Pembroke Pines, FL vs. Hollywood, FL: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Choosing between Pembroke Pines and Hollywood, FL in 2025? Consider this rapid-fire cost comparison:
- Median home price: Pembroke Pines $450K vs Hollywood $375K
- Average 2BR rent: Pembroke Pines $2,100 vs Hollywood $1,800
- Typical utility bill: Pembroke Pines $180 vs Hollywood $160
- Monthly groceries for 2: Pembroke Pines $500 vs Hollywood $450
As neighboring cities in the Miami metro area, Pembroke Pines and Hollywood attract many relocating Floridians. Pembroke Pines offers more spacious, family-friendly living, while Hollywood provides an urban beach vibe with walkable neighborhoods. But in today’s economy, cost of living is often the deciding factor.
To help you choose, we’ve compiled a detailed cost comparison for 2025. We’ll cover monthly expenses like housing, utilities, groceries, and taxes to show how far your dollar goes in each city. Whether you’re a young professional seeking an affordable apartment or a growing family in need of more space, you’ll see which city fits your lifestyle and budget.
Housing Costs
Housing is typically the largest expense for South Florida households. In Pembroke Pines, a mid-range 3BR home has a median price of $450,000 as of 2025. Rents for a standard 2BR apartment hover around $2,100 per month. Prices tend to be higher in newer planned communities with amenities like pools and fitness centers.
In Hollywood, housing costs are somewhat lower. The median price for a 3BR home is $375,000, while 2BR apartments rent for an average of $1,800 monthly. The tradeoff is that much of Hollywood’s housing stock is older, so utility costs can be higher. Beachfront homes and condos also command steeper prices.
| Housing Type | Pembroke Pines | Hollywood |
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price (3BR) | $450,000 | $375,000 |
| Average Rent (2BR) | $2,100 | $1,800 |
For young professionals, Hollywood’s lower rents can mean significant savings, with more apartments available near the city center. Families will find their money goes further on larger homes in Pembroke Pines, especially in communities zoned for top-rated schools.
Overall, Pembroke Pines has higher housing costs but offers more space and newer construction. Budget-conscious renters will likely prefer Hollywood.
Utilities and Energy Costs
South Florida’s tropical climate means air conditioning is a must year-round. In Pembroke Pines, expect to pay around $180 per month for electricity, water, and gas in a typical home. Newer construction tends to be more energy-efficient, helping control costs.
Hollywood residents often report higher utility bills, averaging $160 for a 2BR apartment to over $200 for older single-family homes. The city’s aging infrastructure and distance from power plants can mean higher energy costs, especially in the summer.
Households can save by taking advantage of FPL’s off-peak rates and energy-efficiency rebates. Upgrading to a smart thermostat or installing ceiling fans can also help keep bills in check.
With its newer housing stock and planned developments, Pembroke Pines has the edge on utility costs for most home types. Hollywood residents can offset higher bills through energy-saving measures.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Both Pembroke Pines and Hollywood offer a variety of grocery options, from major chains to specialty organic markets. Prices for staples like bread, milk, and eggs are comparable, but Pembroke Pines residents may spend 10-15% more overall.
A couple in Pembroke Pines can expect to budget around $500 per month for groceries, while the same items average $450 in Hollywood. Pembroke Pines has more high-end stores like Whole Foods and The Fresh Market, which can drive up costs for frequent shoppers.
Dining out is slightly pricier in Pembroke Pines, with an average dinner for two around $70, compared to $60 in Hollywood. However, Pembroke Pines offers a wider variety of upscale restaurant options.
Families will likely spend more on groceries and dining out in Pembroke Pines, while singles and couples may find better value in Hollywood’s casual eateries and beach bars. Weekly farmers markets in both cities offer savings on local produce.
Taxes and Fees
Florida has no state income tax, but residents pay property taxes to their city and county. Pembroke Pines has a slightly higher average property tax rate of 1.3%, compared to 1.1% in Hollywood.
For a $400,000 home, that means annual taxes of $5,200 in Pembroke Pines versus $4,400 in Hollywood. However, many Pembroke Pines neighborhoods have HOA fees that can add $200-$400 per month. Hollywood has fewer HOAs, and fees tend to be lower.
