Is Fort Lauderdale, FL cheaper than Cary, NC?

Based on cost of living data, Fort Lauderdale, FL is 17.9% more expensive than Cary, NC. This translates to spending an extra $1346 per month.

What salary do I need in Fort Lauderdale, FL to live like I do in Cary, NC?

If you earn $150,000 in Cary, NC, you'd need approximately $166,149.559 in Fort Lauderdale, FL to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Cary, NC and Fort Lauderdale, FL?

Housing in Fort Lauderdale, FL is 49.3% more expensive than in Cary, NC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,330/month in Fort Lauderdale, FL compared to $1,473/month in Cary, NC.

How much can I save per month by moving from Cary, NC to Fort Lauderdale, FL?

Living in Fort Lauderdale, FL costs approximately $1346 more per month than Cary, NC, or $16150 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Cary, NC vs Fort Lauderdale, FL: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Cary, NC

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $1.3K/month more in Fort Lauderdale, FL

$150.0K in your current city equals $166.1K in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Raleigh-Cary, NC area

Overall Cost

↑ 17.9%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,346

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$16.1K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Cary, NC

Population:180K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$514K

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Population:184K

Cost Index:

118

(18% above avg)

Median Home:$530K

Cary, NC

The Tar Heel State

180K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in North Carolina, this city has a population of 180K residents.

Fort Lauderdale, FL

The Sunshine State

184K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Florida, this city has a population of 184K residents.

💡 Advantage: Florida has no state income tax!

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Cary, NC vs Fort Lauderdale, FL

Category	Cary, NC	Fort Lauderdale, FL	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,175/mo	$3,248/mo	↑ $1,073more	49.3%
Other	$1,672/mo	$1,925/mo	↑ $254more	15.2%
Transportation	$1,257/mo	$1,462/mo	↑ $205more	16.3%
Groceries	$949/mo	$1,079/mo	↑ $130more	13.7%
All Utilities	$541/mo	$519/mo	↓ $21.55less	4.0%
Healthcare	$595/mo	$589/mo	↓ $6.04less	1.0%

Housing

↑ 49.3%

Cary, NC

$2,175

Fort Lauderdale, FL

$3,248

Difference

$1,073

Other

↑ 15.2%

Cary, NC

$1,672

Fort Lauderdale, FL

$1,925

Difference

$254

Transportation

↑ 16.3%

Cary, NC

$1,257

Fort Lauderdale, FL

$1,462

Difference

$205

Groceries

↑ 13.7%

Cary, NC

$949

Fort Lauderdale, FL

$1,079

Difference

$130

All Utilities

↓ 4.0%

Cary, NC

$541

Fort Lauderdale, FL

$519

Difference

$21.55

less

Healthcare

↓ 1.0%

Cary, NC

$595

Fort Lauderdale, FL

$589

Difference

$6.04

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,281

To$1,730

↑ $449

1 Bed

From$1,344

To$1,900

↑ $556

2 Bed

From$1,473

To$2,330

↑ $857

3 Bed

From$1,847

To$3,210

↑ $1,363

Cary, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,480–$1,750/mo

Fort Lauderdale, FLZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490–$2,850/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,188

Monthly in Cary, NC

$8,822

Monthly in Fort Lauderdale, FL

$1,634

Difference

Home Values

Cary

Fort Lauderdale

$514K

Median Value

$530K

↓ -2.1%

YoY Change

↓ -4.7%

↑ +44%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.6%

$481K - $548K

Price Range

$358K - $851K

Homes in Fort Lauderdale are 3% more expensive than Cary

Calculate payment - Cary Calculate payment - Fort Lauderdale

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $7.1K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$594

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

4.7%

Rate difference

Cary, NC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

North Carolina State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.1K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.4%

$44.1K

Take-Home Pay

$8,822/month

$105.9K

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Florida State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Cary, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

Fort Lauderdale, FL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.2%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.