Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
26% cheaper
St. Louis is 26% more affordable than Fort Lauderdale. A $75,000 salary in Fort Lauderdale is equivalent to $55,328 in St. Louis.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Florida salaries · Missouri salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Fort Lauderdale has a housing index of 155 while St. Louis sits at 72 (national average = 100). The median home in Fort Lauderdale costs $380,000 compared to $175,000 in St. Louis, a difference of $205,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,000 in Fort Lauderdale versus $1,000 in St. Louis.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Fort Lauderdale scores 106 while St. Louis scores 97.
Healthcare costs in Fort Lauderdale (99) are higher than St. Louis (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Fort Lauderdale is $54,468 compared to $45,782 in St. Louis. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in St. Louis.
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