Moving from Fort Lauderdale to Sarasota (2026)
Sarasota has a COL index of 108 vs 120 for Fort Lauderdale (100 = US average). You'd pay about 10% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Sarasota to match your Fort Lauderdale lifestyle
Based on the 10% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Fort Lauderdale | Equivalent in Sarasota |
|---|---|
| $40K | $36,000 |
| $50K | $45,000 |
| $60K | $54,000 |
| $75K | $67,500 |
| $80K | $72,000 |
| $100K | $90,000 |
| $120K | $108,000 |
| $150K | $135,000 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Fort Lauderdale vs Sarasota
| Expense | Fort Lauderdale | Sarasota |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,741 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $2,600 | $2,000 |
| Groceries | $407 | $384 |
| Transport | $112 | $48 |
| Utilities | $195 | $198 |
| Internet | $70 | $68 |
| Left after essentials | $1,357 | $2,043 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Sarasota cheaper than Fort Lauderdale?
Yes. Sarasota has a cost of living index of 108 vs 120 for Fort Lauderdale (100 = US average). That's about 10% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Fort Lauderdale to Sarasota?
On a $75K salary, moving from Fort Lauderdale to Sarasota could save roughly $686/month on core expenses. That's ~$8,232/year.
What salary do I need in Sarasota to match my Fort Lauderdale lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Fort Lauderdale, you'd need roughly $67,500/year in Sarasota. 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