Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
18% cheaper
Phoenix is 18% more affordable than Fort Lauderdale. A $75,000 salary in Fort Lauderdale is equivalent to $61,475 in Phoenix.
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 Phoenix sits at 102 (national average = 100). The median home in Fort Lauderdale costs $380,000 compared to $350,000 in Phoenix, a difference of $30,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,000 in Fort Lauderdale versus $1,400 in Phoenix.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Fort Lauderdale scores 106 while Phoenix scores 99.
Healthcare costs in Fort Lauderdale (99) are higher than Phoenix (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Fort Lauderdale is $54,468 compared to $57,459 in Phoenix. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Phoenix.
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