Looking to rent in Fort Lauderdale but unsure where to start your search? From high-rise apartments in bustling downtown areas to peaceful streets just blocks from the beach, the city offers a wide range of neighborhoods that can suit any renter.
We’ve compiled a list of the best places to rent in Fort Lauderdale based on the following factors:
- Rental availability
- Average rent relative to other neighborhoods in the city
- Proximity to points of interest like work hubs, universities, downtown areas, shopping centers, or major parks
- Niche.com’s neighborhood report cards
The five best neighborhoods in Fort Lauderdale for renters are:
Downtown Fort Lauderdale
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Fort Lauderdale: $2,264/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Downtown: $2,944/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in Downtown Fort Lauderdale: 768 square feet
Why Downtown Fort Lauderdale is good for renters
Downtown Fort Lauderdale offers renters an energetic city lifestyle just minutes from the coast. With easy access to public transportation, bars, restaurants, and major employers, it’s ideal for those who want to live in the center of it all. Luxury high-rises and modern apartment communities offer amenity-rich living and walkable convenience.
|
Very Walkable |
Good Public Transit |
Moderately Drivable |
Fairly Bikeable |
80Downtown Fort Lauderdale has a walkability score of 80 out of 100 |
60Downtown Fort Lauderdale has a transit score of 60 out of 100 |
60Downtown Fort Lauderdale has a drivability score of 60 out of 100 |
50Downtown Fort Lauderdale has a bikeability score of 50 out of 100 |
Keep in mind
Downtown rents tend to run higher, especially in newer developments with extensive amenities.
Coral Ridge
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Fort Lauderdale: $2,264/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Coral Ridge: $2,347/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in Coral Ridge: 799 square feet
Why Coral Ridge is good for renters
Coral Ridge blends quiet, tree-lined streets with upscale shopping and beach access nearby. Renters here often find spacious apartment layouts or condos with premium amenities. Its location between downtown and the beach makes it a convenient home base.
|
Moderately Walkable |
Minimal Public Transit |
Moderately Drivable |
Fairly Bikeable |
60Coral Ridge has a walkability score of 60 out of 100 |
10Coral Ridge has a transit score of 10 out of 100 |
70Coral Ridge has a drivability score of 70 out of 100 |
50Coral Ridge has a bikeability score of 50 out of 100 |
Keep in mind
Because of its desirability and lower-density housing, you may need to act quickly when rentals become available.
Rio Vista
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Fort Lauderdale: $2,264/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Rio Vista: $2,615/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in Rio Vista: 743 square feet
Why Rio Vista is good for renters
Rio Vista offers a peaceful, historic charm with winding streets, lush landscaping, and elegant homes. While known more for single-family homes, there are select rentals available in this picturesque community. It’s perfect if you want a serene neighborhood feel close to downtown and the waterfront.
|
Moderately Walkable |
Limited Public Transit |
Very Drivable |
Moderately Bikeable |
60Rio Vista has a walkability score of 60 out of 100 |
30Rio Vista has a transit score of 30 out of 100 |
80Rio Vista has a drivability score of 80 out of 100 |
60Rio Vista has a bikeability score of 60 out of 100 |
Keep in mind
Rental options are limited in this area, and properties tend to be more expensive due to high demand.
Harbordale
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Fort Lauderdale: $2,264/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Harbordale: $2,585/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in Harbordale: 747 square feet
Why Harbordale is good for renters
Harbordale is a centrally located neighborhood that puts renters close to everything, from Port Everglades to the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. It's a great option for those who want convenience, with grocery stores, restaurants, and everday essentials all nearby. Easy access to major roads like SE 17th Street and US-1 simplifies commuting across the city.
|
Moderately Walkable |
Limited Public Transit |
Exceptionally Drivable |
Fairly Bikeable |
60Harbordale has a walkability score of 60 out of 100 |
30Harbordale has a transit score of 30 out of 100 |
100Harbordale has a drivability score of 100 out of 100 |
50Harbordale has a bikeability score of 50 out of 100 |
Keep in mind
The area is more car-dependent than some neighboring districts, and traffic can get busy near major roads and shopping centers.
Victoria Park
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Fort Lauderdale: $2,264/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Victoria Park: $1,592/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in Victoria Park: 636 square feet
Why Victoria Park is good for renters
Victoria Park offers a balance of quiet residential streets and easy access to Downtown Fort Lauderdale’s livelier areas. Located just north of Las Olas Boulevard, renters are minutes from top dining, shopping, and nightlife without being in the middle of the crowds. The neighborhood's proximity to the beach and Downtown makes commuting and weekend plans equally convenient.
|
Moderately Walkable |
Limited Public Transit |
Moderately Drivable |
Moderately Bikeable |
70Victoria Park has a walkability score of 70 out of 100 |
30Victoria Park has a transit score of 30 out of 100 |
60Victoria Park has a drivability score of 60 out of 100 |
60Victoria Park has a bikeability score of 60 out of 100 |
Keep in mind
While slightly more relaxed than downtown, competition for units can be tougher than more suburban areas.
Ready to Make the Move?
If Fort Lauderdale has caught your eye, take the next step with Apartments.com! Whether you’re dropping in for a short-term lease or hoping to set down roots, Apartments.com has the tools to help you find the perfect place.
Navigate housing across neighborhoods with our customized search engine and use our customizable filters to narrow your search by price, amenities, and floor plan. Wherever you are and wherever you’re going, the options are endless with Apartments.com.
Methodology
Rent and cost of living data are sourced from the Apartments.com Rent Trends pages and Cost of Living Calculator. Walkability, transit, drivability, and bikeability ratings are sourced from the Apartments.com Area Guides, courtesy of Local Logic.
This article was originally published on December 12, 2025, by Sharon Livsey and has been updated to reflect 2026 data.
FAQs
Is Fort Lauderdale a good place to live?
Yes, Fort Lauderdale is a great place to live for renters who enjoy a coastal lifestyle paired with urban conveniences. With beach access, shopping, and entertainment all nearby, it’s a versatile city for many different lifestyles.
Is Fort Lauderdale an expensive place to live?
Yes, Fort Lauderdale is more expensive than the national average. The cost of living is 25.2% higher than the national average, and rents are especially high in beachside or newly developed neighborhoods.
What’s the average rent in Fort Lauderdale?
The average rent in Fort Lauderdale is $2,264/month, as of March 2026. This is 39% higher than the national average rent of $1,627/month.
What salary do you need to live in Fort Lauderdale?
According to our cost of living data, a comfortable salary for a single adult with no dependents to cover housing, utilities, groceries and goods and services in Fort Lauderdale would be around $104,000 before tax.
