Reasons why families should consider moving to Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, has long been a sought-after destination for those seeking sunshine, beaches, and a vibrant community. In recent years, it’s become ...
What’s the cost of living in Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale is a popular place to live for many reasons: its beaches, weather, and access to major employers across South Florida. But living here isn’t cheap. Rent continues to climb, groceries cost more than the national average, and housing prices outpace most Florida cities. If you’re thinking of moving here (or you’re a local trying to make sense of your expenses), this Pro Movers Miami guide breaks down the cost of living in Fort Lauderdale and what you can expect to spend in 2025.
Monthly living costs in Fort Lauderdale
Living in Fort Lauderdale means budgeting for more than just sunshine. From rent and groceries to transportation and health coverage, costs here are consistently above both state and national averages. Let’s break down what individuals and families spend per month, so you can plan with real numbers, not guesses.
How much does a single person spend?
In 2025, a single adult in Fort Lauderdale spends about $1,300 to $1,500 per month on non-rent expenses. That includes groceries, transportation, healthcare, and utilities.
Add rent to that, currently averaging $2,240/month for a one-bedroom, and total monthly costs come to around $3,500 to $3,800. It means that most people need a yearly income of at least $60,000 to $75,000 after taxes to live comfortably.
What about a family of four?
For a family of four, monthly expenses excluding rent total about $4,500 to $5,000. A typical three-bedroom rental in Fort Lauderdale now costs around $4,100/month. So, the total monthly cost for a family sits near $9,000, or about $108,000 per year.
Families looking to live in Fort Lauderdale will need two solid incomes or significant savings to manage day-to-day expenses without financial strain.
Housing costs in Fort Lauderdale
Housing is the largest factor in Fort Lauderdale’s overall cost of living. Whether you’re renting or buying, prices have increased steadily over the past five years. Demand is high due to limited land, an influx of new residents, and consistent investor activity.
Many new residents work with movers in Fort Lauderdale to simplify the process and reduce the risk of damage or delays. With high rents and limited vacancy, timing and planning your move can make a big difference in cost.
Average rent in 2025
Rent is the biggest monthly expense in Fort Lauderdale. According to Apartments.com and Redfin:
- 1-bedroom apartment: $2,240/month
- 2-bedroom apartment: $2,860/month
- 3-bedroom apartment: $4,122/month
With rent averaging 38% higher than the U.S. average, renters here often spend a larger share of their income on housing than in other Florida cities.
Median home prices
Looking to buy? The median home price in Fort Lauderdale in 2025 is around $535,000, which is significantly above national norms. The real estate market has cooled slightly since 2022, but demand remains strong, and prices have held steady due to low inventory and sustained interest from out-of-state buyers.
Hence, relocating to a city with rising rent and high property values means that protecting your belongings matters more than ever. That’s why many new residents choose to add moving insurance for extra peace of mind during a local or long-distance move.
Utility, grocery, transport, and healthcare costs
Once rent is covered, utilities, groceries, transportation, and medical expenses make up the rest of the typical monthly cost of living in Fort Lauderdale. While some of these costs are predictable, others (like electricity bills in the summer or insurance premiums) can vary widely. Here’s how these expenses stack up in Fort Lauderdale in 2025.
Utilities
Utilities (electricity, water, cooling, and trash) for a typical two-bedroom apartment average $170 to $210/month. Internet and mobile phone bills can add another $100+, depending on the provider and plan. Combined, most residents pay between $250 and $300 each month to keep their homes connected and climate-controlled, especially important in Florida’s heat.
Grocery prices
Food is about 10% more expensive than the U.S. average. Some typical 2025 prices include:
- Gallon of milk: $4.70
- Dozen eggs: $4.20
- Loaf of bread: $3.95
- Chicken (1 kg): $10.50
Monthly grocery bills range from $350–$450 for one person, and $900–$1,100 for a family of four. These totals reflect typical spending on staples. However, households that buy organic or specialty products should budget even more.
Healthcare
Healthcare costs are slightly lower than the national average, about 8% less. Still, insurance premiums, co-pays, and prescriptions add up. Expect:
- Single adult: ~$200/month
- Family of four: ~$600–$700/month
These numbers assume basic employer-sponsored coverage. Without insurance, expect costs to double or even triple in some cases. For anyone planning a household move into the area, connecting with experienced residential movers in Miami can make the transition easier while you manage essential services like utilities and healthcare.
Transportation
Fort Lauderdale is car-dependent, so here’s what to budget monthly:
- Gas: ~$3.30/gallon
- Insurance: ~$120/month
- Car maintenance: ~$50–$100
- Public transit pass: $72.50/month
Most households rely on one or more vehicles. While public transit is available, it often doesn’t cover daily commuting needs efficiently for families or workers outside central routes.
2025 cost trends: What’s changing?
Inflation hit Florida hard in 2022 and 2023, and many of those effects are still being felt in 2025. While some costs are stabilizing, others, especially rent and insurance, continue to rise. This is how costs have changed in Fort Lauderdale and what to expect as the year progresses.
Rent and housing outlook
Prices have continued to rise in 2025. One-bedroom units are up 2% while two- and three-bedroom rents rose more steeply, in some cases by 5% or more. Supply remains tight, and many landlords are increasing rents at renewal.
The median home price sits around $535,000. Mortgage rates stabilized at roughly 6.5%, but high prices still push many would-be buyers into the rental market, which keeps upward pressure on rents.
If you’re relocating from another part of the state or country, working with trusted long-distance movers in Florida can help you stay on schedule and avoid added costs tied to late move-ins or storage delays.
