Cost of Living in Fort Lauderdale, FL 2025
Although Fort Lauderdale is often overshadowed by its more famous neighbor, Miami, this coastal city in South Florida has its own unique charm and appeal. Known for its pristine beaches, vibrant nightlife, and scenic canals, Fort Lauderdale offers residents a dynamic blend of relaxation and excitement.
Living in Fort Lauderdale means enjoying a prime location with easy access to Miami's cultural offerings while also benefiting from the city's laid-back vibe. The city is packed with waterfront dining options, bustling shopping districts, and cultural spots, making it a great place for those seeking an active, beach-oriented lifestyle.
If you're planning on moving to Fort Lauderdale, FL, in 2025 or just curious about the cost of living in the area, this guide has you covered. From rent prices to transportation costs, we'll take a deep dive into all that goes into making up the total cost of living in Fort Lauderdale.
Cost of Living in Fort Lauderdale, FL
What Is the Cost of Living in Fort Lauderdale, FL?
If you’re planning to make a move to Fort Lauderdale, you'll find the costs are rising for the privilege of living on Florida's southeastern coast, white sandy beaches and boating canals. Its popular strip offers a promenade of shops, luxury hotels, bars, boutiques, and dining running along oceanside highway A1A. Other attractions, including the International Swimming Hall of Fame and Hugh Taylor Birch State Park.
With the popularity of Fort Lauderdale growing, the cost of living is rising along with it. According to Best Places, the cost of living in Fort Lauderdale is 10.5% more expensive than the U.S. average and 7.2% more expensive than the rest of Florida. Here's a breakdown of what you'll spend across categories, including groceries, housing, and utilities.
| Cost of Living | Fort Lauderdale | Florida | U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 110.5 | 103.1 | 100 |
| Grocery | 107.6 | 102.8 | 100 |
| Health | 99.2 | 102.3 | 100 |
| Housing | 135.3 | 101.1 | 100 |
| Median Home Cost | $521,000 | $362,400 | $338,100 |
| Utilities | 96.4 | 101.3 | 100 |
| Transportation | 130.8 | 112.6 | 100 |
| Miscellaneous | 107.6 | 87.6 | 100 |
We can also look at Apartment List's most updated database to check on the cost of living in Fort Lauderdale. It's currently 28% higher than the average U.S. city. Residents in Fort Lauderdale spend an average of $6,238 a month to cover their costs, including housing, transportation, groceries, and healthcare.
Where Is the Cost of Living Highest in Fort Lauderdale, FL?
Fort Lauderdale has plenty of pricey neighborhoods to choose from. Among the highest costs of living in Fort Lauderdale is Los Olas Isles where rents can climb as high as $75,000 a month for a luxury single-family home. However, the average rent is $2,900 a month for a decent apartment.
Where Is the Cost of Living Lowest in Fort Lauderdale, FL?
Rents don't come cheap in Fort Lauderdale, but you can head northwest of the city to Lauderdale Lakes. The area is about 20 minutes from the beach and average rents are about $1,300 a month. However, like any inexpensive neighborhoods and suburbs in affluent metro areas, you need to be aware of safety and consider if the area you're moving to is well-lit and secure.
How Much Is Rent in Fort Lauderdale, FL?
We took a look at our apartment data from January 2025, and found the overall median rent in Fort Lauderdale is $1,843, which is roughly the same as last month. These prices remain down 2.0% year-over-year. Here is how the rental data breaks down for your budget and apartment search.
| Bedrooms | Average Rent |
|---|---|
| Overall Rent | $1,843 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,602 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,005 |
Fort Lauderdale’s rent growth over the past year has fallen behind both the state (-1.0%) and national averages (-0.6%).
How Much Is a 1-Bedroom Apartment in Fort Lauderdale, FL?
If you want the privacy of a one-bedroom apartment in Fort Lauderdale, you'll spend a median rent of $1,602 a month. Of course, that number will fluctuate depending on what area you live in. Choosing an apartment with all of the amenities near the beach will drive up your rent considerably.
How Much Is a 2-Bedroom Apartment in Fort Lauderdale, FL?
If you need more room or want to share a place with a roommate, you'll spend at least $2,005 on a two-bedroom apartment in Fort Lauderdale. Beyond rent, you can also save on utilities and shared costs, like groceries.
