Cost of Living: Fort Lauderdale, FL vs Fairfield, CA (2026)

Fort Lauderdale

Florida
132
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Fort Lauderdale is 21% cheaper than Fairfield.

$1,776/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 23%
$79,935/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↑ 28%
$455,600 ↓ 23%
Home Value
$592,500 ↑ 30%
$1,778/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 25%
183,032
Population
119,985

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Lauderdale, FL and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $415/month cheaper in Fort Lauderdale, saving renters about $4,980/year.

Median household income is $22,386/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Lauderdale is $455,600 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Fort Lauderdale residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Lauderdale vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Fort Lauderdale or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Lauderdale is cheaper to live in with an index of 132 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Lauderdale and Fairfield?
Median rent in Fort Lauderdale is $1,776/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $415/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Lauderdale or Fairfield?
Median household income is $79,935 in Fort Lauderdale and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $22,386/year higher in Fairfield.
How do taxes compare between Florida and California?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Lauderdale or Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Lauderdale has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,776/mo, while Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with rent of $2,191/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Lauderdale details → View Fairfield details →

More Comparisons

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