What Renters Need to Know About the Cost of Living in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Moving to a new city? That’s a big step, full of exciting possibilities. For renters, it’s a chance to discover new neighborhoods, connect with different communities, and create a lifestyle that fits. But with all that excitement comes the practical side: smart financial planning.

If Fort Lauderdale, FL, is on your radar, understanding the cost of living there is essential. Before you even think about signing a lease, you’ll want a clear picture of what daily life costs. This guide breaks down the average cost of living in Fort Lauderdale, compares it to the Florida state average, and stacks it up against the U.S. national average. You’ll have all the information needed to make an informed and confident decision about your next move.

What is the average cost of living in Fort Lauderdale, FL?

Renting in Fort Lauderdale offers coastal charm, diverse neighborhoods, and a lively lifestyle. But those perks come at a cost. The cost of living in Fort Lauderdale is higher than both the state and national averages. So, renters moving here should be prepared for higher prices in housing, food, and services, while healthcare costs are typically below the norm.

That said, the median household income in Fort Lauderdale is $79,935 as of March 2025. While earnings and spending habits are different for every renter, this benchmark gives insight into the local economic conditions.

Moving on to utilities, residents pay about 7% more than the state average and 5% more than renters across the country. These expenses typically include electricity, water, and telecommunications, which are essential for any household.

Food prices are also 5% more expensive compared to the rest of Florida and 10% higher when measured against national averages. You can expect your everyday grocery shopping to be a bit more costly in this city. Transportation in Fort Lauderdale is about 4% more than in other parts of Florida, matching the national average.

However, healthcare in Fort Lauderdale is a different story. Doctor’s visits, dental care, and other medical services are 6% lower than the Florida average and 8% below what the typical American pays.

Finally, everyday items and activities in a busy coastal city like Fort Lauderdale are priced about 5% higher than the state average and 6% more than the national norm.

Breaking down the cost of living in Fort Lauderdale, FL

While comparisons can be helpful for setting expectations about living costs in one of Florida’s most scenic cities, detailed figures are necessary to provide a clearer understanding. Naturally, these numbers serve only as a starting point, as each renter’s budget will ultimately depend on individual lifestyle preferences and spending habits.

So, even if you already have a general sense of the cost of living in Fort Lauderdale, here’s a closer look at what day-to-day expenses actually look like:

Housing (renting and buying): Of course, prices differ depending on the exact location, size, and features of each apartment and house, but here are the typical numbers:

• Average monthly rent: $2,750
• Average home price: $826,512
• Mortgage rate: 6.60%

Utilities:

• Energy bill (average per month): $220.47
• Phone bill (average per month): $197.31

Food:

• Milk (gallon): $4.74
• Eggs (dozen): $3.70
• Bread (loaf): $4.57
• Potatoes (lb): $5.25
• Cheese (lb): $5.14
• Ground beef (lb): $7.14

Healthcare:

• Doctor’s visit: $129.61
• Dentist visit: $106.94
• Eye doctor (optometrist): $101.42

Transportation:

• Gasoline (per gallon): $3.40
• Getting tires balanced: $58.56

Goods & services:

• Men’s shirt: $28.71
• Women’s slacks: $31.94
• Boy’s jeans: $28.09
• Haircut: $24.22
• Beauty salon: $76.88
• Dry cleaning: $18.59
• Movie ticket: $16.24

Though the prices of many items on the list fluctuate, these figures help paint a detailed picture of the average cost of living in Fort Lauderdale. Keep these prices in mind when you’re budgeting for groceries, scheduling a doctor’s appointment, or planning a night out.

Is Fort Lauderdale a good choice for renters?

Figuring out whether this coastal city is the right fit means balancing your living preferences with your financial goals. The cost of living in Fort Lauderdale tends to be higher than the national average and noticeably steeper than in many other areas of Florida. However, its desirable lifestyle, access to beaches, and year-round sunshine might be worth the extra cost.

That said, it’s essential to weigh your priorities. If your priority is affordability, compare the cost of living in Fort Lauderdale with other parts of Florida or Texas. But if lifestyle, culture, and location top your list, Fort Lauderdale might be the perfect fit.

For renters looking to make a smart, informed decision, understanding the average cost of living in Fort Lauderdale is a vital first step. Be sure to budget accordingly and explore all your options when searching for apartments in Fort Lauderdale.

If you’re interested in other cities, check out our cost of living guides in San Jose, CA; San Francisco; Boston; Dallas; Denver.