How Much Is Housing in Fort Lauderdale, FL?
Apart from rent prices, the Fort Lauderdale housing market is also experiencing steady growth. The median home price in Fort Lauderdale is currently $521,000, which is just slightly lower than other major Miami metro cities like Miami ($524,600) and Boca Raton ($546,300). It is considerably higher than the state average of $362,400 and the U.S. average of $338,100.
What Salary Do You Need to Live in Fort Lauderdale, FL?
If you want to live comfortably in any area, then you should not spend more than one-third, or 30%, of your gross income on rent to live comfortably, according to the 30% rule. For example, if your rent is close to the median for a one-bedroom apartment in Fort Lauderdale and costs $1,602, your monthly wages should be around $64,080 annually, $5,340 a month, or $30.81 an hour.
You can figure out your recommended salary if you know what type of lifestyle you plan to lead in Fort Lauderdale. According to MIT's data, Fort Lauderdale's living wage is $23.99 per hour, which is the basic wage required to pay for essentials such as housing, food, and other necessities. Keep in mind that the living wage is based on life led pretty frugally and did not account for extra costs like dining out, entertainment, or student debt repayments.
It's also wise to consider the U.S. Census Bureau data. They report the median household income was $79,935 in 2024. You can compare that to the U.S. median household income, which is slightly lower at $78,538 a year.
How Much Are Utilities in Fort Lauderdale?
The climate in Fort Lauderdale remains mellow throughout the year. The summers are long, hot, and wet, while the winters are windy, short, and mostly clear. The coldest month in Fort Lauderdale is in January, with an average overnight low of 62°. The hottest summer month is August, where the average daytime high is typically 89°.
Fort Lauderdale's basic utilities include electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage, running $174.09 for a 915-sq. ft. apartment. Adding on a cell phone plan and Internet with 60 Mbps or more with unlimited data, cable/ADSL will cost you an extra $122.85. Plan to spend a total of $296.94 each month.
Because the summers are humid and muggy in Fort Lauderdale, you'll need to account for higher utilities to keep comfortable. These costs can quickly add up, which is why it’s a good idea to understand how much utilities will cost in an apartment before making your move. This information will allow you to budget accordingly for this often overlooked expense.
How Much Is Transportation in Fort Lauderdale?
If you're a single adult without children, you'll spend about $8,426 on transportation in Fort Lauderdale over a year. A family of four, including two working adults and two children, spends about $14,134 on transportation in one year. Thankfully, gasoline prices are around $3.36 per gallon, lower than the national average of $3.53.
In Fort Lauderdale, there are several different options for public transportation, including:
- Amtrak
- Broward County Transit
- Brightline
- B-Cycle/AvMed Rides
- Carpool
- Riverwalk Water Trolley
- Community Shuttle (LauderGO)
- Tri-Rail
- Water Taxi
The walk score of Fort Lauderdale is 56, while the transit score is 38. While public transportation might not be the most reliable in the city, it does boast a bike score of 56. There are bike paths along the beach and bike lanes in the street, making biking around an option for those looking to opt out of having a vehicle of their own.
How Much Are Food Costs in Fort Lauderdale?
In Fort Lauderdale, single adults without children can expect to spend at least $4,808 on food per year. However, if you're a family of four with two working adults and two children, expect to pay $14,132 per year for food.
Fort Lauderdale has a diverse culinary scene with many famous dishes. It’s worth checking out some local favorites like the scallop risotto, sea bass, grouper, shrimp, and fish tacos. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant will run $20 for one person. Two people enjoying a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant should expect to spend $100 without a tip or alcohol.
You can anticipate costs similar or slightly above the national average for food items purchased from the local Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods Market, or Publix Super Market. For example, one gallon of regular milk will run you $4.16 in the grocery store, while the national average is $3.99.
How Much Is Healthcare in Fort Lauderdale?
Account for proper medical care when planning your budget in Fort Lauderdale, as healthcare should always be considered an essential cost. A single adult without children will pay around $2,401 for medical care over the year. Two working adults with two children will pay $7,810.
Your health should always be a top priority, regardless of where you call home. Understanding this healthcare is an additional cost worth noting when looking at the cost of living. Whether you have a medical condition requiring you to see them more regularly or simply plan to visit your doctor minimally, having medical insurance in Fort Lauderdale will help you manage your costs.
