Living in Fort Lauderdale,
Florida

Cost of Living in Fort Lauderdale

Based on Sperling’s Best Places’ index, the average cost of living in Fort Lauderdale is 129.6. This is based on a scale where a score above 100 means that the cost of living in the city is more expensive than the US average. Most costs in Fort Lauderdale are marginally higher than the US-wide average.

Taxes in Fort Lauderdale

One of the most attractive features about living in Fort Lauderdale is low tax rates. With the state’s sales tax rate being only 6%, you are able to save money. In addition to that, Florida is one of the 7 states that don’t have an income tax.

Employment Market in Fort Lauderdale

Much like in other parts of Florida, the fluctuating seasonal population in Fort Lauderdale has a huge impact on its economy. According to the US Census 2018 report , the average household brings in an income of $52,315. The per capita income is $39,601.

Also, around 19.3% of Fort Lauderdale residents live in poverty. The job market can be tough, but you can still find a stable source of income if you have a job waiting for you.

Average Home Prices

According to Zillow, the median home value in Fort Lauderdale is around $312,900. The current median price of houses listed for sale in Fort Lauderdale is $500,000, while the median price of sold homes is $334,200.

Fort Lauderdale High School Districts

Broward County Public Schools is the second-largest school district in Florida. Fully accredited in the school system since 1963, it has 327 schools around the district, including Fort Lauderdale.

Besides that, there are also a number of great private schools you can choose from.

Crime Rates in the City

Unfortunately, as it is with other cities around the US, crime is a reality in Fort Lauderdale. However, it varies from neighborhood to neighborhood. On an index of 100 , the city’s violent crime rate ranks at 36.7 with a 22.7 average for the country. As for property crime, the city ranks at 75.8 against the US average of 35.4.

Despite these high crime rates, the city is home to a number of safe neighborhoods. Spend extra time while real estate shopping to make sure that you’re buying a house in a safe neighborhood.

Getting Around Fort Lauderdale

According to the US Census Bureau, the mean commute time for Broward County is just over 28 minutes. This means that the average round trip in working hours would be less than an hour.

For some Fort Lauderdale residents, commuting around the city without a car is possible. They can access the Broward County Transit (BCT), which includes a fleet of 300 buses. They can also use the Brightline rail system, bike-sharing programs, the Tri-Rail, and Sun Trolley.

Leisure and Entertainment

There is no shortage of leisure and entertainment in the city. There are many beaches where you can spend your weekends. Also, there are more than four thousand restaurants and 120 nightclubs.

If you prefer quieter outings, the NSU Art Museum, the Museum of Discovery and Science, and the Coral Springs Museum of Art are excellent places to spend your time.