Cost of Living: Fort Lauderdale, FL vs Richardson, TX (2026)

Fort Lauderdale

Florida
132
VS

Richardson

Texas
128

Fort Lauderdale is 3% more expensive than Richardson.

$1,776/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,825/mo ↑ 3%
$79,935/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$96,257/yr ↑ 20%
$455,600 ↑ 12%
Home Value
$405,600 ↓ 11%
$1,778/mo ↓ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,796/mo ↑ 1%
183,032
Population
118,269

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.86%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Lauderdale, FL and Richardson, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $16,322/year higher in Richardson. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Lauderdale is $455,600 compared to $405,600 in Richardson.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Lauderdale vs Richardson — common questions

Is Fort Lauderdale or Richardson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Richardson is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Lauderdale and Richardson?
Median rent in Fort Lauderdale is $1,776/month and in Richardson it's $1,825/month — a difference of $49/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Lauderdale or Richardson?
Median household income is $79,935 in Fort Lauderdale and $96,257 in Richardson. Median household income is $16,322/year higher in Richardson.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Texas?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Lauderdale or Richardson?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Lauderdale has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,776/mo, while Richardson has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,825/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Lauderdale details → View Richardson details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fort Lauderdale and Richardson

Fort Lauderdale vs. Shreveport Fort Lauderdale vs. Chattanooga Fort Lauderdale vs. Newport News Fort Lauderdale vs. Aurora Fort Lauderdale vs. Mobile Fort Lauderdale vs. Ontario Richardson vs. Billings Richardson vs. Cambridge Richardson vs. Wilmington Richardson vs. North Charleston Richardson vs. Spring Hill Richardson vs. Clearwater