Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
5% cheaper
Fort Lauderdale is 5% more affordable than Sacramento. A $75,000 salary in Sacramento 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 Sacramento sits at 163 (national average = 100). The median home in Fort Lauderdale costs $380,000 compared to $450,000 in Sacramento, a difference of $70,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,000 in Fort Lauderdale versus $1,700 in Sacramento.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Fort Lauderdale scores 106 while Sacramento scores 104.
Healthcare costs in Fort Lauderdale (99) are lower than Sacramento (106). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Fort Lauderdale is $54,468 compared to $64,660 in Sacramento. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Fort Lauderdale.
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