Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Fort Lauderdale, FL (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Fort Lauderdale

Florida
132

Seattle is 48% more expensive than Fort Lauderdale.

$1,998/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$1,776/mo ↓ 11%
$121,984/yr ↑ 53%
Median Income
$79,935/yr ↓ 34%
$912,100 ↑ 100%
Home Value
$455,600 ↓ 50%
$2,220/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,778/mo ↓ 20%
741,440
Population
183,032

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Fort Lauderdale, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 132 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $222/month cheaper in Fort Lauderdale, saving renters about $2,664/year.

Median household income is $42,049/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $455,600 in Fort Lauderdale.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Fort Lauderdale — common questions

Is Seattle 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 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Fort Lauderdale?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Fort Lauderdale it's $1,776/month — a difference of $222/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Fort Lauderdale?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $79,935 in Fort Lauderdale. Median household income is $42,049/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Florida?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Fort Lauderdale?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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 Seattle details → View Fort Lauderdale details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Seattle and Fort Lauderdale

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