside is equivalent to $71,484 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 Riverside sits at 155 (national average = 100). The median home in Fort Lauderdale costs $380,000 compared to $500,000 in Riverside, a difference of $120,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,000 in Fort Lauderdale versus $1,800 in Riverside.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Fort Lauderdale scores 106 while Riverside scores 103.
Healthcare costs in Fort Lauderdale (99) are lower than Riverside (102). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Fort Lauderdale is $54,468 compared to $67,068 in Riverside. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Fort Lauderdale.
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