The Hollywood, FL Financial Bleed Report (2026)

Anyone can pull up a cost of living index and call it a day. That index for Hollywood, FL sits at 103.5% of the national average, which looks deceptively manageable on paper. It suggests you only need a few extra bucks to survive here compared to the sticks. But an index is an average of averages, and averages are useless when you are trying to figure out if you can actually afford to live here without drowning in debt. The median household income is $60,630, but the math implies a single earner is pulling in roughly $33,346. That number is the floor, not the ceiling. That is the "keep the lights on and ramen in the cupboard" number. If you are looking for comfort, liquidity, or a safety net, you need to ignore the averages and look at the actual bleed—the recurring costs that nickel and dime you until you realize your paycheck is gone before it hits your account.

The Big Items

Housing is the primary engine of financial destruction in South Florida, and Hollywood is no exception. The market is currently a pressure cooker for anyone trying to rent. For a standard two-bedroom unit, you are looking at a baseline rent of $2,333. This isn't for luxury; this is for standard construction. If you are a single earner making that $33,346, your gross monthly income is roughly $2,778. Do the math. That rent alone consumes 84% of your gross income, which is financial suicide. Even if you are a household pulling in the median $60,630, that rent is still a staggering 46% of your gross take-home. It leaves zero room for savings or the inevitable car repair. Buying isn't much better; it’s a trap of high entry costs and crushing interest rates. You aren't building equity quickly; you are servicing a massive debt load while hoping the property values don't dip. The market heat here is driven by cash-heavy investors and retirees, creating a barrier to entry that forces the working class into the rental meat grinder.

Taxes in Florida are the classic "bait and switch." They dangle the no-state-income-tax carrot in your face, and for high earners, that’s a sweet deal. But if you are a working stiff, you get absolutely hammered elsewhere. The state sales tax is 6%, and Broward County adds another 1%, bringing your total sales tax burden to 7%. That is a 7% tax on almost everything you buy, from groceries to electronics. Then there is the property tax bite. While the millage rate might hover around 2.0% of assessed value, the "assessed value" side of that equation has been skyrocketing. If you buy a median-priced home, you are looking at an annual property tax bill that can easily exceed $5,000 to $7,000 depending on the specific municipality and bond issues. That is $500+ a month just for the privilege of owning the land, on top of your mortgage. The state makes its money back on the back end, ensuring they get their pound of flesh one way or another.

Groceries and gas in Hollywood are where the local variance kicks you in the teeth. You are paying a "sunshine tax" on basic sustenance. A gallon of regular gas hovers roughly 10% to 15% above the national baseline due to distribution costs and local station margins. You are looking at roughly $3.20 - $3.40 per gallon depending on the week. It doesn't sound like much until you commute daily on I-95 or the Turnpike. Food is worse. Florida is a massive agricultural producer, yet we pay higher prices for produce than the Midwest because we are a transport hub for exports. A standard grocery run for a family of four that costs $150 nationally will easily hit $175 - $180 here for the exact same basket of goods. The "cheap" grocery chains aren't as cheap as they claim, and if you want anything organic or specialty, you are paying a 25% premium over the national average. Every trip to Publix is a reminder that your dollar doesn't stretch as far as you thought.

Hidden 'Gotcha' Costs

If you think you've accounted for everything, you haven't. The hidden costs in Hollywood are designed to bleed you dry slowly. First, the insurance market is in crisis. Your standard homeowners or renters insurance is likely capped or requires a separate "Citizens" policy, but the real killer is the flood insurance. Even if you aren't in a designated flood zone, the heavy rains and storm surges make it a requirement for lenders, and premiums can range from $800 to $2,500+ annually. Then comes the car insurance. Florida has some of the highest auto insurance rates in the nation due to weather risks and high accident rates. You could be paying $200 - $300+ a month for decent coverage.

Then there is the mobility tax. If you want to get anywhere efficiently, you are likely taking the Florida Turnpike or I-595. The tolls are relentless. A daily commute through the mainlines can easily cost $5 to $10 round trip. That is $100 - $200 a month in pure road tolls, not including gas or maintenance. If you live in a condo or newer development, you are getting hit with HOA fees. These aren't just for lawn care; they cover the building's insurance and reserves, and they are exploding. Expect HOA fees to range from $300 to $600+ a month for even modest complexes. Finally, parking. If you work downtown or go to the beach on weekends, expect to pay $15 - $25 every time you park your car. It’s a constant nickel-and-dime assault on your wallet.

Lifestyle Inflation

The baseline costs are brutal, but the cost of actually living here is the final nail in the coffin. Hollywood markets itself as a destination, and the prices reflect that. A "night out" is no longer a cheap beer and a burger. A single craft beer at a decent spot in downtown Hollywood is $9.00 before tip. A standard cocktail is $14 - $16. Dinner for two at a mid-tier restaurant, with one shared appetizer and two entrees, plus tax and tip, will easily clear $120 - $150. That is $150 for one evening.

Convenience costs a premium. A basic gym membership at a chain like LA Fitness or YouFit is around $35 - $45 a month, but boutique studios will hit you for $150+. Even the simple act of getting caffeine is expensive. A medium latte at a local coffee shop averages $5.50 - $6.50. If you buy one every workday, that is roughly $130 a month, or $1,560 a year, on liquid caffeine. These small lifestyle expenses add up to thousands annually, eroding the savings you desperately need to build to survive the next hurricane season.

Salary Scenarios

The following table illustrates the brutal reality of income versus expenses in Hollywood, FL. These figures account for the bleed: housing, taxes, insurance, and a modest lifestyle allowance.

Frugal Scenario Analysis

To survive on a single income at the $52,000 level, you are living on the edge. This assumes you are renting a 1BR or splitting a 2BR, driving a paid-off car, and carrying high-deductible insurance policies. You are likely skipping the toll roads and taking surface streets, cooking 95% of your meals at home, and avoiding any nightlife that costs money. You have no room for error. A single medical emergency or major car repair will put you in debt. The $85,000 family income assumes at least one child is in public school and you are aggressively couponing. It is a survival budget, not a living budget.

Moderate Scenario Analysis

At $78,000 for a single person, you are finally achieving a baseline of stability. You can afford a decent 1BR apartment without spending over 40% of your income. You can likely afford a reliable used car with a payment, and you have enough left over to pay for standard insurance and maybe save $300 a month. You can go out to dinner once a week and afford a gym membership. For a family of four, $125,000 is the entry point to not feeling constant financial anxiety. You can afford a 3BR rental in a decent area, put some money into a 401k, and handle the grocery bill without flinching. You are still not building massive wealth, but you aren't bleeding out.

Comfortable Scenario Analysis

To live comfortably in Hollywood, you need $110,000 as a single earner. This allows you to save aggressively ($1,500+ a month) and afford a mortgage on a condo or townhouse. You can absorb a 10% rent increase or a spike in insurance premiums without panic. You drive a newer car, take vacations, and don't look at the price tag when buying groceries. For a family to be truly comfortable—owning a single-family home with a yard, funding college savings, and handling the massive insurance costs—you need to be pulling in $180,000. At this level, the hidden costs and taxes become manageable background noise rather than a constant siren.