Moving from Los Angeles to Fort Lauderdale (2026)
Fort Lauderdale has a COL index of 120 vs 173 for Los Angeles (100 = US average). You'd pay about 31% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Fort Lauderdale to match your Los Angeles lifestyle
Based on the 31% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Los Angeles | Equivalent in Fort Lauderdale |
|---|---|
| $40K | $27,746 |
| $50K | $34,682 |
| $60K | $41,618 |
| $75K | $52,023 |
| $80K | $55,491 |
| $100K | $69,364 |
| $120K | $83,237 |
| $150K | $104,046 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Los Angeles vs Fort Lauderdale
| Expense | Los Angeles | Fort Lauderdale |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,159 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $2,800 | $2,600 |
| Groceries | $410 | $407 |
| Transport | $100 | $112 |
| Utilities | $145 | $195 |
| Internet | $70 | $70 |
| Left after essentials | $634 | $1,357 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Fort Lauderdale cheaper than Los Angeles?
Yes. Fort Lauderdale has a cost of living index of 120 vs 173 for Los Angeles (100 = US average). That's about 31% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Los Angeles to Fort Lauderdale?
On a $75K salary, moving from Los Angeles to Fort Lauderdale could save roughly $141/month on core expenses. That's ~$1,692/year.
What salary do I need in Fort Lauderdale to match my Los Angeles lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Los Angeles, you'd need roughly $52,023/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