Can I Afford to Live in Fort Lauderdale vs Phoenix on $100K?

Here's how a $100K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses — based on Q1 2026 data.

Fort Lauderdale, FL
$6,321/mo take-home
Rent: $2,600/mo (41% of take-home)
Tight
Phoenix, AZ
$6,113/mo take-home
Rent: $1,500/mo (25% of take-home)
Comfortable
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Monthly budget breakdown

Fort Lauderdale
FL
Phoenix
AZ
Monthly take-home (est.)
$6,321Best ✓
$6,113
1BR rent
$2,600
$1,500Best ✓
Groceries (est.)
$407
$369Best ✓
Transport (est.)
$112
$64Best ✓
Utilities
$195Best ✓
$210
Internet
$70
$60Best ✓
Left after essentials
$2,937/month
$3,910/month
Fort Lauderdale (Florida) has no state income tax, boosting take-home vs Phoenix (AZ rate: 2.5%).

Frequently asked questions

Is $100K a good salary in Fort Lauderdale?

At $100K/year in Fort Lauderdale, your estimated monthly take-home is $6,321. With 1BR rent around $2,600/month, rent takes up 41% of your take-home. That's considered tight.

Is $100K a good salary in Phoenix?

At $100K/year in Phoenix, your estimated monthly take-home is $6,113. With 1BR rent around $1,500/month, rent takes up 25% of your take-home. That's considered comfortable.

Which city is more affordable on a $100K salary?

Phoenix leaves you with more money after core expenses — $3,910/month vs $2,937/month in Fort Lauderdale.

Can I afford to live alone in Fort Lauderdale on $100K?

It's tight. Rent in Fort Lauderdale would take 41% of your $100K take-home pay. You may need to find roommates or look at studios to stay within the 30% rule.

Compare other salary bands — Fort Lauderdale vs Phoenix

$40K$50K$60K$75K$80K$120K$150K

See the full cost-of-living comparison

Rent, groceries, taxes, transportation, and more — side by side.

Full comparison

Take-home estimates use simplified federal/state brackets and do not account for pre-tax deductions, 401(k), or local taxes. Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only