RentDataNowRentDataNow
City Report · FL

Estero

Pop. 37,858·70th most expensive in Florida·Rental market data updated monthly for Estero, FL
Median rent (all units)
$2,499/mo
Year-over-Year
-2.7%
Month-over-Month
-2.4%
vs US Median
+$534
Falling (Monthly)
Be the first to discuss Estero rents ↓
Most AffordableMost Expensive
Estero · $2,499
More expensive than 80% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
85/100
Great value
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 17% below what Estero's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$2,499/mo
Expected by trend
$3,024/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Estero's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$2,010
1 BR
$2,020
2 BR
$2,500
3 BR
$3,280
4 BR+
$3,650
Research median
$2,500/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

Loading…

Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$29,988/yr
At $2,499/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Renter's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are down 2.7% year-over-year. Push hard on price, concessions, and lease terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (-2.7% YoY, -2.4% MoM), not inventory.
Rent check

Is your rent fair?

Compare your rent to the local median.

Demographics

Who lives here

Estero, FL is majority owner-occupied, has a large retiree population, has a median income above the national average, 50.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
37,858
Median income
$104,102
Median age
66
Renters
14%
Age distribution
13.7%
13.9%
51.9%
Under 189.9%
18–3410.6%
35–5413.7%
55–6413.9%
65+51.9%
Gender
48.6%
51.4%
Male48.6%
Female51.4%
Race & ethnicity
88.9%
White88.9%
Black0.9%
Hispanic8.7%
Asian2.6%
Education (25+)
18.6%
27.7%
50.8%
No HS diploma2.9%
HS diploma18.6%
Some college27.7%
Bachelor's+50.8%
Housing tenure
86%
14%
Owner86%
Renter14%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2021 vs 2026

How Estero, FL has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,906 → $2,499
up 31.1%
Income
$94,095 → $104,102
up 10.6%
Population
36,187 → 37,858
up 4.6%
Renter share
15.2% → 14%
-1.2 pts
Bachelor's+
47.6% → 50.8%
+3.2 pts
Median age
65.4 → 66
+0.6 yrs

Five years ago, renters in Estero, FL paid around $1,906 a month. That figure now sits near $2,499, up 31.1% from the 2021 baseline. Median household income climbed from $94,095 to $104,102 between 2021 and 2024, a 10.6% shift. Because rent grew faster than wages over the same span, the affordability picture has tightened relative to 2021. Census counts show Estero, FL adding about 1,671 residents over the five-year window, up 4.6% on net. Bachelor's-degree-or-higher attainment moved from 47.6% to 50.8% across the same window. Taken together, the five-year picture in Estero, FL reflects how housing costs and the people paying them have evolved through a stretch that included a pandemic, a hot rental market, and a recent cooling phase.

Community

Discussions about Estero

No discussions yet. Start the conversation.

View Estero rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Estero on your salary?

At $2,499/mo, how Estero rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Estero rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Estero. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Estero

About renting in Estero, FL

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Estero is $2,499/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $2,010/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $2,500/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $2,020/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $3,280/mo.

At 29% of local median household income ($104,102/yr), Estero ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have decreased 2.7% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Estero an affordable city for renters?

Estero is considered affordable for renters. At $2,499/mo, rent takes approximately 29% of the local median household income ($104,102/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Estero falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Estero?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $100,000/year (~$48/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,499/mo in Estero. The local median household income is $104,102/yr, meaning the typical Estero household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Estero?

Rent in Estero has decreased 2.7% over the past year as of July 2026, offering some relief compared to 12 months ago.

How does Estero rent compare to other cities in Florida?

Estero is one of the pricier cities in Florida for rent, ranking #70 out of 288 tracked cities at $2,499/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Estero?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Estero ($2,499/mo): Fort Myers ($1,779/mo), Lehigh Acres ($1,856/mo), Bonita Springs ($2,400/mo).

What percentage of Estero residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 14% of Estero households are renters, while 86% are owner-occupied. Estero leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Estero rent compare to the national average?

Estero's median rent of $2,499/mo is $534 (27%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Florida, it ranks #70 out of 288 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
29%
AFFORDABLE

At $2,499/mo, rent takes ~29% of Estero's median household income ($104,102/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Estero 29%Benchmark 30%
State income taxNone
Run the Estero affordability calculator →
Lowest-rent ZIP codes in Estero
Compare

How does this area stack up?

Pick another city or ZIP to compare.

Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Estero, FL

Recent submissions

Be the first to submit your rent for Estero.

Recent discussions

No discussions yet.