Moving from St. Louis to Fort Lauderdale (2026)
Fort Lauderdale has a COL index of 120 vs 87 for St. Louis (100 = US average). Expect to pay about 38% more for the same lifestyle.
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Key differences
Salary needed in Fort Lauderdale to match your St. Louis lifestyle
Based on the 38% cost of living increase between the two cities.
| Your salary in St. Louis | Equivalent in Fort Lauderdale |
|---|---|
| $40K | $55,172 |
| $50K | $68,966 |
| $60K | $82,759 |
| $75K | $103,448 |
| $80K | $110,345 |
| $100K | $137,931 |
| $120K | $165,517 |
| $150K | $206,897 |
💵 Household income (before tax)
Monthly budget at $75K — St. Louis vs Fort Lauderdale
| Expense | St. Louis | Fort Lauderdale |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,447 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $1,300 | $2,600 |
| Groceries | $369 | $407 |
| Transport | $75 | $112 |
| Utilities | $162 | $195 |
| Internet | $60 | $70 |
| Left after essentials | $2,481 | $1,357 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Fort Lauderdale cheaper than St. Louis?
No. Fort Lauderdale has a cost of living index of 120 vs 87 for St. Louis (100 = US average). That's about 38% more expensive.
How much will I save moving from St. Louis to Fort Lauderdale?
On a $75K salary, core expenses in Fort Lauderdale run about $1,006/month more than St. Louis. Factor this into your salary negotiation when relocating.
What salary do I need in Fort Lauderdale to match my St. Louis lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in St. Louis, you'd need roughly $103,448/year in Fort Lauderdale. This is based on the overall COL index difference.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only