Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
16% cheaper
Tampa is 16% more affordable than Fort Lauderdale. A $75,000 salary in Fort Lauderdale is equivalent to $62,705 in Tampa.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Florida salaries · Florida salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Fort Lauderdale has a housing index of 155 while Tampa sits at 108 (national average = 100). The median home in Fort Lauderdale costs $380,000 compared to $340,000 in Tampa, a difference of $40,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,000 in Fort Lauderdale versus $1,700 in Tampa.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Fort Lauderdale scores 106 while Tampa scores 103.
Healthcare costs in Fort Lauderdale (99) are higher than Tampa (97). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Fort Lauderdale is $54,468 compared to $52,594 in Tampa. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Tampa.
Amazon affiliate links