Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
24% cheaper
Fort Lauderdale is 24% more affordable than San Diego. A $75,000 salary in San Diego is equivalent to $57,188 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 San Diego sits at 248 (national average = 100). The median home in Fort Lauderdale costs $380,000 compared to $800,000 in San Diego, a difference of $420,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,000 in Fort Lauderdale versus $2,500 in San Diego.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Fort Lauderdale scores 106 while San Diego scores 107.
Healthcare costs in Fort Lauderdale (99) are lower than San Diego (107). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Fort Lauderdale is $54,468 compared to $79,646 in San Diego. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Fort Lauderdale.
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