Fort Lauderdale, FL, US
Venice of America with its canal system, beaches, and a booming marine industry.
Overview
Fort Lauderdale is a city in FL with a population of 182,000. Venice of America with its canal system, beaches, and a booming marine industry. Housing is notably more expensive than the national average. The overall cost of living is above the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 7a growing zone supports Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees.
Last updated: September 12, 2026
Above Average vs US Avg (100)
Above Average
Household income
Job market health
Fort Lauderdale vs US Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: None
- Sales Tax: 7.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: $62,000
- Unemployment: 3.5%
- Population: 182,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 246/year
- Summer High: 90°F
- Winter Low: 62°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 7a
Housing
- Median Home: $500,000
- 1BR Rent: $1800/mo
Cost of Living
Fort Lauderdale's cost of living index is 120 (US average = 100).
| Category | Fort Lauderdale | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 120 | 100 | +20.0% |
| Housing | 140 | 100 | +40.0% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $500,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | $1800/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | $2,250/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | $333 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Fort Lauderdale:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | $113 | Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage |
| Heating & Cooling | N/A | Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric |
| Cooling (AC) | $25 | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | $55 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | $70 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | $30 | Private service |
| Total Utilities | $293 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Remote Work Score
Fort Lauderdale scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Fort Lauderdale has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 82°F | 62°F | 2.5" |
| April | 75°F | 77°F | 2.8" |
| July | 90°F | 65°F | 1.5" |
| October | 70°F | 80°F | 2.2" |
Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees
Natural Hazards
Fort Lauderdale faces the following natural hazards:
Frequently affected by hurricanes.
Extreme summer heat.
Coastal flooding.
Wildfire risk in dry season.
Tornado risk from hurricanes.
Periodic drought conditions.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 0% (None)
- Sales Tax: 7%
- Property Tax: ~0.91% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 3.5%.
Schools & Education
Data source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Universities & Higher Education
Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database
Demographics
The population of Fort Lauderdale is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
Data source: US Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) (2023)
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Fort Lauderdale, FL, US?
The cost of living index in Fort Lauderdale is 120, which is Higher the US national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Fort Lauderdale?
The median home price in Fort Lauderdale is $500,000. The housing index is 140.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Fort Lauderdale is approximately $1800/mo.
Does Fort Lauderdale, FL have income tax?
Fort Lauderdale is in FL, which has no income tax.
What is the climate like in Fort Lauderdale?
Fort Lauderdale enjoys approximately 246 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 90°F, while winter lows can drop to around 62°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
- Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
- Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
- Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.