Fort Lauderdale Cost of Living Explained for You

Fort Lauderdale’s Real Housing, Utility, Transportation, Healthcare, and Lifestyle Expenses

What Is the Cost of Living in Fort Lauderdale?

If you're thinking about moving to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, one of the first things you may ask is, "How much does it cost to live there?" In this guide, we'll break everything down simply so you can understand what to expect. Whether you're buying a home, renting, paying bills, or just enjoying life in the city, this article explains it all.

Housing Costs in Fort Lauderdale

Here’s a breakdown of average home prices in different neighborhoods across Fort Lauderdale:

Victoria Park: $750,000 to $1.2 million — A trendy, walkable neighborhood near Las Olas Blvd.
Coral Ridge: $800,000 to $1.5 million — Known for waterfront homes and boating access.
Harbor Beach: $1.5 million to over $5 million — Ultra-luxury gated community with private beach access.
Rio Vista: $1.2 million to $3 million — Historic homes with charm and waterfront access.
Tarpon River: $550,000 to $900,000 — A popular choice for professionals near downtown.
Riverland: $350,000 to $600,000 — More affordable, family-friendly homes west of I-95.
Melrose Park: $300,000 to $450,000 — Entry-level homes with strong rental appeal.
Lauderdale Manors: $275,000 to $425,000 — Budget-friendly option still close to downtown.

Whether you want a waterfront estate or a starter home, Fort Lauderdale offers a wide price range to fit your lifestyle and budget.

🏡 In this video: – Fort Lauderdale housing prices and rent ranges – What to expect for utility bills and insurance – Local grocery and dining costs – Transportation expenses and car insurance – Health care, education, and lifestyle spending – Pro tips for affordable living in Broward County

📝 This guide is designed to help both new buyers and out-of-state movers understand what it really takes to live comfortably in one of Florida’s most desirable cities.

📌 As mentioned in the video, visit AntonioOrtegaLLC.com to get reliable real estate information and discover exclusive offers and revisit the site.

👉 After watching, be sure to check out the full article for more important insights, FAQs, testimonials, and resources to help you decide if Fort Lauderdale is right for you.

Housing is usually the biggest part of the cost of living. Fort Lauderdale has a wide range of homes. Some are condos by the water, others are single-family homes in quiet neighborhoods. The average home price is around $550,000 as of early 2025, but you can find homes from the mid $200,000s to well over $1 million.

Renting is also popular here. A one-bedroom apartment can range from $1,900 to $2,600 per month depending on location and if it’s near the beach. Two-bedroom units range between $2,400 to $3,400 monthly.

The closer you are to the ocean or downtown, the higher the price. Neighborhoods like Victoria Park, Coral Ridge, and Harbor Beach are on the more expensive end. Areas like Riverland or parts of Sunrise Blvd offer more affordability.

You can adjust the price range in the home listings for each of the Broward County cities below:

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Fort Lauderdale home prices outlook

Utility Expenses in Fort Lauderdale

Monthly utility costs vary by home size, usage, and energy efficiency. For a standard home:

Electricity: $150 to $250/month
Water and Sewer: $50 to $90/month
Internet and Cable: $80 to $180/month

Many homes use air conditioning year-round, which increases electricity costs, especially in summer.

Food and Grocery Prices

Grocery costs in Fort Lauderdale are slightly above the national average but lower than other major Florida cities like Miami.

Here’s what you might expect:

Milk (1 gallon): $4.60
Bread (loaf): $3.50
Eggs (dozen): $4.00
Chicken (1 lb): $4.80
Apples (1 lb): $2.50

Eating out can vary. A casual meal costs around $15 to $20. A nice dinner for two can run $70 to $100 or more.

Transportation Costs

Getting around Fort Lauderdale can cost more if you drive often. Here are common monthly transportation expenses:

Gasoline: Around $3.80 per gallon
Car insurance: $170–$300/month (varies by age, car, credit)
Car maintenance/parking: $50–$100/month
Public transportation (Broward County Transit): $70/month unlimited pass

Some residents choose to bike or walk if they live near the beach or downtown.

Health Insurance and Medical Expenses

Healthcare costs can vary greatly. For a healthy adult, insurance plans might range from:

Individual plan: $250–$500/month
Family plan: $700–$1,500/month

Doctors’ visits without insurance cost around $150 to $300. Urgent care visits may be less.

Local hospitals include Broward Health, Holy Cross Health, and Cleveland Clinic Weston.

Education and Childcare Costs

If you have children, childcare is a key factor. Here's what to expect:

Daycare: $900 to $1,400/month
Private school: $10,000 to $25,000/year
Public schools are free, but school supply and activity costs add up

Higher education options include Broward College, Nova Southeastern University, and nearby Florida Atlantic University.

Entertainment and Lifestyle Spending

Fort Lauderdale is a fun place to live. From the beach to the nightlife, there's always something to do:

Gym membership: $40 to $100/month
Beach parking permit: ~$100/year
Movie ticket: $14
Boat tour: $30 to $60
Museum admission: $10 to $25

Many locals enjoy free outdoor fun—beaches, parks, kayaking, and jogging trails.

Is Fort Lauderdale Affordable?

It depends on your lifestyle and income. Fort Lauderdale can be affordable for singles and families earning $60,000 or more annually. High earners enjoy even more flexibility, especially if working remotely. The city offers many housing options, low taxes (no state income tax!), and year-round sunshine.

Testimonials

"I moved from Atlanta and found my monthly expenses higher, but the lifestyle is amazing." — Resident since 2022

"We bought a home in Coral Ridge in 2023. It’s pricier than other parts of Florida, but we love being close to the water." — Local couple

"Public transportation is limited, so we use our car daily. Still, the beach views make up for it." — Retiree in Fort Lauderdale

"I work remotely and enjoy the weather here. Rent is steep, but I save on commuting." — Tech worker

"My family loves the schools and parks. It’s not cheap, but the community is worth it." — Parent in suburban Fort Lauderdale

FAQs About Fort Lauderdale Cost of Living

Q1: Is Fort Lauderdale more expensive than Miami?

A: No, Fort Lauderdale is generally more affordable than Miami, especially in housing.

Q2: How much do I need to earn to live comfortably in Fort Lauderdale?

A: Around $60,000/year for a single person, more for families.

Q3: Are there affordable neighborhoods in Fort Lauderdale?

A: Yes! Look into areas like Riverland, Melrose Park, and parts of Sunrise Blvd.

Q4: Is public transportation reliable in Fort Lauderdale?

A: It exists but isn’t widespread. Most residents rely on personal cars.

Q5: What’s one thing that surprises new residents?

A: The utilities—air conditioning runs almost year-round, so electricity bills can be higher than expected.

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All prices and cost estimates in this article are based on recent data as of early 2025. Actual prices may vary depending on market conditions, timing, and specific circumstances. This article is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as financial or real estate advice.

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