Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
16% cheaper
Wilmington is 16% more affordable than Fort Lauderdale. A $75,000 salary in Fort Lauderdale is equivalent to $63,320 in Wilmington.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Florida salaries · North Carolina salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Fort Lauderdale has a housing index of 155 while Wilmington sits at 108 (national average = 100). The median home in Fort Lauderdale costs $380,000 compared to $320,000 in Wilmington, a difference of $60,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,000 in Fort Lauderdale versus $1,400 in Wilmington.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Fort Lauderdale scores 106 while Wilmington scores 101.
Healthcare costs in Fort Lauderdale (99) are lower than Wilmington (106). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Fort Lauderdale is $54,468 compared to $48,432 in Wilmington. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Wilmington.
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