Additionally, health insurance helps you afford the care you need should any emergencies arise in your new hometown.
Fort Lauderdale Fitness and Entertainment
Fort Lauderdale has fitness and entertainment opportunities for everyone. However, considering the thick humidity, you might need to consider a local gym for workouts. You’ll want to consider club membership costs at Powerhouse Gym, The Fitness District, Titan Gym, or others in the area. You'll spend about $75.67 monthly on a gym membership in Fort Lauderdale, or you can jog for free on the beach or find an apartment complex with an on-site fitness center for free.
If you’re looking for some entertainment, you can purchase a seat at the local cinema for $14.50 without snacks or drinks. Otherwise, there are countless museums, arts, and entertainment spots throughout the city. Some of the favorites include the Coral Springs Museum, and Broward Center for the Performing Arts.
Other Expenses to Consider in Fort Lauderdale
Florida has no income tax, one of the many perks of living in this great state. The state has a 6.00% sales tax, and Broward County adds another 1.00% on top of that, making Fort Lauderdale’s sales tax rate 7.00%.
If you are moving from out of state, make sure to pay attention to additional costs that can add up, like cross-country movers, storage, hotels, and transportation. Cross-country moves may also require even more fees, such as apartment application fees, security deposits, pet deposits, and other add-ons. Be aware of these extra costs so you can add them to your budget as needed.
Another overlooked expense to consider is furnishing your new apartment. Find tips on how to decorate your apartment on a budget to help keep you in line and avoid spending too much.
Job Market in Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale has a slightly less healthy job market compared to similar-sized metro areas. Some of the city’s largest employers include hospitals and healthcare systems, including SFN Group, AutoNation, and MEDNAX.
The unemployment rate in Fort Lauderdale is 2.7%, 0.9% below the current national average of 3.6%. Not surprisingly, this rate took a significant hit due to the pandemic. Thankfully, Fort Lauderdale is seeing a steady recovery as businesses open once again.
Ready to Find an Apartment in Fort Lauderdale?
Fort Lauderdale is an ideal location for those looking to settle in a boater's paradise and live close to stunning beaches. Whether you're a young professional seeking a vibrant nightlife, a family looking for kid-friendly activities, or a retiree looking to relax and enjoy the sun, Fort Lauderdale has something for everyone.
To find your perfect home in Fort Lauderdale, start by registering with Apartment List today. You can browse through hundreds of available apartments for rent and filter them according to your budget, desired amenities, and location preferences.
FAQs about Cost of Living in Fort Lauderdale
What Is the Cheapest Rent in Fort Lauderdale?
The cheapest one-bedroom in Fort Lauderdale currently listed on our website is $1,602 a month.
How far Is Fort Lauderdale from Miami?
Fort Lauderdale is 29 miles away from Miami. It takes 57 minutes to get to Miami from Fort Lauderdale by car, 3 hours by bike, and 10 hours by foot.
How far Is Fort Lauderdale from Orlando?
Fort Lauderdale is 213.2 miles away from Orlando. It takes 3 hours and 13 minutes to get to Orlando from Fort Lauderdale by car, 20 hours by bike, and 69 hours by foot.
How far Is Fort Lauderdale from Tampa?
Fort Lauderdale is 248.7 miles away from Tanpa. It takes 4 hours and 18 minutes to get to Tampa from Fort Lauderdale by car, 21 hours by bike, and 76 hours by foot.
What Is the population of Fort Lauderdale?
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the population of Fort Lauderdale is 184,255. It is the tenth-largest city in the state of Florida. The population of the entire state of Florida is 23,372,215.
Is Fort Lauderdale cheaper than Miami?
Miami's overall median rent is more expensive at $1,902 a month. Fort Lauderdale's overall median monthly rent is slightly lower at $1,843 a month. However, whether or not Fort Lauderdale is cheaper for renters than Miami will depend on what sized apartment they rent.
The median rent for a one-bedroom in Fort Lauderdale is $1,602, while a two-bedroom apartment in Fort Lauderdale sits at $2,005. The median rent for a one-bedroom in Miami is currently $1,590 but a two-bedroom apartment sits at $2,106.
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