Moving from New York to Fort Lauderdale (2026)
Fort Lauderdale has a COL index of 120 vs 187 for New York (100 = US average). You'd pay about 36% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Fort Lauderdale to match your New York lifestyle
Based on the 36% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in New York | Equivalent in Fort Lauderdale |
|---|---|
| $40K | $25,668 |
| $50K | $32,086 |
| $60K | $38,503 |
| $75K | $48,128 |
| $80K | $51,337 |
| $100K | $64,171 |
| $120K | $77,005 |
| $150K | $96,257 |
Monthly budget at $75K — New York vs Fort Lauderdale
| Expense | New York | Fort Lauderdale |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,309 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $3,500 | $2,600 |
| Groceries | $437 | $407 |
| Transport | $132 | $112 |
| Utilities | $180 | $195 |
| Internet | $75 | $70 |
| Left after essentials | $-15 | $1,357 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Fort Lauderdale cheaper than New York?
Yes. Fort Lauderdale has a cost of living index of 120 vs 187 for New York (100 = US average). That's about 36% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from New York to Fort Lauderdale?
On a $75K salary, moving from New York to Fort Lauderdale could save roughly $940/month on core expenses. That's ~$11,280/year.
What salary do I need in Fort Lauderdale to match my New York lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in New York, you'd need roughly $48,128/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