The Real Cost of Living in Sunrise, FL: A 2026 Financial Autopsy

Forget the glossy brochures and the "sunshine tax" apologists. If you are looking at Sunrise, Florida, you need to strip away the marketing veneer and look at the cold, hard math. The Cost of Living (COL) index sits at 103.5, which is a deceptive figure. It suggests you are only paying 3.5% above the national average. This is a statistical lie designed to get you through the door. The reality is that while some staples might hover near the baseline, the structural costs of living in South Florida—specifically housing, insurance, and the nickel-and-dime infrastructure—will absolutely wreck a budget that isn't prepared for the bleed. The median household income is pegged at $76,722, but the estimated income for a single person to live "comfortably" (defined here as not living paycheck to paycheck with zero savings) starts at $42,197. Anything less than that, and you are essentially treading water, hoping an HOA fine or a hurricane deductible doesn't drown you.

The Big Items: Where Your Paycheck Goes to Die

When you break down the budget in Sunrise, you aren't just paying for a roof; you are paying for the privilege of existing in a climate-controlled box in a state that is actively insuring itself against collapse. The "comfort" level is a moving target, but the heavy hitters—Housing, Taxes, and Daily Consumables—eat up the vast majority of that $42,197 floor.

Housing is the primary source of financial pain. The data shows a median 2-bedroom rent of $2,333. Let’s do the math on that. To rent a standard 2-bedroom apartment in Sunrise without being rent-burdened (defined as spending over 30% of gross income on housing), you need a household income of roughly $93,000. That is significantly higher than the median income of $76,722. Buying isn't necessarily the escape hatch people think it is. While you might build equity, the property tax bite in Broward County is aggressive. You are looking at an effective property tax rate that hovers around 1.5% to 1.7% of the assessed home value. On a $450,000 home, that is an annual tax bill of roughly $6,750, which translates to $562 a month just in taxes, not counting the mortgage principal or interest. The market heat in Sunrise is driven by the proximity to Fort Lauderdale and the medical sector, keeping demand high and inventory tight. You aren't just buying a home; you are buying into a high-overhead ecosystem.

Taxes are a mixed bag that usually ends up costing you more. Florida has 0% state income tax. Great. Do not high-five your accountant yet. The state makes up for it by hammering you on consumption and property. The sales tax in Broward County is 6%, but when you factor in local discretionary surtaxes, you are often paying 7% on big-ticket items. The real tax trap, however, is the "tourist tax" mentality baked into local fees. If you own a home, the property tax bite is relentless. It reassesses annually, and with the housing market fluctuations, you can expect your taxable value to creep up, increasing that monthly bleed. The lack of income tax is a mirage that blinds you to the reality that your property tax bill will likely be double what it would be in a state with high income tax but lower property taxes.

Groceries and Gas are where the "baseline" argument falls apart. The data suggests these are near the national average, but local variance is a killer. You aren't driving 5 miles to the grocery store; you are driving 10 miles in gridlock traffic, burning gas at a premium. Gas prices in Sunrise fluctuate wildly, independent of the national average, often sitting $0.20 to $0.40 higher than the US baseline due to local refinery logistics and tourism demand. Groceries are deceptive. While a gallon of milk might be standard, the "fresh" produce and meat options are often imported or priced at a premium because of the logistics chain feeding South Florida. You will feel the sticker shock when a standard weekly grocery run for a family of four easily breaches $250. If you are relying on delivery services (Instacart, DoorDash) because of the heat or traffic, tack on another 15-20% markup per order.

Hidden 'Gotcha' Costs

This is the section that breaks budgets. These are the costs that don't show up on the "Cost of Living Index" because they are optional, or so mandatory they feel optional. If you are moving to Sunrise, you will pay these.

1. The Insurance Gauntlet: Homeowners insurance in Florida is a crisis. You aren't just getting a policy; you are fighting for coverage. Expect to pay $3,000 to $6,000+ annually for a standard policy, assuming you aren't in a high-risk flood zone. If you are in a flood zone? You need Flood Insurance, which is another $800 to $2,000 a year. Auto insurance rates in Broward County are among the highest in the nation due to high accident rates and fraud. Expect to pay $250+ per month for decent coverage on a standard vehicle.
2. The Toll Road Extortion: Living in Sunrise without a SunPass (the electronic toll transponder) is a nightmare. The "Sawgrass Expressway" and the connections to I-595 are toll-heavy. If you commute to Fort Lauderdale or Miami, you can easily rack up $40 to $80 a week in tolls alone. This is a non-negotiable tax on mobility.
3. HOA and Condo Fees: If you buy a condo or a home in a planned community (which is most of Sunrise), you are subject to Homeowners Association fees. These are not optional. They range from $250 to $600 a month. These fees cover "amenities" (pools, landscaping) that you may never use, but you pay for them regardless. In condos, these fees are skyrocketing due to new legislation requiring structural inspections and massive reserve funds post-Surfside. That $400 monthly fee could jump to $700 overnight with a special assessment.
4. Parking and Resort Fees: If you live in an apartment complex, you often pay for parking spaces—$25 to $50 a month. If you go to the beach or a major event venue, parking is rarely free and usually starts at $20 per entry.

Lifestyle Inflation: The "Sunshine Tax"

The "Sunrise" lifestyle comes with a price tag that encourages spending. The weather dictates outdoor activities, and the commercial landscape is designed to extract cash.

• Dining Out: A modest dinner for two at a mid-range chain or local spot in Sunrise will run you $80 to $120 including tip. Alcohol is marked up significantly. A draft beer is easily $8; a cocktail is $12-$15.
• Coffee: The "grab a coffee" culture is alive and well. A standard latte at a local roaster is $5.50 to $6.50. Over a month, that habit costs $150.
• Fitness: A standard gym membership (like LA Fitness or YouFit) is roughly $35 to $50 a month, plus enrollment fees. Boutique fitness (OrangeTheory, F45) will run you $160+ a month.
• Entertainment: Taking the family to a movie theater (AMC Sunset Place) will cost $60+ for tickets alone, before popcorn. A round of golf at a public course is $50-$90.

Salary Scenarios: Can You Actually Afford This?

To determine if a move to Sunrise is financially viable, we have to look at three distinct lifestyle tiers. The following table assumes a single earner or a household living on that income. The "Single Income" represents the minimum threshold to sustain that lifestyle as an individual. The "Family Income" represents a household of four requiring that lifestyle level.