Cost of Living in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Population 183,032 · Florida · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Fort Lauderdale lands reasonably close to national benchmarks on most cost indicators, with a median home value of $456,000 — 49% above the US figure. That makes it a useful reference point for comparing with more extreme markets in Florida.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Fort Lauderdale
The median home value in Fort Lauderdale is $455,600 — 49% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,776/month, 35% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $79,935/year is 7% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.3%, above the national average of 4.8%. Florida charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. Overall, Fort Lauderdale has a cost of living index of 144 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 44% more expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Fort Lauderdale, FL?
Fort Lauderdale has a cost index of 144 (100 = national average). It is 44% above the national average.
What is average rent in Fort Lauderdale, FL?
The median gross rent in Fort Lauderdale is $1,776 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Fort Lauderdale?
The median home value in Fort Lauderdale is $455,600 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Fort Lauderdale?
The median household income in Fort Lauderdale is $79,935 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Fort Lauderdale, FL?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Fort Lauderdale is 7.0%. Florida has no state income tax.
Is Fort Lauderdale, FL affordable?
Fort Lauderdale is above average in cost of living, with an index of 144 — about 44% higher than the national average.
Fort Lauderdale at a Glance
- Population
- 183,032
- Median Income
- $79,935
- Home Value
- $455,600
- Median Rent
- $1,776/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.3%
- Sales Tax
- 7.0%
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Florida Rankings
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