Is Cary, NC cheaper than Fort Lauderdale, FL?

Based on cost of living data, Cary, NC is 15.2% cheaper than Fort Lauderdale, FL. This translates to saving $1141 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Fort Lauderdale, FL, you'd need approximately $136,307.43 in Cary, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Cary, NC is 33.0% cheaper than in Fort Lauderdale, FL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,473/month in Cary, NC compared to $2,330/month in Fort Lauderdale, FL.

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

Moving from Fort Lauderdale, FL to Cary, NC could save you approximately $1141 per month, or $13693 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Fort Lauderdale, FL vs Cary, NC: 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 $1.1K/month moving to Cary, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $136.3K in Cary, NC

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

Overall Cost

↓ 15.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,141

Savings

Annual Impact

$13.7K

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

Cary, NC

Population:180K

Cost Index:

(15% below avg)

Median Home:$514K

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!

Cary, NC

The Tar Heel State

180K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Fort Lauderdale, FL vs Cary, NC

Category	Fort Lauderdale, FL	Cary, NC	Difference	Change
Housing	$3,248/mo	$2,175/mo	↓ $1,073less	33.0%
Other	$1,925/mo	$1,672/mo	↓ $254less	13.2%
Transportation	$1,462/mo	$1,257/mo	↓ $205less	14.0%
Groceries	$1,079/mo	$949/mo	↓ $130less	12.1%
All Utilities	$519/mo	$541/mo	↑ $21.55more	4.2%
Healthcare	$589/mo	$595/mo	↑ $6.04more	1.0%

Housing

↓ 33.0%

Fort Lauderdale, FL

$3,248

Cary, NC

$2,175

Difference

$1,073

less

Other

↓ 13.2%

Fort Lauderdale, FL

$1,925

Cary, NC

$1,672

Difference

$254

less

Transportation

↓ 14.0%

Fort Lauderdale, FL

$1,462

Cary, NC

$1,257

Difference

$205

less

Groceries

↓ 12.1%

Fort Lauderdale, FL

$1,079

Cary, NC

$949

Difference

$130

less

All Utilities

↑ 4.2%

Fort Lauderdale, FL

$519

Cary, NC

$541

Difference

$21.55

Healthcare

↑ 1.0%

Fort Lauderdale, FL

$589

Cary, NC

$595

Difference

$6.04

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,730

To$1,281

↓ $449

1 Bed

From$1,900

To$1,344

↓ $556

2 Bed

From$2,330

To$1,473

↓ $857

3 Bed

From$3,210

To$1,847

↓ $1,363

Fort Lauderdale, FLZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490–$2,850/mo

Cary, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,480–$1,750/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

$7,188

Monthly in Cary, NC

$1,634

Difference

Home Values

Fort Lauderdale

Cary

$530K

Median Value

$514K

↓ -4.7%

YoY Change

↓ -2.1%

↑ +38.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +44%

$358K - $851K

Price Range

$481K - $548K

Homes in Cary are 3% less expensive than Fort Lauderdale

Calculate payment - Fort Lauderdale Calculate payment - Cary

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $7.1K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$594

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

4.7%

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

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

Additional Tax Information

Fort Lauderdale, FL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.2%

Property Tax:0.8%

Cary, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

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.