Cost of Living in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, FL

With a cost of living index of 146, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, FL is one of the most expensive cities in the United States. Living here is 46% more expensive than the national average and 35% above the Florida state average of 110. Lauderdale-by-the-Sea is a smaller community of 6,159 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,816 (38% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $626,100 (105% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 7.7x the median household income — a challenging ratio that puts homeownership out of reach for many residents.

The median household income in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea is $81,020, which is 8% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 27% of household income on rent. This is near the 30% threshold that financial experts generally consider the upper limit of affordability.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Lauderdale-by-the-Sea. The area sees an average annual temperature of 77.2°F, with summers averaging 84°F and winters around 70°F. Annual rainfall totals 55.6 inches spread over roughly 131 days.

Everyday prices in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area tend to run above the national average. Out of 6 common grocery and utility items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 5 are priced higher than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.