Wage growth vs. inflation
Wages in Fort Lauderdale rose modestly in early 2025, but inflation continues to outpace earnings for many residents. Food, housing, and insurance premiums have all gone up faster than average salaries, shrinking disposable income for middle earners.
Households relying on a single income or working hourly jobs feel the impact the most, especially when rent takes up more than a third of take-home pay.
How does Fort Lauderdale compare to other places?
Many people want to know whether Fort Lauderdale is more affordable than nearby cities or the Florida average. These comparisons help explain where your money will stretch further and where it won’t. We’ll look at how the cost of living in Fort Lauderdale stacks up against Miami, Broward County, and the state as a whole.
Fort Lauderdale vs. Florida (statewide)
Rent in Fort Lauderdale is 21% higher than the state average. Groceries are slightly more expensive. Healthcare and utilities track close to state norms, with some variance depending on usage and provider. Overall, the city ranks among Florida’s most expensive places to live, especially when it comes to housing.
Fort Lauderdale vs. Broward County
Fort Lauderdale is one of the pricier cities in Broward County. Areas like Tamarac, North Lauderdale, and Coconut Creek offer lower average rents and comparable services, though commute times and access to amenities may be a tradeoff.
Within Broward, Fort Lauderdale sets the high end of the cost spectrum but offers more job opportunities and urban conveniences. If you’re relocating within the area, moving companies in Broward County can help coordinate local moves without delays or extra stress.
Fort Lauderdale vs. Miami
Fort Lauderdale and Miami are close in cost. Miami may offer cheaper rent in less central neighborhoods, but it has higher transit and parking costs. Fort Lauderdale provides better value in daily expenses, while Miami offers broader transit coverage and a bigger metro feel.
Both cities sit well above state averages, and choosing between them often comes down to lifestyle preferences and commute priorities. Some residents actually move between the two cities for work, school, or housing. When handling high-end furniture or fragile items during a city-to-city move, many turn to white glove movers in Miami for specialized service that protects valuables across short distances.
What’s the cost of visiting Fort Lauderdale?
Planning a vacation? Here’s what to budget:
- Hotels: $150–200/night for mid-range, $100–130 for budget, $300+ for luxury
- Food: $20–25 for casual meals, $90+ for dinner for two
- Transport: $40–70/day for car rental, $10–30 per Uber/Lyft ride
- Activities: Free beaches, $30–80 for tours, $10–25 for museums
For a typical week-long stay, two travelers can expect to spend around $3,000 to $3,500 if staying mid-range and eating out daily. Travelers on a budget can save by choosing economy hotels, cooking some meals, and relying on walking or public transit. Luxury travelers will find no shortage of high-end options, from waterfront resorts to private boat tours.
What income do you need to live comfortably?
Knowing the average salary only gets you so far. What really matters is whether that income covers rent, food, transportation, healthcare, and savings. Here we look at what locals earn in 2025 and how that compares to what’s required to live without financial stress.
Average salary in Fort Lauderdale
The average net monthly income in Fort Lauderdale is around $4,765, or about $57,000 per year after tax. Salaries vary widely by industry. Tech, finance, and healthcare roles can push earnings higher, while service jobs often fall below this mark.
A two-income household with average salaries can typically cover the cost of living in Fort Lauderdale, but savings may be limited without additional income sources or reduced spending.
Living wage benchmarks
According to the MIT Living Wage Calculator for Broward County, a single adult needs at least $52,646 per year before tax to meet basic living expenses. A household with two working adults and two children needs around $115,731 annually to cover essential costs without relying on public assistance or going into debt.
Income needed for comfort
To live without financial stress, a single person should aim for $65,000 to $75,000/year. Families with children should target $120,000 to $150,000/year for a middle-class standard of living that includes housing, childcare, savings, and modest discretionary spending.
FAQ: Cost of Living in Fort Lauderdale
Q: What is the average cost of living in Fort Lauderdale per month?
A: The average cost of living in Fort Lauderdale is around $3,600 per month for one person and about $8,500 for a family of four, including rent and basic expenses.
Q: What is the average rent in Fort Lauderdale?
A: As of 2025, average rent in Fort Lauderdale is $2,240 for a one-bedroom, $2,860 for a two-bedroom, and over $4,100 for a three-bedroom apartment.
Q: How does the cost of living in Fort Lauderdale compare to Florida overall?
A: The cost of living in Fort Lauderdale is approximately 21% higher than the Florida state average, mainly due to higher rent, grocery, and insurance costs.
Q: What is the cost of living in Fort Lauderdale vs Miami?
A: Fort Lauderdale and Miami have similar costs. Fort Lauderdale has slightly higher central rent, while Miami tends to have more transit and parking expenses.
Q: What is a livable salary in Fort Lauderdale?
A: A livable salary in Fort Lauderdale is at least $52,646 per year for one adult. Most residents need $65,000 or more to cover rent and living costs comfortably.
Q: Is food expensive in Fort Lauderdale?
Yes, food in Fort Lauderdale is about 10% more expensive than the U.S. average. A single person spends roughly $350 to $450 monthly on groceries.
Planning Ahead for Life in Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale remains one of the most expensive cities in Florida. Its housing and utility costs are above national and state averages. Renters and buyers alike need to earn well above the median income to afford life here without cutting corners. While many enjoy the coastal lifestyle and strong job market, it’s not always easy on the wallet.
Whether you’re considering a move or planning a visit, understanding the true cost of living in Fort Lauderdale is the first step to making smart financial choices here. If you’re weighing your options between nearby cities, comparing moving quotes in Miami can help you set a realistic budget and avoid unexpected costs during your relocation.