Cost of Living: Fort Lauderdale, FL vs Lakewood, CO (2026)

Fort Lauderdale

Florida
132
VS

Lakewood

Colorado
141

Fort Lauderdale is 6% cheaper than Lakewood.

$1,776/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$1,746/mo ↓ 2%
$79,935/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$85,789/yr ↑ 7%
$455,600 ↓ 17%
Home Value
$548,200 ↑ 20%
$1,778/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,729/mo ↓ 3%
183,032
Population
156,309

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Lauderdale, FL and Lakewood, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 141 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $5,854/year higher in Lakewood. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Lauderdale is $455,600 compared to $548,200 in Lakewood.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Fort Lauderdale residents a significant tax advantage over Colorado's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Lauderdale vs Lakewood — common questions

Is Fort Lauderdale or Lakewood cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Lauderdale is cheaper to live in with an index of 132 compared to 141 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Lauderdale and Lakewood?
Median rent in Fort Lauderdale is $1,776/month and in Lakewood it's $1,746/month — a difference of $30/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Lauderdale or Lakewood?
Median household income is $79,935 in Fort Lauderdale and $85,789 in Lakewood. Median household income is $5,854/year higher in Lakewood.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Colorado?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Lauderdale or Lakewood?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Lauderdale has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,776/mo, while Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with rent of $1,746/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Lauderdale details → View Lakewood details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fort Lauderdale and Lakewood

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