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

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Fort Lauderdale

Florida
132

Los Angeles is 42% more expensive than Fort Lauderdale.

$1,879/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,776/mo ↓ 5%
$80,366/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$79,935/yr ≈ Same
$879,500 ↑ 93%
Home Value
$455,600 ↓ 48%
$2,055/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,778/mo ↓ 13%
3,857,897
Population
183,032

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Fort Lauderdale, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 132 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $103/month cheaper in Fort Lauderdale, saving renters about $1,236/year.

Median household income is $431/year higher in Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 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

Los Angeles vs Fort Lauderdale — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Fort Lauderdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Lauderdale is cheaper to live in with an index of 132 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Fort Lauderdale?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Fort Lauderdale it's $1,776/month — a difference of $103/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Fort Lauderdale?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $79,935 in Fort Lauderdale. Median household income is $431/year higher in Los Angeles.
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 Los Angeles or Fort Lauderdale?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles details → View Fort Lauderdale details →

More Comparisons

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