Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
12% cheaper
Salt Lake City is 12% more affordable than Fort Lauderdale. A $75,000 salary in Fort Lauderdale is equivalent to $65,779 in Salt Lake City.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Florida salaries · Utah salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Fort Lauderdale has a housing index of 155 while Salt Lake City sits at 120 (national average = 100). The median home in Fort Lauderdale costs $380,000 compared to $440,000 in Salt Lake City, a difference of $60,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,000 in Fort Lauderdale versus $1,500 in Salt Lake City.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Fort Lauderdale scores 106 while Salt Lake City scores 99.
Healthcare costs in Fort Lauderdale (99) are higher than Salt Lake City (97). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Fort Lauderdale is $54,468 compared to $60,590 in Salt Lake City. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Salt Lake City.
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