Fort Lauderdale, Florida has an overall cost of living index of 111.9, which is 11.9 points above the US average of 100 — making it pricier than most American cities. Renters pay a median of $1,776 per month, while the typical home is valued around $455,600. Households earn a median of $79,935 per year, leaving rent at a manageable share of income for many residents. Air quality is good, with an average AQI of 33. The figures below cover housing, local wages by occupation, demographics, and air quality, all drawn from the US Census Bureau, BEA, HUD, and EPA.
Median Household Income
$79,935
Annual · Census ACS
Median Gross Rent
$1,776
Per month · Census ACS
Median Home Value
$455,600
Census ACS
Cost of Living Index
111.9
BEA RPP · US avg = 100
Studio FMR
$1,737
HUD Fair Market Rent
1BR Fair Market Rent
$1,900
HUD FMR
2BR Fair Market Rent
$2,333
HUD FMR
3BR Fair Market Rent
$3,216
HUD FMR
HUD Fair Market Rent = 40th percentile gross rent · FY2024
Each category is indexed to the US average of 100. Below 100 = cheaper than average.
Overall
111.9
Goods
104.8
Rents / Housing
147.2
Services
106.3
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (metro-level)
State Income Tax
None
No state income tax on wages
State Sales Tax
6.00%
Statewide base rate (local add-ons may apply)
Source: Tax Foundation (2024)
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| 💻Software Developer | $125,700 |
| 🏥Registered Nurse | $87,710 |
| 📚Elementary Teacher | $56,920 |
| ⚡Electrician | $55,030 |
| 📊Accountant | $87,860 |
Source: BLS OEWS 2023 (metro-level data)
Population
183,032
Latest estimate
Median Age
42.9 yrs
Census ACS
Average AQI
33.0
Source: EPA AirNow
What is the cost of living index for Fort Lauderdale?
Fort Lauderdale has a Regional Price Parity (RPP) index of 111.9. The US national average is 100, so Fort Lauderdale is 11.9 points above the national average.
What is the median rent in Fort Lauderdale?
The median gross rent in Fort Lauderdale is $1,776 per month according to US Census ACS data.
What is the median household income in Fort Lauderdale?
The median household income in Fort Lauderdale is $79,935 per year.
What is the median home value in Fort Lauderdale?
The median home value in Fort Lauderdale is $455,600 based on the latest Census ACS survey.
How is the air quality in Fort Lauderdale?
Fort Lauderdale has an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 33.0, which is rated "Good" by the EPA. Lower AQI values indicate cleaner air.
What are the taxes like in Fort Lauderdale?
Florida has no state income tax on wages and a statewide sales tax of 6.00% (local rates may add to this). Source: Tax Foundation, 2024.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology