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Cost of Living Data profile

Cost of Living in Fort Lauderdale: Rent, Housing & Income

  • Official data · Census ACS 2024 · BEA 2024 · EIA July–September 2026
Updated  7 sources

Cost of living vs. U.S. average (2024)

14.2% above

Cost of living in Fort Lauderdale is 14.2% above the U.S. average, based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis 2024 Regional Price Parities for the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL metro area (index 114.2; U.S. = 100). Median rent in Fort Lauderdale is $1,953 a month.

Cost of living in Fort Lauderdale by category

Overall prices

114.2U.S. = 100

Regional price parity, all items

+14.2% vs. U.S.

Goods
103.6 +3.6%
Housing (rents)
155.6 +55.6%
Utilities
97.2 −2.8%
Other services
109.1 +9.1%

BEA 2024 · Miami metro area Details: Overall prices

Housing

$1,953/mo

Median gross rent

+31% vs. U.S.

1-bedroom rent
$1,761 +35% vs. U.S.
2-bedroom rent
$2,135 +43% vs. U.S.
3-bedroom rent
$2,609 +56% vs. U.S.
Median home value
$579,300 +61% vs. U.S.
Owner costs, mortgage
$2,924 +44% vs. U.S.

Census ACS 2024 Details: Housing

Utilities

$169/mo

Average electric bill

+8% vs. U.S.

Electricity price
15.0¢/kWh −18% vs. U.S.
Utilities price index
97.2

EIA July 2026 · Florida statewide Details: Utilities

Transportation

25.3min

Mean travel time to work

−7% vs. U.S.

Gasoline (Florida)
$4.12/gal −6% vs. U.S.

Census ACS 2024 · EIA September 2026 Details: Transportation

Food at home

$1,388/mo

Moderate-cost plan, family of 4

Thrifty plan, family of 4
$1,024/mo
Liberal plan, family of 4
$1,679/mo
Moderate plan, single woman
$403/mo
Moderate plan, single man
$478/mo

USDA August 2026 · U.S. average Details: Food at home

Child care

$233/wk

Center care, infant

+34% vs. U.S.

Center care, toddler
$190/wk +24% vs. U.S.
Center care, preschool
$180/wk +25% vs. U.S.
Home-based care, infant
$185/wk +29% vs. U.S.

DOL NDCP 2022 prices · Broward County Details: Child care

Income

$90,734/yr

Median household income

+11% vs. U.S.

Median rent as share of income
26%
Home value to income
6.4×

Census ACS 2024 Details: Income

Housing costs in Fort Lauderdale

Median gross rent in Fort Lauderdale is $1,953 a month, 31% above the U.S. median of $1,487. The median falls in the $1,500–$1,999 range, which holds 26.7% of renter households paying cash rent. Another 47.4% pay $2,000 or more.

The median owner-occupied home is valued at $579,300.

Housing costs: Fort Lauderdale vs. Florida vs. U.S.

Median monthly rent

Median monthly rent Fort Lauderdale: $1,953; Florida: $1,812; U.S.: $1,487 Fort Lauderdale $1,953 Florida $1,812 U.S. $1,487

Monthly owner costs

Monthly owner costs Fort Lauderdale: $2,924; Florida: $2,168; U.S.: $2,035 Fort Lauderdale $2,924 Florida $2,168 U.S. $2,035

Median home value

Median home value Fort Lauderdale: $579,300; Florida: $396,900; U.S.: $360,600 Fort Lauderdale $579,300 Florida $396,900 U.S. $360,600
Show the data table
MeasureFort LauderdaleFloridaU.S.
Median monthly rent$1,953$1,812$1,487
Monthly owner costs$2,924$2,168$2,035
Median home value$579,300$396,900$360,600

Rent is median gross rent; owner costs are for homes with a mortgage. American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

What renters pay in Fort Lauderdale

What renters pay in Fort Lauderdale Share of renter households paying cash rent in Fort Lauderdale by range; ranges differ in width. The bottom range, less than $500, holds 4.2%; the top range, $3,500 or more, holds 8.8%. Median $1,953. The U.S. distribution is drawn as a line. 0% 10% 20% 30% Less than $500: 4.2% (U.S.: 6.1%) $500–$749: 3% (U.S.: 6.8%) $750–$999: 4.2% (U.S.: 11.5%) $1,000–$1,249: 8% (U.S.: 13.5%) $1,250–$1,499: 6.5% (U.S.: 12.9%) $1,500–$1,999: 26.7% (U.S.: 22.2%) $2,000–$2,499: 20.1% (U.S.: 13.2%) $2,500–$2,999: 9.5% (U.S.: 6.5%) $3,000–$3,499: 9% (U.S.: 3.2%) $3,500 or more: 8.8% (U.S.: 4.2%) $500–750 $1–1.25K $1.5–2K $2.5–3K $3.5K+ Median $1,953 (Fort Lauderdale) 26.7%
Show the data table
RangeFort LauderdaleU.S.
Less than $5004.2%6.1%
$500–$7493%6.8%
$750–$9994.2%11.5%
$1,000–$1,2498%13.5%
$1,250–$1,4996.5%12.9%
$1,500–$1,99926.7%22.2%
$2,000–$2,49920.1%13.2%
$2,500–$2,9999.5%6.5%
$3,000–$3,4999%3.2%
$3,500 or more8.8%4.2%

Share of renter households paying cash rent. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B25063. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Monthly housing costs in Fort Lauderdale

Measure Fort Lauderdale Florida U.S.
Median rent (all units) $1,953$1,812$1,487
1-bedroom rent $1,761$1,589$1,301
2-bedroom rent $2,135$1,812$1,490
3-bedroom rent $2,609$2,076$1,677
Owner costs with a mortgage $2,924$2,168$2,035

Median gross rent includes utilities the renter pays. Owner costs include the mortgage, taxes, insurance, and utilities. American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

How affordable is Fort Lauderdale?

At the median, rent takes about 26% of household income in Fort Lauderdale. Housing experts treat 30% as the limit before a household is considered cost-burdened. To keep the median rent at 30% of income, a household would need to earn about $78,100 a year.

The median home is worth $579,300, or 6.4 times the median household income.

Household income in Fort Lauderdale

The median household in Fort Lauderdale earns $90,734 a year, 11% above the U.S. median of $81,604. About 19.3% of households earn $200,000 or more, while 15.5% earn less than $25,000.

Median household income: Fort Lauderdale vs. Florida vs. U.S.

Median household income (yearly)

Median household income (yearly) Fort Lauderdale: $90,734; Florida: $77,735; U.S.: $81,604 Fort Lauderdale $90,734 Florida $77,735 U.S. $81,604
Show the data table
MeasureFort LauderdaleFloridaU.S.
Median household income (yearly)$90,734$77,735$81,604

American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Household income distribution in Fort Lauderdale

Household income distribution in Fort Lauderdale Share of households in Fort Lauderdale by range; ranges differ in width. The bottom range, less than $10,000, holds 5.2%; the top range, $200,000 or more, holds 19.3%. Median $90,734. The U.S. distribution is drawn as a line. 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% Less than $10,000: 5.2% (U.S.: 5.1%) $10,000–$14,999: 5.1% (U.S.: 3.3%) $15,000–$19,999: 2% (U.S.: 2.8%) $20,000–$24,999: 3.2% (U.S.: 3.2%) $25,000–$29,999: 1.8% (U.S.: 3%) $30,000–$34,999: 1.5% (U.S.: 3.3%) $35,000–$39,999: 3.4% (U.S.: 3.2%) $40,000–$44,999: 2.9% (U.S.: 3.5%) $45,000–$49,999: 3% (U.S.: 3.2%) $50,000–$59,999: 5.4% (U.S.: 6.4%) $60,000–$74,999: 9% (U.S.: 9.2%) $75,000–$99,999: 11% (U.S.: 12.6%) $100,000–$124,999: 9.4% (U.S.: 10.4%) $125,000–$149,999: 9.7% (U.S.: 7.4%) $150,000–$199,999: 8.1% (U.S.: 9.7%) $200,000 or more: 19.3% (U.S.: 13.7%) $10–15K $20–25K $30–35K $40–45K $50–60K $75–100K $125–150K $200K+ Median $90,734 (Fort Lauderdale) 19.3%
Show the data table
RangeFort LauderdaleU.S.
Less than $10,0005.2%5.1%
$10,000–$14,9995.1%3.3%
$15,000–$19,9992%2.8%
$20,000–$24,9993.2%3.2%
$25,000–$29,9991.8%3%
$30,000–$34,9991.5%3.3%
$35,000–$39,9993.4%3.2%
$40,000–$44,9992.9%3.5%
$45,000–$49,9993%3.2%
$50,000–$59,9995.4%6.4%
$60,000–$74,9999%9.2%
$75,000–$99,99911%12.6%
$100,000–$124,9999.4%10.4%
$125,000–$149,9999.7%7.4%
$150,000–$199,9998.1%9.7%
$200,000 or more19.3%13.7%