Both cities charge a 7% sales tax on most goods and services. Pembroke Pines has higher water and sewer fees, while Hollywood charges more for trash and recycling pickup.
Homeowners will pay more in property taxes and HOA fees in Pembroke Pines, while Hollywood residents face higher city service charges. Renters won’t directly pay property taxes but may see these costs passed on in the form of higher rent.
| Cost Factor | Pembroke Pines | Hollywood |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR home) | $2,500 | $2,100 |
| Utilities | $180 | $200 |
| Groceries (family of 2) | $500 | $450 |
| Transportation | $300 | $250 |
| Taxes (1.3% vs 1.1%) | $435 | $365 |
| Misc Costs | $400 | $350 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $4,315 | $3,715 |
According to the table, a household in Pembroke Pines pays around $4,315 per month for basic living costs, while the same standard of living averages $3,715 in Hollywood. That’s a potential savings of $600 per month or $7,200 per year for Hollywood residents.
Estimates reflect 2025 costs for a mid-size household (2-bedroom apartment or 3-bedroom home) using published national data and regional benchmarks. Actual expenses will vary with household size, lifestyle, and neighborhood.
Lifestyle Fit
Pembroke Pines is known for its top-rated schools, parks, and family-friendly amenities. The city has a suburban feel with tree-lined streets and gated communities. Commute times average 30 minutes, with most residents driving to work in Miami or Fort Lauderdale.
Hollywood offers a more urban coastal vibe, with walkable neighborhoods and a lively downtown. Young professionals are drawn to the city’s arts scene, nightlife, and proximity to the beach. Many residents bike or use the Hollywood Trolley to get around.
While Pembroke Pines has higher overall costs, it can be a better value for families seeking space and good schools. Singles and couples without kids may prefer Hollywood’s lower housing costs and vibrant culture, which can offset higher utility and transportation expenses.
FAQ Section
Is Pembroke Pines more affordable than Hollywood in 2025?
For most households, Hollywood offers a lower overall cost of living than Pembroke Pines in 2025. However, families may find better value in Pembroke Pines’ spacious homes and highly-rated schools.
Are rental prices lower in Pembroke Pines or Hollywood?
On average, renters pay about $300 less per month for a 2BR apartment in Hollywood compared to Pembroke Pines. Hollywood has a larger supply of rental units, while Pembroke Pines has more single-family homes.
How do grocery costs compare between Pembroke Pines and Hollywood?
Grocery prices are around 10% lower in Hollywood than Pembroke Pines. A couple can expect to spend $450 per month on food in Hollywood, while the same items average $500 in Pembroke Pines due to more upscale markets.
Are property taxes higher in Hollywood than in Pembroke Pines?
No, Pembroke Pines has a slightly higher property tax rate of 1.3%, compared to 1.1% in Hollywood. For a $400K home, that’s a difference of $800 per year. Pembroke Pines homeowners also pay more in HOA fees.
How much could renters save by choosing Pembroke Pines over Hollywood in 2025?
Renters could save around $3,600 per year on a typical 2BR apartment by living in Hollywood instead of Pembroke Pines. However, utility costs tend to be higher in Hollywood’s older rental buildings.
Conclusion
Pembroke Pines and Hollywood offer two distinct flavors of South Florida living. Pembroke Pines is a family-oriented suburb with excellent schools and recreational amenities, while Hollywood is a coastal city with a younger, more urban feel. Both are popular with relocating residents and have a lot to offer in terms of culture and outdoor activities.
When it comes to cost of living, Hollywood comes out ahead for most households. Housing, groceries, and transportation tend to be less expensive, adding up to savings of $500 or more per month compared to Pembroke Pines. However, families with children may find Pembroke Pines’ highly-rated schools and newer homes worth the added expense.
Ultimately, the right city for you depends on your lifestyle, life stage, and budget priorities. We recommend visiting both cities and touring different neighborhoods to get a feel for which one fits your needs. Whichever you choose, be sure to get moving quotes and budget for all the costs of relocating to South Florida.