Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs Fort Lauderdale, FL (2026)

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Fort Lauderdale

Florida
132

Philadelphia is 36% cheaper than Fort Lauderdale.

$1,323/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$1,776/mo ↑ 34%
$60,698/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$79,935/yr ↑ 32%
$232,400 ↓ 49%
Home Value
$455,600 ↑ 96%
$1,233/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,778/mo ↑ 44%
1,582,432
Population
183,032

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.49%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Fort Lauderdale, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 132 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $453/month cheaper in Philadelphia, saving renters about $5,436/year.

Median household income is $19,237/year higher in Fort Lauderdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $455,600 in Fort Lauderdale.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Fort Lauderdale residents a significant tax advantage over Pennsylvania's 3.07% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Fort Lauderdale — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Fort Lauderdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Philadelphia is cheaper to live in with an index of 85 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Fort Lauderdale?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Fort Lauderdale it's $1,776/month — a difference of $453/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Fort Lauderdale?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $79,935 in Fort Lauderdale. Median household income is $19,237/year higher in Fort Lauderdale.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Florida?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or Fort Lauderdale?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/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 Philadelphia details → View Fort Lauderdale details →

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