Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
24% cheaper
Tucson is 24% more affordable than Fort Lauderdale. A $75,000 salary in Fort Lauderdale is equivalent to $57,172 in Tucson.
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 Tucson sits at 83 (national average = 100). The median home in Fort Lauderdale costs $380,000 compared to $265,000 in Tucson, a difference of $115,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,000 in Fort Lauderdale versus $1,100 in Tucson.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Fort Lauderdale scores 106 while Tucson scores 98.
Healthcare costs in Fort Lauderdale (99) are higher than Tucson (93). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Fort Lauderdale is $54,468 compared to $43,425 in Tucson. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Tucson.
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