Median rent is 26% lower in Fort Lauderdale ($1,776/mo vs $2,388/mo). Buying is cheaper in Fort Lauderdale, where the median home runs $455,600 versus $1,202,500. Households earn more in Newton ($184,989 vs $79,935 a year). Taken together, Fort Lauderdale is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 111.9 against 112.2 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Newton, MA.
City A
Fort Lauderdale, FL
City B
Newton, MA
How much would you need to earn in Newton, MA to maintain your standard of living from Fort Lauderdale, FL?
Equivalent salary in Newton, MA
$75,177
You'd need $177 more (0% higher).
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Fort Lauderdale
Florida
Newton
Massachusetts
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Fort Lauderdale — median rent of $1,776/mo versus $2,388/mo in Newton, a 26% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Newton: the median home is $1,202,500 versus $455,600 in Fort Lauderdale — 62% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Florida has no state income tax, while Massachusetts tops out at 9.00% — giving Fort Lauderdale a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.00% in Florida and 6.25% in Massachusetts; Fort Lauderdale has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Fort Lauderdale
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.00%
Newton
Income tax: 9.00%
Sales tax: 6.25%
Air quality data is available for Fort Lauderdale (avg AQI 33.0) but not yet for Newton.
Pick Newton if you prioritize higher median household income ($184,989/yr).
Pick Fort Lauderdale if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,776/mo median).
Pick Fort Lauderdale if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Fort Lauderdale cheaper than Newton?
Fort Lauderdale is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 111.9 versus 112.2 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Fort Lauderdale.
How much is rent in Fort Lauderdale vs Newton?
Median rent is $1,776/mo in Fort Lauderdale, FL and $2,388/mo in Newton, MA. Fort Lauderdale, FL has the lower rent by about 26%.
Which has higher salaries — Fort Lauderdale or Newton?
Median household income is $79,935 in Fort Lauderdale, FL and $184,989 in Newton, MA. Newton, MA has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Fort Lauderdale or Newton?
Florida has no state income tax. Massachusetts has a top rate of 9.00%.
What salary do I need in Newton to match my Fort Lauderdale income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Fort Lauderdale, FL is equivalent to roughly $100,236 in Newton, MA (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology