Cost of living in Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale, located in the sunny state of Florida, is known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant lifestyle. Understanding the cost of living in this city is crucial for anyone considering moving here or planning a visit.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the expenses you can expect, from dining and groceries to housing and transportation, helping you make informed financial decisions.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $20 on average, with a range between $12 and $30.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $100, with prices ranging from $60 to $120.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $10.5, with a range between $10 and $11.98.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $5 to $7, imported beer $6 to $7, cappuccino $4 to $7, and Coke/Pepsi $2.5 to $3.5.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.8 and $1.32 per liter, averaging $1.1.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $3.03 and $5.5, with an average price of $4.28.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.54 to $4.99, averaging $3.45.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.87 to $8.82 per kg, while oranges range from $2.58 to $8.82 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.98 and $6.61 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.94 to $2.99 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $2 and $4, with a monthly pass priced between $65 and $150.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.76 and $0.96 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $2.5, with a cost of $1.49 to $3.04 per km and $20 to $24 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $2000 to $2800, averaging $2315.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1500 to $2500, averaging $1977.09.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $2900 to $4500, averaging $3776.71.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $2700 to $4500, averaging $3323.44.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $3767.37 to $5597.23, averaging $4501.45.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $2228.13 to $4305.56, averaging $3775.42.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $110 and $260, averaging $164.09.
- Internet - Internet services range from $50 to $85, with an average cost of $64.
Cost of Living Rankings
The cost of living indices for the United States are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in United States, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
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"Key Takeaways"
Fort Lauderdale offers a vibrant lifestyle with a relatively high cost of living, especially in terms of housing and dining.
While transportation and utilities are moderately priced, housing costs can be significant, particularly in the city centre.
Grocery prices vary, with some items like local cheese and beef being on the higher end.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Fort Lauderdale presents a dynamic living environment with a cost of living that reflects its appeal as a coastal city.
Prospective residents should be prepared for higher housing costs, while also enjoying the benefits of a lively dining scene and moderate transportation expenses.
Understanding these costs can help in planning a budget that accommodates the lifestyle Fort Lauderdale has to offer.