Moving from Boulder to Fort Lauderdale (2026)
Fort Lauderdale has a COL index of 120 vs 132 for Boulder (100 = US average). You'd pay about 9% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Fort Lauderdale to match your Boulder lifestyle
Based on the 9% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Boulder | Equivalent in Fort Lauderdale |
|---|---|
| $40K | $36,364 |
| $50K | $45,455 |
| $60K | $54,545 |
| $75K | $68,182 |
| $80K | $72,727 |
| $100K | $90,909 |
| $120K | $109,091 |
| $150K | $136,364 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Boulder vs Fort Lauderdale
| Expense | Boulder | Fort Lauderdale |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,466 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $2,300 | $2,600 |
| Groceries | $414 | $407 |
| Transport | $80 | $112 |
| Utilities | $138 | $195 |
| Internet | $68 | $70 |
| Left after essentials | $1,466 | $1,357 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Fort Lauderdale cheaper than Boulder?
Yes. Fort Lauderdale has a cost of living index of 120 vs 132 for Boulder (100 = US average). That's about 9% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Boulder to Fort Lauderdale?
On a $75K salary, core expenses in Fort Lauderdale run about $384/month more than Boulder. Factor this into your salary negotiation when relocating.
What salary do I need in Fort Lauderdale to match my Boulder lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Boulder, you'd need roughly $68,182/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