Moving from Boston to Fort Lauderdale (2026)
Fort Lauderdale has a COL index of 120 vs 162 for Boston (100 = US average). You'd pay about 26% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Fort Lauderdale to match your Boston lifestyle
Based on the 26% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Boston | Equivalent in Fort Lauderdale |
|---|---|
| $40K | $29,630 |
| $50K | $37,037 |
| $60K | $44,444 |
| $75K | $55,556 |
| $80K | $59,259 |
| $100K | $74,074 |
| $120K | $88,889 |
| $150K | $111,111 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Boston vs Fort Lauderdale
| Expense | Boston | Fort Lauderdale |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,428 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $3,000 | $2,600 |
| Groceries | $418 | $407 |
| Transport | $90 | $112 |
| Utilities | $185 | $195 |
| Internet | $70 | $70 |
| Left after essentials | $665 | $1,357 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Fort Lauderdale cheaper than Boston?
Yes. Fort Lauderdale has a cost of living index of 120 vs 162 for Boston (100 = US average). That's about 26% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Boston to Fort Lauderdale?
On a $75K salary, moving from Boston to Fort Lauderdale could save roughly $379/month on core expenses. That's ~$4,548/year.
What salary do I need in Fort Lauderdale to match my Boston lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Boston, you'd need roughly $55,556/year in Fort Lauderdale. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only