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

Fort Lauderdale

Florida
132
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Fort Lauderdale is 40% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,776/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 25%
$79,935/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 30%
$455,600 ↓ 56%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 129%
$1,778/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 32%
183,032
Population
136,462

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Lauderdale, FL and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $442/month cheaper in Fort Lauderdale, saving renters about $5,304/year.

Median household income is $23,843/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Lauderdale is $455,600 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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 Pasadena — common questions

Is Fort Lauderdale or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Lauderdale is cheaper to live in with an index of 132 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Lauderdale and Pasadena?
Median rent in Fort Lauderdale is $1,776/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $442/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Lauderdale or Pasadena?
Median household income is $79,935 in Fort Lauderdale and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $23,843/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Lauderdale has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,776/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with rent of $2,218/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Lauderdale details → View Pasadena details →

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