Cost of Living in Davie Florida: What You Need to Know

If you're considering a move to Davie, Florida, one of the first things you'll want to understand is what it actually costs to live there. Davie offers a unique South Florida lifestyle — more space, larger lots, and a quieter pace — but it comes with costs that are important to understand before you commit. Here's a realistic breakdown of the cost of living in Davie in 2026, based on current market data.

Overall Cost of Living

Davie's cost of living is approximately 16% higher than the national average and about 12% higher than the Florida state average. The primary driver of this difference is housing. Florida's lack of a state income tax offsets some of the higher housing and utility costs, but it's important to go in with realistic expectations.

To live comfortably in Davie — covering housing, transportation, food, utilities, and other expenses — a household income in the range of $115,000 to $130,000 is a reasonable benchmark. Of course, this varies based on your specific situation, family size, and lifestyle preferences.

Housing Costs

Housing is where Davie differs most from the national average. As of early 2026, the median home price in Davie is approximately $520,000 to $540,000, though this varies significantly depending on the property type, location, and lot size. Davie's housing stock includes everything from standard residential homes in gated communities to multi-acre equestrian estates — and that range is reflected in pricing.

For buyers, here's what that typically looks like:

• Entry-level single-family homes: $400,000 to $500,000
• Mid-range homes: $550,000 to $800,000
• Luxury and equestrian properties: $1,000,000 to $2,000,000+

For renters, average apartment rents in Davie range from approximately $2,000 to $2,760 per month depending on the size and type of unit. Single-family home rentals tend to run higher, particularly for properties with larger lots or upgraded finishes.

Property Taxes

Property taxes in Davie align with broader Broward County rates. The effective property tax rate is approximately 1.29% of assessed home value. On a home assessed at $500,000, that translates to roughly $6,450 per year — or about $537 per month.

It's worth noting that Florida's homestead exemption reduces the taxable value of your primary residence by up to $50,000, which can meaningfully lower your annual tax bill. If you're buying a home in Davie, make sure your Realtor and title company factor the homestead exemption into your cost projections.

Utility Costs

South Florida's climate means air conditioning is a year-round expense. The average electricity bill in Davie runs approximately $250 per month, which is higher than the national average due to the extended cooling season. Water and sewer services in the Town of Davie carry a combined base fee of around $70 per month before usage charges, with total monthly utility costs (including electricity) averaging roughly $254 or more.

Florida's homeowner's insurance costs are also higher than the national average. While rates vary based on the property, coverage level, and wind mitigation features, it's important to budget for insurance as a significant monthly or annual expense.

Groceries and Daily Expenses

Grocery costs in Davie are generally on par with the Florida state average. Residents have access to a full range of grocery options, from mainstream chains like Publix and Whole Foods to local markets and specialty stores. Depending on shopping habits and family size, monthly grocery costs for a family of four typically fall between $600 and $900.

Dining out is reasonably accessible, with a wide range of restaurants along Davie's main corridors and nearby in Plantation, Fort Lauderdale, and Hollywood. South Florida's dining scene offers everything from casual local spots to high-end dining, so your food budget can flex significantly based on lifestyle.

Transportation and Commute Costs

Davie is a car-dependent community, so transportation costs are a real factor. Most residents commute by car, and the town's location provides convenient access to I-595, I-75, and the Florida Turnpike. Average commute times from Davie range from 25 to 40 minutes depending on your destination and time of day.

Broward County Transit offers bus service along major corridors, and the Brightline high-speed rail station in nearby Fort Lauderdale provides a connection to Miami and West Palm Beach. However, for most daily errands and commutes, a personal vehicle is the primary mode of transportation.

No State Income Tax: A Significant Advantage

One of the most important financial considerations for anyone moving to Florida is the absence of a state income tax. For high-income earners and families relocating from states like New York, New Jersey, or California, this can represent thousands — or tens of thousands — of dollars in annual savings. It's one of the key reasons South Florida continues to attract relocating buyers, and it significantly offsets the higher housing and utility costs in Davie.

How Davie Compares to Nearby Cities

When weighing the cost of living in Davie, it helps to compare it to neighboring communities:

• Weston: Generally more expensive than Davie, with higher home prices in master-planned communities and top-rated school zones.
• Plantation: Slightly more affordable on average, though lot sizes tend to be smaller and the equestrian lifestyle is not available.
• Cooper City: Comparable in price, with a more compact suburban feel and fewer large-lot properties.
• Fort Lauderdale: Wide range depending on neighborhood — waterfront and downtown areas are significantly more expensive, while some inland areas offer similar pricing to Davie.

Davie's value proposition is clear: you get more land, more space, and a more unique lifestyle than most Broward County communities at a comparable price point. The trade-off is a longer commute to the beach and a more suburban (rather than urban) daily experience.

Is Davie Worth the Cost?

That depends on what you're looking for. If you value space, privacy, an outdoor lifestyle, and a community with genuine character, Davie delivers something that's hard to find elsewhere in South Florida. The cost of living is higher than the national average, but the quality of life — the trails, the equestrian culture, the larger homes and lots, the top-rated schools — provides real, daily value.

If you're evaluating whether Davie fits your budget, I'm happy to walk through the numbers with you. As a Davie-based Realtor with 24 years of experience, I help buyers understand not just what homes cost, but what it actually costs to live here — and whether it's the right move for their situation.