Moving from Houston to Fort Lauderdale (2026)
Fort Lauderdale has a COL index of 120 vs 95 for Houston (100 = US average). Expect to pay about 26% more for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Fort Lauderdale to match your Houston lifestyle
Based on the 26% cost of living increase between the two cities.
| Your salary in Houston | Equivalent in Fort Lauderdale |
|---|---|
| $40K | $50,526 |
| $50K | $63,158 |
| $60K | $75,789 |
| $75K | $94,737 |
| $80K | $101,053 |
| $100K | $126,316 |
| $120K | $151,579 |
| $150K | $189,474 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Houston vs Fort Lauderdale
| Expense | Houston | Fort Lauderdale |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,741 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $1,350 | $2,600 |
| Groceries | $357 | $407 |
| Transport | $90 | $112 |
| Utilities | $175 | $195 |
| Internet | $65 | $70 |
| Left after essentials | $2,704 | $1,357 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Fort Lauderdale cheaper than Houston?
No. Fort Lauderdale has a cost of living index of 120 vs 95 for Houston (100 = US average). That's about 26% more expensive.
How much will I save moving from Houston to Fort Lauderdale?
On a $75K salary, core expenses in Fort Lauderdale run about $1,347/month more than Houston. Factor this into your salary negotiation when relocating.
What salary do I need in Fort Lauderdale to match my Houston lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Houston, you'd need roughly $94,737/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