The Move North
Trading Broward for the Beach: A Cost Comparison
By Bridgette A. Daley • October 12, 2026
The math in South Florida has fundamentally changed. As we navigate late 2026, the conversation isn't just about lifestyle anymore—it's about leverage.
In Broward and Miami-Dade counties, the median single-family home price has comfortably settled above the $650,000 to $700,000 mark. Factor in the staggering increases in windstorm and flood insurance, plus rising property taxes, and the monthly carrying costs have pushed many professionals out of the market they grew up in.
The Treasure Coast Advantage
Just an hour or two north, the Treasure Coast offers a stark contrast. The regional median price hovers around $425,000. But the real savings are in the carrying costs. Many of our coastal communities sit at higher elevations, mitigating some of the most punishing flood insurance premiums seen down south.
"You aren't just buying a house; you're buying back your weekend, your disposable income, and your peace of mind."
For $500,000 in Fort Pierce or Port St. Lucie, you aren't getting a fixer-upper townhome. You're securing a spacious, modern single-family home, often with a pool, in a community that feels like South Florida did twenty years ago. The traffic is manageable, the beaches are pristine, and the value proposition is undeniable.
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Download The South Florida Escape Plan.