Share of households. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B19001. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Income and home values

Measure Fort Lauderdale Florida U.S.
Median household income (yearly) $90,734$77,735$81,604
Median home value $579,300$396,900$360,600

American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Price levels compared with the U.S.

The Bureau of Economic Analysis publishes Regional Price Parities: price levels for the same basket of goods and services, with the U.S. average set to 100. In 2024, the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL metro area scored 114.2 for all items. The highest category is housing rents at 155.6; the lowest is utilities at 97.2.

Regional price parities by category (U.S. = 100)

All items

All items Miami metro area: 114.2; Florida: 103.4; U.S.: 100.0 Miami metro area 114.2 Florida 103.4 U.S. 100.0

Goods

Goods Miami metro area: 103.6; Florida: 98.1; U.S.: 99.6 Miami metro area 103.6 Florida 98.1 U.S. 99.6

Housing (rents)

Housing (rents) Miami metro area: 155.6; Florida: 122.1; U.S.: 100.6 Miami metro area 155.6 Florida 122.1 U.S. 100.6

Utilities

Utilities Miami metro area: 97.2; Florida: 90.1; U.S.: 98.4 Miami metro area 97.2 Florida 90.1 U.S. 98.4

Other services

Other services Miami metro area: 109.1; Florida: 101.3; U.S.: 100.1 Miami metro area 109.1 Florida 101.3 U.S. 100.1
Show the data table
MeasureMiami metro areaFloridaU.S.
All items114.2103.4100.0
Goods103.698.199.6
Housing (rents)155.6122.1100.6
Utilities97.290.198.4
Other services109.1101.3100.1

Index, U.S. = 100. Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities, 2024. Metro area: Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities

Utilities and energy costs

Households in Florida paid an average of 15.0¢ per kWh for electricity in July 2026, compared with 18.3¢ nationally. Over the past 12 months the average residential bill was $169 a month (U.S.: $157).

Energy prices are reported statewide, so these are Florida averages rather than figures for Fort Lauderdale alone.

Energy prices: Florida vs. U.S.

Electricity price (¢/kWh)

Electricity price (¢/kWh) Florida: 15.0¢; U.S.: 18.3¢ Florida 15.0¢ U.S. 18.3¢

Average electric bill (monthly)

Average electric bill (monthly) Florida: $169; U.S.: $157 Florida $169 U.S. $157
Show the data table
MeasureFloridaU.S.
Electricity price (¢/kWh)15.0¢18.3¢
Average electric bill (monthly)$169$157

Residential customers. Electricity price for July 2026; electric bill is a 12-month average. U.S. Energy Information Administration. Source: EIA Electric Power Monthly: residential retail sales

Transportation and commuting

Workers in Fort Lauderdale who commute spend an average of 25.3 minutes getting to work (U.S.: 27.2 minutes). Regular gasoline averaged $4.12 a gallon in Florida in September 2026, compared with $4.36 nationally.

