Moving from Fort Lauderdale to Raleigh (2026)
Raleigh has a COL index of 101 vs 120 for Fort Lauderdale (100 = US average). You'd pay about 16% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Raleigh to match your Fort Lauderdale lifestyle
Based on the 16% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Fort Lauderdale | Equivalent in Raleigh |
|---|---|
| $40K | $33,667 |
| $50K | $42,083 |
| $60K | $50,500 |
| $75K | $63,125 |
| $80K | $67,333 |
| $100K | $84,167 |
| $120K | $101,000 |
| $150K | $126,250 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Fort Lauderdale vs Raleigh
| Expense | Fort Lauderdale | Raleigh |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,741 | $4,459 |
| 1BR rent | $2,600 | $1,700 |
| Groceries | $407 | $365 |
| Transport | $112 | $70 |
| Utilities | $195 | $150 |
| Internet | $70 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $1,357 | $2,114 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Raleigh cheaper than Fort Lauderdale?
Yes. Raleigh has a cost of living index of 101 vs 120 for Fort Lauderdale (100 = US average). That's about 16% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Fort Lauderdale to Raleigh?
On a $75K salary, moving from Fort Lauderdale to Raleigh could save roughly $1,039/month on core expenses. That's ~$12,468/year.
What salary do I need in Raleigh to match my Fort Lauderdale lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Fort Lauderdale, you'd need roughly $63,125/year in Raleigh. 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