Cost of Living: Dallas, TX vs Fort Lauderdale, FL (2026)

Dallas

Texas
97
VS

Fort Lauderdale

Florida
132

Dallas is 27% cheaper than Fort Lauderdale.

$1,403/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,776/mo ↑ 27%
$67,760/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$79,935/yr ↑ 18%
$295,300 ↓ 35%
Home Value
$455,600 ↑ 54%
$1,409/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,778/mo ↑ 26%
1,299,553
Population
183,032

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dallas, TX and Fort Lauderdale, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 132 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $373/month cheaper in Dallas, saving renters about $4,476/year.

Median household income is $12,175/year higher in Fort Lauderdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dallas is $295,300 compared to $455,600 in Fort Lauderdale.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dallas vs Fort Lauderdale — common questions

Is Dallas or Fort Lauderdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dallas is cheaper to live in with an index of 97 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dallas and Fort Lauderdale?
Median rent in Dallas is $1,403/month and in Fort Lauderdale it's $1,776/month — a difference of $373/month.
Which city has higher income, Dallas or Fort Lauderdale?
Median household income is $67,760 in Dallas and $79,935 in Fort Lauderdale. Median household income is $12,175/year higher in Fort Lauderdale.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Florida?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Dallas or Fort Lauderdale?
It depends on your priorities. Dallas has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,403/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.
View Dallas details → View Fort Lauderdale details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Dallas and Fort Lauderdale

Dallas vs. San Diego Dallas vs. San Jose Dallas vs. San Antonio Dallas vs. Austin Dallas vs. Philadelphia Dallas vs. Jacksonville Fort Lauderdale vs. Shreveport Fort Lauderdale vs. Chattanooga Fort Lauderdale vs. Newport News Fort Lauderdale vs. Aurora Fort Lauderdale vs. Mobile Fort Lauderdale vs. Ontario