South Florida Families Face Steep Costs When Upsizing Rentals
Study shows Broward has the highest rent jump in Florida, while Homestead offers a more affordable option
Families in Miami-Dade and Broward counties looking to move into larger rental homes are facing some of the toughest price hikes in Florida, according to a new study analyzing housing costs across the state.
The research, conducted by RentalHouse Property Management using data from the National Low Income Housing Coalition, examined the cost of upsizing rentals from two- to three-bedroom homes. On average, Florida renters can expect a 31% increase, with the monthly cost rising from $1,833 for a two-bedroom to $2,400 for a three-bedroom. But in South Florida, the increases are even more dramatic.
Broward County: The Most Expensive in Florida
Broward County tops the state for the steepest rental increase. A typical two-bedroom rents for $2,102, while a three-bedroom averages $2,916. That’s a jump of $814 per month, or 38.7% more — the sharpest spike reported anywhere in Florida.
For families in cities such as Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, and Pembroke Pines, this jump can strain budgets to the breaking point, often leaving renters with limited options: accept the higher rent, downsize to a smaller home, or consider moving out of the county.
Miami-Dade: High Costs, with Homestead as a Relief Valve
In Miami-Dade County, the situation is only slightly less severe. Renters here pay about $2,324 for a two-bedroom home, but the cost rises to $3,027 for three bedrooms. That’s a $703 monthly increase, equal to 30.2% more.
However, not all of Miami-Dade is equally expensive. Homestead has emerged as a more affordable alternative within the county. While rents there are still high compared to Florida’s statewide averages, three-bedroom properties in Homestead often come at lower prices than those in central Miami or coastal areas. For growing families, this makes Homestead an increasingly attractive choice for upsizing without breaking the bank.
Families at a Crossroads
“After analyzing rent prices for studios up to four-bedroom homes, we found the biggest leap expanding families face is when they want to upsize from a two-bedroom to a three-bedroom home,” explained Paul Kiledjian, CEO of RentalHouse Property Management.
That transition, the study notes, is when many families begin to weigh the possibility of homeownership. For some, it makes more sense to endure tighter spaces for another year and save money toward a down payment, rather than committing to sharply higher rental costs.
Florida vs. South Florida Reality
While some rural counties like Lafayette or Suwannee report rent increases of just 20% when upsizing, South Florida renters face much harsher realities. Both Miami-Dade and Broward exceed the state average, cementing the region’s reputation as one of Florida’s least affordable rental markets.
For many families, Homestead remains a critical lifeline: close enough to Miami, but with housing options that make the dream of a bigger home still within reach.
