If you have been scrolling through listings in Broward County lately, you likely noticed that finding “affordable” housing feels a bit like a competitive sport. However, Tamarac remains one of the few places in South Florida where you can still find decent square footage without the coastal price tag. As we settle into early 2026, the market here is shifting from “red hot” to something much more manageable.
Currently, the average rent in Tamarac generally hovers between $1,750 and $2,150 per month, depending on whether you are looking at an older private condo or a modern apartment complex.
The good news for renters is that the aggressive price hikes of the last few years have cooled off. We are seeing rents stabilize and, in some pockets, even decrease slightly (about 2% to 3% compared to last year). It is still a landlord’s market, but tenants have a bit more breathing room than before. While these numbers are about 8% higher than the national average, they represent a significant discount compared to the sky-high prices just east in Fort Lauderdale or south in Miami-Dade.
Rental Costs by Unit Size and Type
When budgeting for a move here, it is helpful to look beyond the average and break it down by how much space you actually need. Pricing varies wildly depending on whether you are looking for a compact efficiency or a full-sized home.
Studio Apartments Interestingly, studios are not the bargain bin option here that they are in other cities. Inventory is incredibly low—Tamarac was built as a suburban bedroom community, not a city of micro-apartments. Because of scarcity, you might find studios listed near $1,800+, which often makes renting a one-bedroom a smarter financial move.
One-Bedroom Units This is the most common entry point for professionals and couples. You can expect to see listings averaging between $1,750 and $1,880. If you are willing to rent a private condo in an older building rather than a unit in a shiny new “luxury” complex, you can often find deals at the lower end of this spectrum.
Two-Bedroom Units If you need a home office or have a roommate, the two-bedroom market is robust. Prices generally land in the $2,200 to $2,250 range. This is often the sweet spot for value; splitting a two-bedroom unit is almost always cheaper per person than renting a one-bedroom alone.
Three-Bedroom Homes Once you move into three-bedroom territory—especially single-family homes or large townhomes—prices jump significantly, often crossing the $3,000+ mark. Large layouts are harder to come by, and when a single-family home hits the market, it tends to move fast.
Note on Property Types: There is a distinct split in the market here. Managed apartment communities (run by leasing offices) cost more but offer instant approval and amenities. Private condos (rented by individual owners) are usually $100–$300 cheaper per month but come with strict HOA approval processes that can take weeks.
Rent Comparison: Tamarac vs. Nearby Cities
One of the main reasons people choose moving to Broward County is the “westward migration” for value. If you work in downtown Fort Lauderdale, you might be wondering if the commute from Tamarac is worth the savings.
Compared to Fort Lauderdale, where the average rent often pushes past $2,780, living in Tamarac can save you roughly $600 to $800 a month. You sacrifice the immediate access to the beach and Las Olas nightlife, but for many, the financial trade-off is an easy choice.
When you look at neighbors to the north and south, the math gets tighter. Coral Springs, bordering Tamarac to the north, usually commands a premium of $200 to $300 more per month. Coral Springs has a stricter master-planned aesthetic, but you can often find the exact same floor plan in Tamarac for less money.
To the south, Sunrise is comparable in price, generally ranging from $2,000 to $2,400. However, rentals near the Sawgrass Mills Mall and the arena tend to be pricier. Tamarac offers a quieter, more residential vibe compared to the retail-heavy traffic of Sunrise. Because Tamarac sits right along the Florida Turnpike and the Sawgrass Expressway, it offers high “commuter value”—you can get to work easily without paying the premium to live next to the office.
Popular Neighborhoods and Renter-Friendly Areas
Tamarac is a patchwork of different communities, each with its own vibe and price point. Finding the right fit often depends on what kind of lifestyle—and application process—you are willing to deal with.
Woodmont is a standout area for those who want greenery. It is largely built around golf course views and offers a mix of single-family homes and townhomes. It is residential and quiet, making it a solid choice for those who want a break from the city noise. Similarly, The Woodlands features older, estate-style homes on large lots. Rents here can vary hugely depending on whether a home has been renovated or is still rocking its original 1970s decor.
