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

Santa Clarita

California
197
VS

Fort Lauderdale

Florida
132

Santa Clarita is 49% more expensive than Fort Lauderdale.

$2,486/mo ↑ 40%
Median Rent
$1,776/mo ↓ 29%
$119,926/yr ↑ 50%
Median Income
$79,935/yr ↓ 33%
$721,000 ↑ 58%
Home Value
$455,600 ↓ 37%
$2,649/mo ↑ 49%
Owner Costs
$1,778/mo ↓ 33%
229,021
Population
183,032

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Clarita, CA and Fort Lauderdale, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 132 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $710/month cheaper in Fort Lauderdale, saving renters about $8,520/year.

Median household income is $39,991/year higher in Santa Clarita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Clarita is $721,000 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

Santa Clarita vs Fort Lauderdale — common questions

Is Santa Clarita 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 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Clarita and Fort Lauderdale?
Median rent in Santa Clarita is $2,486/month and in Fort Lauderdale it's $1,776/month — a difference of $710/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Clarita or Fort Lauderdale?
Median household income is $119,926 in Santa Clarita and $79,935 in Fort Lauderdale. Median household income is $39,991/year higher in Santa Clarita.
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 Santa Clarita or Fort Lauderdale?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Clarita has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,486/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 Santa Clarita details → View Fort Lauderdale details →

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