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

Fort Lauderdale

Florida
132
VS

Ontario

California
152

Fort Lauderdale is 20% cheaper than Ontario.

$1,776/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,916/mo ↑ 8%
$79,935/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$82,806/yr ↑ 4%
$455,600 ↓ 20%
Home Value
$568,000 ↑ 25%
$1,778/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,967/mo ↑ 11%
183,032
Population
178,347

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Lauderdale, FL and Ontario, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $140/month cheaper in Fort Lauderdale, saving renters about $1,680/year.

Median household income is $2,871/year higher in Ontario. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Lauderdale is $455,600 compared to $568,000 in Ontario.

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 Ontario — common questions

Is Fort Lauderdale or Ontario cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Lauderdale is cheaper to live in with an index of 132 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Lauderdale and Ontario?
Median rent in Fort Lauderdale is $1,776/month and in Ontario it's $1,916/month — a difference of $140/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Lauderdale or Ontario?
Median household income is $79,935 in Fort Lauderdale and $82,806 in Ontario. Median household income is $2,871/year higher in Ontario.
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 Ontario?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Lauderdale has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,776/mo, while Ontario has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,916/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Lauderdale details → View Ontario details →