City Report · FL

Fort Lauderdale

Pop. 185,604·41st most expensive in Florida·One of the pricier rental markets in the US
Median rent (all units)
$2,794/mo
Year-over-Year
+4.6%
Month-over-Month
+0.3%
vs US Median
+$829
Stable (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Fort Lauderdale · $2,794
More expensive than 87% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
63/100
Good value
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 7% below what Fort Lauderdale's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$2,794/mo
Expected by trend
$2,992/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Fort Lauderdale's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,761
1 BR
$1,920
2 BR
$2,379
3 BR
$3,284
4 BR+
$3,994
Research median
$2,379/mo

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

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$33,528/yr
At $2,794/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are climbing (4.6% YoY), so leverage tilts toward landlords. Act sooner rather than later.
Based on rent-price momentum (+4.6% YoY, +0.3% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Fort Lauderdale, FL is roughly split between renters and owners, 40.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
185,604
Median income
$83,130
Median age
42.8
Renters
45.9%
Age distribution
17.3%
21.6%
27.2%
14.2%
19.6%
Under 1817.3%
18–3421.6%
35–5427.2%
55–6414.2%
65+19.6%
Gender
52.5%
47.5%
Male52.5%
Female47.5%
Race & ethnicity
48.4%
28.9%
20.3%
White48.4%
Black28.9%
Hispanic20.3%
Asian1.5%
Other0.8%
Education (25+)
24%
25%
40.8%
No HS diploma10.3%
HS diploma24%
Some college25%
Bachelor's+40.8%
Housing tenure
54.1%
45.9%
Owner54.1%
Renter45.9%

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

2021 vs 2026

How Fort Lauderdale, FL has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,947 → $2,794
up 43.5%
Income
$66,994 → $83,130
up 24.1%
Population
182,247 → 185,604
up 1.8%
Renter share
45.6% → 45.9%
+0.3 pts
Bachelor's+
39.3% → 40.8%
+1.5 pts

Five years ago, renters in Fort Lauderdale, FL paid around $1,947 a month. That figure now sits near $2,794, up 43.5% from the 2021 baseline. On the earnings side, the typical household in Fort Lauderdale, FL now reports about $83,130, up from $66,994 in 2021. Because rent grew faster than wages over the same span, the affordability picture has tightened relative to 2021. Census counts show Fort Lauderdale, FL adding about 3,357 residents over the five-year window, up 1.8% on net. For context, the 2021 to 2026 window covers an unusually volatile run for US rents nationally, and Fort Lauderdale, FL reflects that arc in its own way.

Community

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View Fort Lauderdale rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Fort Lauderdale on your salary?

At $2,794/mo, how Fort Lauderdale rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Fort Lauderdale rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in Fort Lauderdale

About renting in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Fort Lauderdale is $2,794/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,761/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $2,379/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,920/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $3,284/mo.

At 40% of local median household income ($83,130/yr), Fort Lauderdale ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 4.6% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Fort Lauderdale an affordable city for renters?

Fort Lauderdale is considered moderate for renters. At $2,794/mo, rent takes approximately 40% of the local median household income ($83,130/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Fort Lauderdale slightly exceeds that threshold, so budgeting carefully matters here.

How much income do you need to rent in Fort Lauderdale?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $112,000/year (~$54/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,794/mo in Fort Lauderdale. The local median household income is $83,130/yr, meaning the typical Fort Lauderdale household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Fort Lauderdale?

Rent in Fort Lauderdale has increased 4.6% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Which Fort Lauderdale neighborhoods have the lowest rent?

The most affordable ZIP codes in Fort Lauderdale are 33306 ($2,202/mo), 33311 ($2,361/mo), and 33315 ($2,511/mo). Citywide, the median rent in Fort Lauderdale is $2,794/mo.

How does Fort Lauderdale rent compare to other cities in Florida?

Fort Lauderdale is one of the pricier cities in Florida for rent, ranking #41 out of 288 tracked cities at $2,794/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Fort Lauderdale?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Fort Lauderdale ($2,794/mo): Lauderhill ($1,892/mo), Lauderdale Lakes ($1,920/mo), Oakland Park ($2,182/mo).

What percentage of Fort Lauderdale residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 45.9% of Fort Lauderdale households are renters, while 54.1% are owner-occupied. Fort Lauderdale leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Fort Lauderdale rent compare to the national average?

Fort Lauderdale's median rent of $2,794/mo is $829 (42%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Florida, it ranks #41 out of 288 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
40%
MODERATE

At $2,794/mo, rent takes ~40% of Fort Lauderdale's median household income ($83,130/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Fort Lauderdale 40%Benchmark 30%
State income taxNone
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Lowest-rent ZIP codes in Fort Lauderdale
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Fort Lauderdale, FL

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