Is Cape Coral, FL cheaper than Fort Lauderdale, FL?

Based on cost of living data, Cape Coral, FL is 11.5% cheaper than Fort Lauderdale, FL. This translates to saving $863 per month.

What salary do I need in Cape Coral, FL to live like I do in Fort Lauderdale, FL?

If you earn $150,000 in Fort Lauderdale, FL, you'd need approximately $139,645.95 in Cape Coral, FL to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Fort Lauderdale, FL and Cape Coral, FL?

Housing in Cape Coral, FL is 27.9% cheaper than in Fort Lauderdale, FL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,309/month in Cape Coral, FL compared to $2,330/month in Fort Lauderdale, FL.

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

Moving from Fort Lauderdale, FL to Cape Coral, FL could save you approximately $863 per month, or $10354 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Fort Lauderdale, FL vs Cape Coral, 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 Fort Lauderdale, FL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $863/month moving to Cape Coral, FL

$150.0K in your current city equals $139.6K in Cape Coral, FL

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach, FL area

Overall Cost

↓ 11.5%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$863

Savings

Annual Impact

$10.4K

Per year

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

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Population:184K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$530K

Cape Coral, FL

Population:224K

Cost Index:

(12% below avg)

Median Home:$367K

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!

Cape Coral, FL

The Sunshine State

224K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Florida, this city has a population of 224K residents.

💡 Advantage: Florida has no state income tax!

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Fort Lauderdale, FL vs Cape Coral, FL

Category	Fort Lauderdale, FL	Cape Coral, FL	Difference	Change
Housing	$3,248/mo	$2,341/mo	↓ $908less	27.9%
Transportation	$1,462/mo	$1,236/mo	↓ $226less	15.5%
Other	$1,925/mo	$1,740/mo	↓ $185less	9.6%
Groceries	$1,079/mo	$1,000/mo	↓ $79.36less	7.4%
All Utilities	$519/mo	$563/mo	↑ $43.72more	8.4%
Healthcare	$589/mo	$559/mo	↓ $29.44less	5.0%

Housing

↓ 27.9%

Fort Lauderdale, FL

$3,248

Cape Coral, FL

$2,341

Difference

$908

less

Transportation

↓ 15.5%

Fort Lauderdale, FL

$1,462

Cape Coral, FL

$1,236

Difference

$226

less

Other

↓ 9.6%

Fort Lauderdale, FL

$1,925

Cape Coral, FL

$1,740

Difference

$185

less

Groceries

↓ 7.4%

Fort Lauderdale, FL

$1,079

Cape Coral, FL

$1,000

Difference

$79.36

less

All Utilities

↑ 8.4%

Fort Lauderdale, FL

$519

Cape Coral, FL

$563

Difference

$43.72

Healthcare

↓ 5.0%

Fort Lauderdale, FL

$589

Cape Coral, FL

$559

Difference

$29.44

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,730

To$900

↓ $830

1 Bed

From$1,900

To$1,063

↓ $837

2 Bed

From$2,330

To$1,309

↓ $1,021

3 Bed

From$3,210

To$1,799

↓ $1,411

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.

$8,822

Monthly in Fort Lauderdale, FL

$7,438

Monthly in Cape Coral, FL

$1,384

Difference

Home Values

Fort Lauderdale

Cape Coral

$530K

Median Value

↓ -4.7%

YoY Change

↑ +38.6%

5-Year Change

$358K - $851K

Price Range

Calculate payment - Fort Lauderdale

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

Rate difference

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

Cape Coral, 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

Fort Lauderdale, FL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.2%

Property Tax:0.8%

Cape Coral, 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.