Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Fort Lauderdale, FL (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Fort Lauderdale

Florida
132

Raleigh is 17% cheaper than Fort Lauderdale.

$1,468/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,776/mo ↑ 21%
$82,424/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$79,935/yr ↓ 3%
$377,800 ↓ 17%
Home Value
$455,600 ↑ 21%
$1,487/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,778/mo ↑ 20%
470,763
Population
183,032

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Fort Lauderdale, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 132 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $308/month cheaper in Raleigh, saving renters about $3,696/year.

Median household income is $2,489/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $455,600 in Fort Lauderdale.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Fort Lauderdale residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Fort Lauderdale — common questions

Is Raleigh or Fort Lauderdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Raleigh is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Fort Lauderdale?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Fort Lauderdale it's $1,776/month — a difference of $308/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Fort Lauderdale?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $79,935 in Fort Lauderdale. Median household income is $2,489/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Florida?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Fort Lauderdale?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/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 Raleigh details → View Fort Lauderdale details →

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