Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
23% cheaper
Rochester is 23% more affordable than Fort Lauderdale. A $75,000 salary in Fort Lauderdale is equivalent to $57,787 in Rochester.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Florida salaries · New York salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Fort Lauderdale has a housing index of 155 while Rochester sits at 73 (national average = 100). The median home in Fort Lauderdale costs $380,000 compared to $155,000 in Rochester, a difference of $225,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,000 in Fort Lauderdale versus $1,000 in Rochester.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Fort Lauderdale scores 106 while Rochester scores 101.
Healthcare costs in Fort Lauderdale (99) are lower than Rochester (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Fort Lauderdale is $54,468 compared to $39,728 in Rochester. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Rochester.
Amazon affiliate links