Hollywood is considered moderately priced in 2025, with average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment at $1,750 and overall costs slightly above the national average due to higher housing and utility expenses.
Living in Hollywood, FL in 2025 costs around $3,800 per month for a single adult and $5,200 for a couple, based on typical expenses. The cost of living in Hollywood tends to be moderately higher than the national average, primarily due to elevated housing and utility costs in the South Florida region.
Housing Costs in Hollywood
Housing is the biggest expense for most Hollywood residents. In 2025, the median rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Hollywood is around $1,750 per month. Buying a home is also costly, with the typical price for a 3-bedroom single-family house hovering near $425,000.
Rental and purchase prices can vary significantly by neighborhood. Some of the more affordable areas include Driftwood and Washington Park, while beachfront and eastern neighborhoods like Hollywood Lakes tend to have higher housing costs. Many homes are part of HOAs, which can add $200-400 to monthly expenses.
| Neighborhood | 2BR Rent | 3BR Home Price |
|---|---|---|
| Driftwood | $1,500 | $350,000 |
| Hollywood Lakes | $2,200 | $550,000 |
| Typical Range | $1,500 – $2,200 | $350,000 – $550,000 |
Utility Costs in Hollywood
Utilities are another significant expense in Hollywood, largely due to the need for air conditioning most of the year. Residents can expect to pay around $180 per month for electricity for a 1,000 square foot apartment. Water and trash service typically adds another $60-80 per month.
Energy bills often spike in the hot summer months as AC usage climbs. Choosing an energy-efficient home or apartment can help keep utility costs in check. Some key utilities and their average monthly costs:
| Utility | Avg Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Electricity | $180 |
| Water | $45 |
| Trash | $25 |
| Total | $250 |
Grocery and Food Costs
Groceries for a single adult in Hollywood run around $350-400 per month, while a couple typically spends $600-800. Here’s what a typical grocery basket might cost:
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Milk (1 gal) | $3.50 |
| Bread (1 loaf) | $2.50 |
| Eggs (12) | $2.75 |
| Chicken (1 lb) | $4.50 |
| Beef (1 lb) | $6.00 |
| Rice (1 lb) | $1.50 |
| Apples (1 lb) | $2.00 |
| Coffee (12 oz) | $8.00 |
Dining out is a popular option but costs more. A typical meal at an inexpensive restaurant is around $15, while a mid-range restaurant charges $25-35 per person. Cooking most meals at home is a good way to reduce monthly food costs.
Taxes and Fees in Hollywood
Florida has no state income tax, but Hollywood residents still pay property taxes and sales taxes. The property tax rate in Hollywood is around 1.2% of assessed value, or $4,800 per year on a $400,000 home. The sales tax rate is 7%.
Other common taxes and fees include:
- Vehicle registration fees ($225+ per year)
- Pet licensing fees ($25 per year)
- HOA fees ($200-400 per month)
- Trash collection surcharges ($10-20 per month)
- Parking permits in some areas ($30-100 per year)
Monthly Budget Summary
To live comfortably in Hollywood, aim for the following in gross monthly income (pre-tax):
| Expense | Single Adult | Couple | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | $1,500 | $1,750 | $2,200 |
| Utilities | $200 | $250 | $350 |
| Groceries | $400 | $700 | $1,100 |
| Transportation | $300 | $500 | $800 |
| Taxes/Fees | $400 | $600 | $800 |
| Miscellaneous | $1,000 | $1,400 | $1,800 |
| Total | $3,800 | $5,200 | $7,050 |
Lifestyle Considerations
The biggest lifestyle tradeoff in Hollywood is housing costs versus commute times. Living closer to the beach or downtown means paying more in rent or mortgage, but it can significantly reduce time spent in traffic, which averages 28 minutes each way.
Suburban neighborhoods in west Hollywood like Emerald Hills offer more affordable housing and a quiet atmosphere, but residents need to budget more for transportation. Frequent bus service is available, but most people rely on personal vehicles to get around the spread-out region.
Access to parks, dining, and entertainment varies by area. Neighborhoods closer to the city center and beaches have the most options within walking distance, while outlying areas are more residential. Choosing a neighborhood that fits your budget and lifestyle priorities is key.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hollywood more affordable than nearby cities?
Hollywood’s cost of living is similar to other parts of the Miami metro area. Housing costs in Hollywood tend to be slightly lower than in Miami proper but higher than in western suburbs like Miramar or Pembroke Pines.What is a realistic monthly budget in Hollywood?
A single adult should aim for around $3,800 in gross monthly income to live comfortably in Hollywood, while a couple will need about $5,200. Families with children and those living in pricier neighborhoods will need to budget more.
Do utilities cost more in Hollywood than other areas?
Utility costs in Hollywood are slightly higher than the national average, mainly due to the need for year-round air conditioning. Costs are in line with most of South Florida.How much does a family of four spend in Hollywood per month?
A typical family of four in Hollywood should budget at least $7,000 per month to cover housing, food, transportation, and other essentials. Child care, education, and extracurricular activities can add hundreds or thousands more.Are property taxes higher in Hollywood than nearby cities?
Hollywood’s property tax rate of 1.2% is similar to most other cities in Broward County. Rates in the City of Miami tend to be slightly higher, while some smaller municipalities have lower rates.