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

Fort Lauderdale

Florida
132
VS

Fullerton

California
195

Fort Lauderdale is 32% cheaper than Fullerton.

$1,776/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$2,124/mo ↑ 20%
$79,935/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$104,219/yr ↑ 30%
$455,600 ↓ 47%
Home Value
$859,600 ↑ 89%
$1,778/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$2,251/mo ↑ 27%
183,032
Population
141,278

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
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Lauderdale, FL and Fullerton, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 195 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $348/month cheaper in Fort Lauderdale, saving renters about $4,176/year.

Median household income is $24,284/year higher in Fullerton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Lauderdale is $455,600 compared to $859,600 in Fullerton.

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 Fullerton — common questions

Is Fort Lauderdale or Fullerton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Lauderdale is cheaper to live in with an index of 132 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Lauderdale and Fullerton?
Median rent in Fort Lauderdale is $1,776/month and in Fullerton it's $2,124/month — a difference of $348/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Lauderdale or Fullerton?
Median household income is $79,935 in Fort Lauderdale and $104,219 in Fullerton. Median household income is $24,284/year higher in Fullerton.
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 Fullerton?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Lauderdale has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,776/mo, while Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with rent of $2,124/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Lauderdale details → View Fullerton details →

More Comparisons

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