Moving from West Palm Beach to Fort Lauderdale (2026)
Fort Lauderdale has a COL index of 120 vs 117 for West Palm Beach (100 = US average). Expect to pay about 3% more for the same lifestyle.
Change cities
Key differences
Salary needed in Fort Lauderdale to match your West Palm Beach lifestyle
Based on the 3% cost of living increase between the two cities.
| Your salary in West Palm Beach | Equivalent in Fort Lauderdale |
|---|---|
| $40K | $41,026 |
| $50K | $51,282 |
| $60K | $61,538 |
| $75K | $76,923 |
| $80K | $82,051 |
| $100K | $102,564 |
| $120K | $123,077 |
| $150K | $153,846 |
💵 Household income (before tax)
Monthly budget at $75K — West Palm Beach vs Fort Lauderdale
| Expense | West Palm Beach | Fort Lauderdale |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,741 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $2,400 | $2,600 |
| Groceries | $403 | $407 |
| Transport | $112 | $112 |
| Utilities | $200 | $195 |
| Internet | $70 | $70 |
| Left after essentials | $1,556 | $1,357 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Fort Lauderdale cheaper than West Palm Beach?
No. Fort Lauderdale has a cost of living index of 120 vs 117 for West Palm Beach (100 = US average). That's about 3% more expensive.
How much will I save moving from West Palm Beach to Fort Lauderdale?
On a $75K salary, core expenses in Fort Lauderdale run about $200/month more than West Palm Beach. Factor this into your salary negotiation when relocating.
What salary do I need in Fort Lauderdale to match my West Palm Beach lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in West Palm Beach, you'd need roughly $76,923/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