Fort Lauderdale, FL Relocation Guide (2026)

Cost of living, housing, and income data for Fort Lauderdale, sourced from the US Census Bureau.

182,673
Population
$75,376
Median household income
+4% vs tracked median
$417,600
Median home value
+28% vs tracked median
$1,627/mo
Median rent
+16% vs tracked median

Source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year (2022). Last updated July 2026.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida is home to roughly 182,673 residents. The typical household earns $75,376 per year — roughly in line with the median across cities we track (+4%).

Housing costs are a defining factor for anyone relocating here. The median home value sits at $417,600 (above the multi-city median at +28%), while renters pay a median of $1,627 per month. Buyers should weigh current mortgage rates and local property taxes against these figures before committing.

Cost of housing in Fort Lauderdale

Median home value is $417,600 and median gross rent is $1,627/month. For buyers, monthly costs depend heavily on current mortgage rates — worth checking before you commit.

Walkability & transit

Walkability data (Walk Score) will appear here once enrichment is run for Fort Lauderdale.

Climate & home insurance

Climate and flood-risk data (FEMA National Risk Index) will appear here once enrichment is run. Home insurance costs vary widely by region and risk profile.

Moving to Fort Lauderdale

Planning a move to Fort Lauderdale? Compare licensed movers and get quotes based on your origin and move date.

Frequently asked questions

What is the cost of living in Fort Lauderdale, FL?
In Fort Lauderdale, the median home value is $417,600 and median rent is $1,627 per month, against a median household income of $75,376. These figures come from the US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year (2022).
How much do you need to earn to live comfortably in Fort Lauderdale?
A common guideline is that rent should stay under 30% of gross income. With median rent at $1,627/month, that implies an income of about $65,080 to keep housing affordable in Fort Lauderdale.
Is it better to rent or buy in Fort Lauderdale?
With a median home value of $417,600 and median rent of $1,627/month, the buy-vs-rent decision in Fort Lauderdale depends on how long you plan to stay, current mortgage rates, and your down payment. Compare monthly mortgage estimates against the rent figure above.

Compare Fort Lauderdale to similar cities