Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
13% cheaper
Tempe is 13% more affordable than Fort Lauderdale. A $75,000 salary in Fort Lauderdale is equivalent to $65,164 in Tempe.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Florida salaries · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Fort Lauderdale has a housing index of 155 while Tempe sits at 114 (national average = 100). The median home in Fort Lauderdale costs $380,000 compared to $400,000 in Tempe, a difference of $20,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,000 in Fort Lauderdale versus $1,600 in Tempe.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Fort Lauderdale scores 106 while Tempe scores 100.
Healthcare costs in Fort Lauderdale (99) are higher than Tempe (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Fort Lauderdale is $54,468 compared to $56,068 in Tempe. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Tempe.
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