Are you considering a move to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States, and wondering about the cost of living? Fort Lauderdale, Florida is a diverse city with a lot to offer, but like any city, it comes with its own set of expenses. In this page, we'll break down the cost of living in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and help you understand whether $4262 per month is moderately priced, given the average monthly salary of $5231.24.
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Restaurants |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant |
21.0 $ |
|
|
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course |
96.0 $ |
|
|
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) |
10.0 $ |
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Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) |
6.0 $ |
|
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Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
7.0 $ |
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Cappuccino (regular) |
5.11 $ |
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Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle) |
2.58 $ |
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Water (12 oz small bottle) |
2.12 $ |
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Markets |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) |
1.14 $ |
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Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) |
3.79 $ |
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Rice (white), (1 lb) |
4.94 $ |
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Eggs (regular) (12) |
3.85 $ |
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Local Cheese (1 lb) |
11.96 $ |
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Chicken Fillets (1 lb) |
10.47 $ |
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Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) |
18.4 $ |
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Apples (1 lb) |
5.91 $ |
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Banana (1 lb) |
1.65 $ |
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Oranges (1 lb) |
4.71 $ |
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Tomato (1 lb) |
5.15 $ |
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Potato (1 lb) |
3.55 $ |
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Onion (1 lb) |
2.92 $ |
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Lettuce (1 head) |
2.3 $ |
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Water (1.5 liter bottle) |
2.22 $ |
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Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) |
12.0 $ |
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Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) |
1.96 $ |
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Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
4.06 $ |
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Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) |
9.0 $ |
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Transportation |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) |
3.0 $ |
|
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Monthly Pass (Regular Price) |
65.0 $ |
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Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) |
6.0 $ |
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Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff) |
1.73 $ |
|
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Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) |
20.0 $ |
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Gasoline (1 gallon) |
0.9 $ |
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Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) |
26500.0 $ |
|
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Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) |
24125.0 $ |
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Utilities (Monthly) |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment |
149.92 $ |
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1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) |
-- |
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Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
64.15 $ |
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Sports And Leisure |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult |
92.25 $ |
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Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) |
17.75 $ |
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Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat |
13.0 $ |
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Childcare |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child |
833.33 $ |
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International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child |
20200.0 $ |
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Clothing And Shoes |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) |
48.0 $ |
|
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1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...) |
48.75 $ |
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1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) |
81.25 $ |
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1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes |
95.5 $ |
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Rent Per Month |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre |
2309.33 $ |
|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre |
1812.5 $ |
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Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre |
3618.75 $ |
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Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre |
3050.0 $ |
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Buy Apartment Price |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre |
5159.95 $ |
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Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre |
3113.85 $ |
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Salaries And Financing |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) |
5231.24 $ |
|
|
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate |
6.61 % |
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The monthly expenses for living in Fort Lauderdale, Florida come to a total of approximately $4262. This includes an average monthly rent of around $2309 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, along with utilities costing about $181 per month. Additionally, other expenses such as groceries, transportation, dining out, and leisure activities for one person amount to approximately $1052 per month.
Living in Fort Lauderdale, Florida appears to be relatively budget-friendly when considering the average monthly income of $5231.24. However, to enjoy a comfortable standard of living in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, you would likely need an income exceeding $5231.24.
In Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the average monthly post-tax salary hovers around $5231.24, and it isn't tied to any particular skillset or qualification.
The typical monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the central area of Fort Lauderdale, Florida is approximately $2309. If you're open to living in a location outside the city center, you can expect to pay around $1812.5 for such an apartment.
The expense for groceries in Fort Lauderdale, Florida can fluctuate based on personal choices and shopping patterns. Typically, an individual can budget around $810 per month for groceries. Nevertheless, the actual costs may change depending on various factors, including the specific items bought, the choice of stores, and the availability of discounts or special offers.
The cost of living in United States can vary significantly depending on the particular city you have in mind. Using a nationwide average might not provide accurate information. To get a more precise understanding, it's crucial to examine the cost of living in various cities throughout United States.
You might see articles that rank Fort Lauderdale as the "Least Safe City" in America. That information came from a consumer website during the COVID pandemic, and it is not at all reflective of the dangers a tourist will face in 2022 and beyond. The city is actually a low risk as long as you realize it's part of a massive stretch of coastline with millions of people living there and even more tourists visiting every year. You also have to look at the perspective of what "low" means in this region. This isn't comparing Fort Lauderdale to Des Moines, Iowa. It's looking at the risk between all the cities along the Gold Coast. This city is among the safer and more popular places to stay.
