Cost of Living: Phoenix, AZ vs Fort Lauderdale, FL (2026)

Phoenix

Arizona
109
VS

Fort Lauderdale

Florida
132

Phoenix is 17% cheaper than Fort Lauderdale.

$1,458/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,776/mo ↑ 22%
$77,041/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$79,935/yr ↑ 4%
$381,900 ↓ 16%
Home Value
$455,600 ↑ 19%
$1,430/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,778/mo ↑ 24%
1,624,832
Population
183,032

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and Fort Lauderdale, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 132 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $318/month cheaper in Phoenix, saving renters about $3,816/year.

Median household income is $2,894/year higher in Fort Lauderdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 compared to $455,600 in Fort Lauderdale.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Fort Lauderdale residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix vs Fort Lauderdale — common questions

Is Phoenix or Fort Lauderdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Phoenix is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Phoenix and Fort Lauderdale?
Median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month and in Fort Lauderdale it's $1,776/month — a difference of $318/month.
Which city has higher income, Phoenix or Fort Lauderdale?
Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $79,935 in Fort Lauderdale. Median household income is $2,894/year higher in Fort Lauderdale.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Florida?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Phoenix or Fort Lauderdale?
It depends on your priorities. Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,458/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 Phoenix details → View Fort Lauderdale details →

More Comparisons

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