Florida · Population 183,032 · Updated March 2026
How far your income goes in Fort Lauderdale
State-level tax rates that affect your costs
Fort Lauderdale has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 132 (where 100 equals the national median), Fort Lauderdale residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,776/month while earning a median household income of $79,935/year.
The median home value in Fort Lauderdale, FL is $455,600, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,778 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. With a rent-to-income ratio of 26.7%, Fort Lauderdale falls within the generally affordable range, though it's approaching the 30% burden threshold.
Florida has no state income tax, which can represent significant savings compared to high-tax states. Combined with a 6.0% sales tax rate and 0.86% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment helps keep costs manageable in Fort Lauderdale.
Common questions about living costs in Fort Lauderdale
Similar-sized cities to compare
Compare the cost of living in Fort Lauderdale, FL with 299 other major U.S. cities