Average Rent in Cape Coral, FL↑ Rents rising 9.9% YoY🔺 9th priciest in FL
HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 792,692
Market Overview
Cape Coral, FL has rental prices ranging from $1,478/month to $2,691/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,488/month — 6% above the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $73,099/year, spending $1,488/month on a 1-bedroom represents 24% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.
How Cape Coral Compares
With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,843/month, Cape Coral ranks #9 most expensive of the 54 cities tracked in Florida — pricier than 97% of all US cities in our data.
The Cape Coral Rental Market
The Cape Coral, FL area has a population of about 792,692 and 26% of households renting rather than owning. That renter share runs below the US average of ~34%, a more homeowner-heavy market where rental inventory can be limited.
Rent Trends
2-bedroom rents in Cape Coral, FL have risen by $166/month (9.9%) over the past year, from $1,677 to $1,843. This rate of increase is significant and reflects strong rental demand and limited housing supply in the local market.
Affordability
To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Cape Coral, FL without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $59,520. The local median household income of $73,099 exceeds that threshold by $13,579, making Cape Coral relatively accessible compared to local wages.
Rent vs. Buy
The median home value in Cape Coral, FL is $338,328, giving a price-to-rent ratio of 15.3. The break-even point between renting and buying is roughly 15 years — renting offers more flexibility for shorter stays, while buying makes more sense for long-term residents.
Neighborhoods
Home values — and by extension rent levels — vary significantly across Cape Coral's neighborhoods. Among the highest-value areas are Entrada ($292,698 median home value), Coral Lakes ($298,131 median home value), Bella Vida ($325,818 median home value). Rental prices typically follow home value patterns, with premium neighborhoods commanding higher rents than outer areas. Renters on a tighter budget may find better value in less central neighborhoods or in adjacent metros with lower overall rent levels.
Fair Market Rents
HUD FY2025Is Cape Coral, FL Affordable?
Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.
Affordability Index(30% income rule)
Nearby Cities in FLlargest metros in the state
| City | Studio | 1BR | 2BR | 3BR | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Palm Beach | $1,639 | $1,830 | $2,187 | $2,856 | — |
| Miami | $1,711 | $1,898 | $2,329 | $3,008 | — |
| Fort Lauderdale | $1,768 | $1,929 | $2,388 | $3,297 | — |
| Tampa | $1,566 | $1,686 | $1,978 | $2,533 | — |
| Orlando | $1,636 | $1,727 | $1,958 | $2,486 | — |
| Jacksonville | $1,381 | $1,454 | $1,730 | $2,163 | — |
Rent or Buy in Cape Coral?
Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.
Should I Rent or Buy?
Break-even analysis using real Cape Coral data
Buying breaks even after 1 year — worth it if you stay 1+ years.
Mortgage Calculator
Estimate monthly payment for $338,328 home at 7% rate
Living in Cape Coral
Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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⚖️Rent vs Buy in Cape CoralIs it cheaper to rent or buy here?
💵Rent Affordability in Cape CoralSalary needed to afford rent here
🗺️All Cities in FLSee how Cape Coral ranks statewide
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