Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
20% cheaper
Fort Lauderdale is 20% more affordable than Washington. A $75,000 salary in Washington is equivalent to $60,197 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 · District of Columbia salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Fort Lauderdale has a housing index of 155 while Washington sits at 226 (national average = 100). The median home in Fort Lauderdale costs $380,000 compared to $580,000 in Washington, a difference of $200,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,000 in Fort Lauderdale versus $2,300 in Washington.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Fort Lauderdale scores 106 while Washington scores 108.
Healthcare costs in Fort Lauderdale (99) are lower than Washington (105). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Fort Lauderdale is $54,468 compared to $90,842 in Washington. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Fort Lauderdale.
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