Travel time to work in Fort Lauderdale

Travel time to work in Fort Lauderdale Share of workers who do not work from home in Fort Lauderdale by range; ranges differ in width. The bottom range, less than 5 min, holds 1.6%; the top range, 90 min or more, holds 2%. Mean 25.3 min. The U.S. distribution is drawn as a line. 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% Less than 5 min: 1.6% (U.S.: 2.8%) 5–9 min: 10.3% (U.S.: 9.4%) 10–14 min: 15.8% (U.S.: 13.1%) 15–19 min: 15.3% (U.S.: 15%) 20–24 min: 14.7% (U.S.: 14.1%) 25–29 min: 8.4% (U.S.: 7%) 30–34 min: 11.7% (U.S.: 13.7%) 35–39 min: 3.3% (U.S.: 3.4%) 40–44 min: 3.8% (U.S.: 4.1%) 45–59 min: 7.2% (U.S.: 8.3%) 60–89 min: 5.9% (U.S.: 6.3%) 90 min or more: 2% (U.S.: 3%) <5 5–9 10–14 15–19 20–24 25–29 30–34 35–39 40–44 45–59 60–89 90+ Mean 25.3 min (Fort Lauderdale) 15.8%
Show the data table
RangeFort LauderdaleU.S.
Less than 5 min1.6%2.8%
5–9 min10.3%9.4%
10–14 min15.8%13.1%
15–19 min15.3%15%
20–24 min14.7%14.1%
25–29 min8.4%7%
30–34 min11.7%13.7%
35–39 min3.3%3.4%
40–44 min3.8%4.1%
45–59 min7.2%8.3%
60–89 min5.9%6.3%
90 min or more2%3%

Share of workers who do not work from home. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B08303. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Child care costs in Fort Lauderdale

In 2022, full-time center-based care for an infant had a median price of $233 a week in Broward County, or $12,116 over 52 weeks. That is 34% above the U.S. county median of $174. Prices are for 2022 and are not adjusted for inflation.

Weekly child care prices (2022)

Type of care Broward County Florida (county median) U.S. (county median)
Center-based care, infant $233$200$174
Center-based care, toddler $190$167$153
Center-based care, preschool $180$155$144
Center-based care, school-age $130$115$120
Home-based family care, infant $185$166$143
Home-based family care, toddler $160$150$132
Home-based family care, preschool $150$145$131
Home-based family care, school-age $119$119$118

Median weekly price for full-time care. State and U.S. figures are medians of county medians. Prices are for 2022 and are not adjusted for inflation. U.S. Department of Labor, National Database of Childcare Prices. Source: National Database of Childcare Prices (U.S. Department of Labor, Women's Bureau)

Food costs

USDA's moderate-cost food plan puts groceries for a family of four at $1,388 a month in August 2026; the thrifty plan comes to $1,024. USDA publishes these as national averages, not city figures, so they show a typical grocery budget rather than Fort Lauderdale prices.

Monthly cost of food at home (August 2026)

USDA food plan U.S. family of 4 U.S. couple U.S. single man U.S. single woman
Thrifty $1,024$630$383$304
Low-cost $1,126$652$381$331
Moderate-cost $1,388$808$478$403
Liberal $1,679$1,007$583$515

Family of 4: two adults and two children aged 6–8 and 9–11. For a single man, the Thrifty plan costs more than the Low-cost plan: USDA re-evaluated the Thrifty plan in 2021, while the other plans still use older market baskets. USDA Food and Nutrition Service, Official Food Plans, August 2026. Source: USDA Food Plans: Cost of Food at Home (monthly reports)

Frequently asked questions

What is the average rent in Fort Lauderdale?

Median rent is $1,761 for a one-bedroom and $2,135 for a two-bedroom unit, including utilities the renter pays.

How much do most renters pay in Fort Lauderdale?

Among renter households paying cash rent, 11.4% pay less than $1,000 a month, 41.2% pay $1,000 to $1,999, and 47.4% pay $2,000 or more (Census ACS 2024).

How much do you need to make to live in Fort Lauderdale?

To keep the median rent of $1,953 at no more than 30% of income, a household needs about $78,100 a year before taxes. This covers housing only.

Is Fort Lauderdale more expensive than the U.S. average?

Yes. The Bureau of Economic Analysis puts overall prices in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL metro area at 114.2 for 2024 (U.S. = 100), 14.2% above average. Housing rents score 155.6.

How long is the average commute in Fort Lauderdale?

25.3 minutes one way for workers who commute, compared with 27.2 minutes nationally (Census ACS 2024).

How much does infant day care cost in Fort Lauderdale?

The median price for full-time center-based infant care was $233 a week in Broward County in 2022, according to the Department of Labor's National Database of Childcare Prices.