For standard suburban living, areas like Heathgate and Westwood offer reliable inventory of single-family homes and duplexes. These are quintessential residential pockets close to schools and parks.
The “55+ Trap” (Read This Before You Search) If you are sorting your search results by “Price: Low to High,” you will likely see dozens of spacious condos listed for $1,400 or $1,500. Be careful. Tamarac has a massive inventory of age-restricted communities, such as Kings Point and Granville.
These communities require at least one tenant to be 55 or older (and often prohibit anyone under 18). They strictly enforce these rules. If you are under 55, you must filter your search explicitly to avoid these listings, or you will waste hours calling about apartments you legally cannot rent.
Cost of Living: Utilities, Fees, and Move-In Costs
The monthly rent is just one line item. To avoid surprises, you need to budget for the upfront cash and hidden fees that are standard in the Florida rental market.
The Move-In Math In South Florida, the standard move-in requirement is First Month + Last Month + Security Deposit. That means to move into a $2,000/month apartment, you typically need to have $6,000 in cash ready to go at lease signing. Some managed apartment complexes offer lower deposit specials, but private landlords rarely do.
HOA Applications If you rent a private condo (which is often cheaper), you are at the mercy of the Homeowners Association (HOA). You will likely have to pay a non-refundable application fee of $100 to $200 per person. More importantly, you have to budget for time. HOA approval in Tamarac isn’t instant; it frequently takes 15 to 30 days. You cannot move in until the board says yes, so do not leave your housing search until the last minute.
Utilities and Insurance Florida Power & Light (FPL) bills can be a shock in the summer. AC is not optional here. You should budget for electricity spikes from June through September. In condo rentals, water and trash are sometimes included in the rent, but in single-family homes, you usually pay for everything, including lawn care. Additionally, renter’s insurance is increasingly becoming mandatory, whether you lease from a big company or a private owner.
Income and Credit Requirements for Tamarac Renters
Landlords and HOAs in 2026 are risk-averse. Having the cash for the deposit is great, but you also need to look good on paper to get approved.
The 3x Income Rule Almost every landlord will require your gross monthly income to be at least three times the monthly rent. For a $2,000 apartment, you need to show proof of $6,000/month in income. Pay stubs, tax returns, and bank statements are non-negotiable documentation.
Credit Scores A credit score of 650+ is the standard “safe zone.” This is where the difference between renting a home and an apartment complex matters. A corporate apartment building might be flexible with a lower score if you pay a higher deposit. However, a private Condo Association (HOA) often has a hard minimum written into their bylaws (often 650 or 700). If your score is 640, the individual landlord might like you, but the HOA can—and will—reject the application, and the landlord cannot override them.
Pet Policies Tamarac is generally pet-friendly, but weight limits are strict in condo communities. Many associations cap dogs at 20 or 40 pounds. If you have a large dog, you will likely need to focus your search on single-family homes or specifically “large-dog friendly” apartment complexes, as most condos will not accept them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, renting in Tamarac is significantly cheaper. You can typically save $600 to $800 per month on rent for a comparable property, though you trade the beach access and walkability of Fort Lauderdale for a more suburban, car-dependent lifestyle.
Utility costs vary by season, but for a 2-bedroom unit, you should budget roughly $150 to $250 per month for electricity, largely depending on how cool you keep your A/C. Water is often included in condo rents, but internet and cable will be separate expenses.
Yes, a very large portion of Tamarac’s rental inventory is in 55+ communities like Kings Point. These listings often appear as the cheapest options on search sites ($1,400–$1,600 range), so renters under 55 must read listing descriptions carefully to ensure they qualify.
You should plan to have three times the monthly rent available in cash. Most landlords require the first month’s rent, the last month’s rent, and a security deposit equal to one month’s rent upfront (e.g., $6,000 for a $2,000/month unit).
If you are renting from a private landlord in a condo building, yes, you almost always need HOA approval. This process includes background checks and interviews, requires a separate application fee, and typically takes 2 to 4 weeks to process.
