RentData

Average Rent in Monroe County, FL↓ Rents falling 10.0% YoY🔺 4th priciest in FL

HUD FY2027 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 81,840

Data review: HUD FY2027Sources: HUD, Zillow, Census, BLSMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction

Market Overview

Monroe County, FL has rental prices ranging from $1,554/month to $2,984/month in 2027, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,990/month — 42% above the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $82,430/year, spending $1,990/month on a 1-bedroom represents 29% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Monroe County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $2,254/month, Monroe County ranks #4 most expensive of the 56 cities tracked in Florida — pricier than 98% of all US cities in our data.

The Monroe County Rental Market

The Monroe County, FL area has a population of about 81,840 and 37% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Monroe County, FL have fallen by $250/month (10.0%) over the past year, from $2,504 to $2,254. This rate of decrease is significant and reflects softening demand or increased inventory in the local market.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Monroe County, FL without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $79,600. The local median household income of $82,430 exceeds that threshold by $2,830, making Monroe County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Monroe County, FL has an unemployment rate of 3.3%, 0.6 percentage points below the national average of 3.9%. Strong employment conditions typically sustain rental demand, as workers relocate to the area and local residents maintain stable housing.

Neighborhoods

Home values — and by extension rent levels — vary significantly across Monroe County's neighborhoods. Among the highest-value areas are New Town ($807,528 median home value), Bahama Village ($819,399 median home value), Midtown ($1,114,734 median home value). Rental prices typically follow home value patterns, with premium neighborhoods commanding higher rents than outer areas. Renters on a tighter budget may find better value in less central neighborhoods or in adjacent metros with lower overall rent levels.

Fair Market Rents

HUD FY2027
Studio
$1,554
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$1,990
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$2,254
↓10.0% YoY
Average
3 Bedrooms
$2,973
Expensive
4 Bedrooms
$2,984
Expensive
🔔
Get Rent Alerts
Be notified when rents change in Monroe County
▼

Is Monroe County, FL Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Affordability Index(30% income rule)

To rent a 2BR
$90,160/year
Local median income: $82,430
To buy a median home
—/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $2,254/month and 20% down on a — home at 7% rate.

Nearby Cities in FLlargest metros in the state

CityStudio1BR2BR3BRHome Value
Fort Lauderdale$1,759$1,902$2,321$3,172—
West Palm Beach$1,907$2,008$2,349$3,052—
Miami$1,953$2,121$2,564$3,277—
Tampa$1,597$1,648$1,917$2,448—
Orlando$1,658$1,726$1,959$2,445—
Jacksonville$1,401$1,421$1,694$2,077—

Rent or Buy in Monroe County?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Monroe County data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$2,254/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,863/mo
🏠 Buy

Buying breaks even after 1 year — worth it if you stay 1+ years.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,577/movs rent: $2,254/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Monroe County

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.

Moving Cost Estimator

Estimate your moving costs based on FMCSA public mover data

Select your origin state to see the estimate

Estimates based on FMCSA average mover rates. Get at least 3 binding quotes from licensed movers. Protect your move →

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore More

🏘️Neighborhoods in Monroe County

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

💵Rent Affordability in Monroe County

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in FL

See how Monroe County ranks statewide

⚖️Compare Monroe County

Side-by-side rent & cost of living with any city

📋FL Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections