Cost of Living: Cape Coral, FL vs Fort Lauderdale, FL (2026)

Cape Coral

Florida

114

Fort Lauderdale

Florida

132

Cape Coral is 18% cheaper than Fort Lauderdale.

$1,751/mo ↓ 1%

Median Rent

$1,776/mo ↑ 1%

$76,062/yr ↓ 5%

Median Income

$79,935/yr ↑ 5%

$339,200 ↓ 26%

Home Value

$455,600 ↑ 34%

$1,523/mo ↓ 14%

Owner Costs

$1,778/mo ↑ 17%

206,387

Population

183,032

Tax Comparison

Income Tax

6.0%

Sales Tax

6.0%

0.86%

Property Tax

0.86%

Affordability

27.6%

rent-to-income

Affordability

26.7%

rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cape Coral, FL and Fort Lauderdale, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 114 and 132 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $3,873/year higher in Fort Lauderdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cape Coral is $339,200 compared to $455,600 in Fort Lauderdale.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Florida.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cape Coral vs Fort Lauderdale — common questions

Is Cape Coral or Fort Lauderdale cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Cape Coral is cheaper to live in with an index of 114 compared to 132 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Cape Coral and Fort Lauderdale?

Median rent in Cape Coral is $1,751/month and in Fort Lauderdale it's $1,776/month — a difference of $25/month.

Which city has higher income, Cape Coral or Fort Lauderdale?

Median household income is $76,062 in Cape Coral and $79,935 in Fort Lauderdale. Median household income is $3,873/year higher in Fort Lauderdale.

How do taxes compare between Florida and Florida?

Both cities are in Florida and share the same state tax rates: 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.

Should I move to Cape Coral or Fort Lauderdale?

It depends on your priorities. Cape Coral has a cost index of 114 with median rent of $1,751/mo, while Fort Lauderdale has a cost index of 132 with rent of $1,776/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.