You have several options here. There's Broward County Transit (BCT) that takes you around the region. LauderGO is a free shuttle to some of the top stops in Fort Lauderdale that aren't served by BCT. Then there's Tri-Rail that runs from West Palm Beach on the north end to Miami's airport on the south end. Water taxis are available, and regular taxis and rideshares will be easy to get. Rental cars are available at the nearby airport and throughout the city too.
Four percent of the thefts in Fort Lauderdale are pickpockets as of 2020. It's important to secure your belongings here because thieves generally look for an easy steal and a crime of opportunities. The average loss from a pickpocket was between $500 - $600, so don't carry a lot of cash or valuables with you.
Hurricane season runs from June through October, but most major storms will hit during or after August. During the summer, thunderstorms occur almost daily, creating a lightning risk. The oddity of Florida is that it can be sunny all day when a severe storm pops up, dissipating for a clear evening. It can also be pouring down rain on one side of the street and dry on the other. Winters are mild, even hot some days, but there can be cold spells. You might even be there for a "Falling Iguana Advisory." (Yes, that's a real thing.) All this adds up to medium risk, but just stay weather aware.
Robberies are actually down 57% since 2014, no easy feat in a tourist corridor. Half of the 180 robberies from 2021 did happen in public, so while it's not a high risk, it's still a possible risk.
There's a medium risk because of the large population along this coast and the associated military bases and ports. This also means there's a strong security presence. Homeland Security encourages all visitors to stay vigilant and follow the "See Something, Say Something" motto.
The Fort Lauderdale Police Force has a Scam Hotline, which is (954)828-SCAM (7226). Without going through the list of possible scams, be wary of anyone who is pressuring you to purchase an item, doesn't have a vendor's license for activities like boat tours, and never book a rental home or condo from a third-party website like Craigslist. You should also never have to wire money ahead of a rental vacation. Elderly people are more likely to be targets of scams here, so educate yourself on the most common scams happening right before your visit. The Better Business Bureau always has an updated list.
Sexual assaults are rising here, up 60% since 2014 and 47% from 2020 to 2021. Always travel with a buddy or in a tour group, and use extra caution when you're enjoying the party scene. If you are being harassed by someone, go to the bartender and order an Angel Shot. This is a sign that you need help.
No violations were reported in the required Annual Water Quality Report from 2021. All water met or exceeded standards. You can check the latest water quality status before your visit by calling the city's 24-hour hotline at (954)828-8000.
There's a reason snowbirds go home for the summer - it's really hot and humid here. Even wearing just a swimsuit isn't going to keep you from the risk of overheating. Bring plenty of clothing changes so you don't sit around in wet clothes because they won't air-dry well here. Winters can be beautiful with sunny skies and lower humidity, but it's smart to pack a hoodie and jeans for a potential cold spell or cold night. Bring good walking shoes, since it's such a walkable city and flip-flops can easily leave your feet sore and blistered.
You'll need a U.S. Visa to visit here, and it could take several months to work through all the steps of the process. Be sure to bring your passport and visa to the airport, as you can't get through Customs without both items.
The Fort Lauderdale Hollywood Airport is on the south side of the city, so that is the closest and best choice. The Miami airport is about an hour south but plan for 90 minutes due to traffic. The West Palm Beach airport is about an hour north.
You can only use the U.S. Dollar here. Look for deals on the tourism website where you can purchase tickets to several attractions for one low price. Since you're paying online, you won't have to repeatedly pull out your wallet.
Make sure you know the rules regarding hurricane coverage on your airfare and hotel reservations. Travel insurance can help protect against these disasters causing you a financial disaster.
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 75°F | 77°F | 79°F | 82°F | 85°F | 88°F | 89°F | 89°F | 88°F | 84°F | 80°F | 77°F |
| Temp | 68°F | 69°F | 72°F | 75°F | 79°F | 82°F | 83°F | 84°F | 82°F | 79°F | 74°F | 70°F |
| Low | 62°F | 63°F | 66°F | 70°F | 74°F | 77°F | 78°F | 79°F | 78°F | 74°F | 69°F | 65°F |
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 23°C | 25°C | 26°C | 27°C | 29°C | 31°C | 31°C | 31°C | 31°C | 28°C | 26°C | 25°C |
| Temp | 20°C | 20°C | 22°C | 23°C | 26°C | 27°C | 28°C | 28°C | 27°C | 26°C | 23°C | 21°C |
| Low | 16°C | 17°C | 18°C | 21°C | 23°C | 25°C | 25°C | 26°C | 25°C | 23°C | 20°C | 18°C |