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

Fresno

California
101
VS

Fort Lauderdale

Florida
132

Fresno is 23% cheaper than Fort Lauderdale.

$1,324/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$1,776/mo ↑ 34%
$66,804/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$79,935/yr ↑ 20%
$348,500 ↓ 24%
Home Value
$455,600 ↑ 31%
$1,391/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,778/mo ↑ 28%
543,615
Population
183,032

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Fort Lauderdale, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 132 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $452/month cheaper in Fresno, saving renters about $5,424/year.

Median household income is $13,131/year higher in Fort Lauderdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $455,600 in Fort Lauderdale.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Fort Lauderdale residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Fort Lauderdale — common questions

Is Fresno or Fort Lauderdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fresno is cheaper to live in with an index of 101 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Fort Lauderdale?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Fort Lauderdale it's $1,776/month — a difference of $452/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Fort Lauderdale?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $79,935 in Fort Lauderdale. Median household income is $13,131/year higher in Fort Lauderdale.
How do taxes compare between California and Florida?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Fresno or Fort Lauderdale?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/mo, while Fort Lauderdale has a cost index of 132 with rent of $1,776/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fresno details → View Fort Lauderdale details →

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