Moving from Los Angeles to Fort Lauderdale (2026)
Fort Lauderdale has a COL index of 120 vs 173 for Los Angeles (100 = US average). You'd pay about 31% less for the same lifestyle.
Change cities
Key differences
Salary needed in Fort Lauderdale to match your Los Angeles lifestyle
Based on the 31% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Los Angeles | Equivalent in Fort Lauderdale |
|---|---|
| $40K | $27,746 |
| $50K | $34,682 |
| $60K | $41,618 |
| $75K | $52,023 |
| $80K | $55,491 |
| $100K | $69,364 |
| $120K | $83,237 |
| $150K | $104,046 |
💵 Household income (before tax)
Monthly budget at $75K — Los Angeles vs Fort Lauderdale
| Expense | Los Angeles | Fort Lauderdale |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,159 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $2,800 | $2,600 |
| Groceries | $410 | $407 |
| Transport | $100 | $112 |
| Utilities | $145 | $195 |
| Internet | $70 | $70 |
| Left after essentials | $634 | $1,357 |
30-Year Wealth Builder
If you invest your monthly savings of $141 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:
over 30 years compared to staying in Los Angeles — that's the real price of a city.
Frequently asked questions
Is Fort Lauderdale cheaper than Los Angeles?
Yes. Fort Lauderdale has a cost of living index of 120 vs 173 for Los Angeles (100 = US average). That's about 31% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Los Angeles to Fort Lauderdale?
On a $75K salary, moving from Los Angeles to Fort Lauderdale saves roughly $781/month on core expenses. That's ~$9,372/year.
What salary do I need in Fort Lauderdale to match my Los Angeles lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Los Angeles, you'd need roughly $52,023/year in Fort Lauderdale. This is based on the overall COL index difference.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only