Cost of Living: Fort Lauderdale, FL vs Springfield, IL (2026)

Fort Lauderdale

Florida
132
VS

Springfield

Illinois
61

Fort Lauderdale is 116% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,776/mo ↑ 88%
Median Rent
$945/mo ↓ 47%
$79,935/yr ↑ 22%
Median Income
$65,537/yr ↓ 18%
$455,600 ↑ 194%
Home Value
$155,200 ↓ 66%
$1,778/mo ↑ 83%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 45%
183,032
Population
113,714

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.86%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Lauderdale, FL and Springfield, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $831/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $9,972/year.

Median household income is $14,398/year higher in Fort Lauderdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Lauderdale is $455,600 compared to $155,200 in Springfield.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Fort Lauderdale residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Lauderdale vs Springfield — common questions

Is Fort Lauderdale or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Lauderdale and Springfield?
Median rent in Fort Lauderdale is $1,776/month and in Springfield it's $945/month — a difference of $831/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Lauderdale or Springfield?
Median household income is $79,935 in Fort Lauderdale and $65,537 in Springfield. Median household income is $14,398/year higher in Fort Lauderdale.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Illinois?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Lauderdale or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Lauderdale has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,776/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 61 with rent of $945/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Lauderdale details → View Springfield details →

More Comparisons

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