Broward vs Miami-Dade: Where Buyers Get More Value in 2026

The right choice comes down to one thing: Which county gives you the best total monthly payment and day-to-day lifestyle for your budget as a South Florida home buyer, not just the list price. Many buyers underestimate how much taxes, insurance, and maintenance shape affordability, a breakdown that's covered in detail in the true cost of homeownership in South Florida.

1) Purchase price and "space for the money"

Broward value advantage: Buyers often find more townhomes and single-family options in areas like Miramar, Pembroke Pines, Hollywood, Weston, Davie, and Plantation where the same budget can buy:

• More square footage

• A garage or driveway

• A newer roof or newer build (often easier on insurance)

This is especially noticeable when comparing renovation risk versus move-in-ready homes, as explained in fixer-upper vs. turnkey costs in Broward & Miami-Dade.

Miami-Dade value advantage: Miami-Dade can still win if you value:

• Closer access to major job hubs (Downtown/Brickell, Health District, airport area)

• A more urban lifestyle in select neighborhoods

For example, buyers often find that a 3-bedroom townhome in Pembroke Pines may price similarly to a smaller condo in parts of Kendall or Doral, but with very different HOA and insurance profiles.

2) Commute reality: Where do you drive every day?

This is where "value" becomes personal.

• If you work in Miami job hubs (Brickell, Downtown, Coral Gables, Health District), Miami-Dade may save you meaningful time and stress each week.

• If you split commutes (Miami + Fort Lauderdale) or work in Broward, Broward can offer a better balance and easier day-to-day driving.

Decision tip: Test your commute during real rush hour from 2–3 neighborhoods. A "good deal" can feel expensive if it costs you 90 minutes a day.

3) Insurance and property condition (the hidden budget swing)

In 2026, insurance is often the biggest monthly wildcard. Two homes at the same price can feel totally different financially once you price insurance.

Broward tends to feel more predictable when you choose:

• Newer roofs

• Homes with wind protections

• Communities with cleaner inspection histories

Miami-Dade can run higher for:

• Coastal exposure

• Older homes needing stricter underwriting

• Certain condo buildings with higher association insurance costs

If you haven't priced this carefully yet, review why Florida home insurance is so high and how buyers can navigate it before locking in a neighborhood budget.

Value rule: If the Miami-Dade premium pushes your monthly payment past comfort, it's not "better value," even if the home is nicer on paper.

Pro tip: If you want a fast estimate of what insurance and HOA could do to your monthly payment in each county, a quick pre-approval scenario can save weeks of guesswork.

4) HOA and condos: more than just a monthly fee

Both counties have HOA-heavy inventory, but condo financing scrutiny has made building "health" matter more than ever.

Watch for:

• Rising HOA dues tied to insurance

• Special assessments

• Low reserves or unclear reserve plans

• Financing restrictions (some buildings become harder to finance)

If you're comparing condos across counties, it's smart to understand how building rules and reserve requirements affect loan approval, outlined in Florida condo financing guidelines for mortgage approval.

If you're buying in competitive entry-level price ranges, strategy matters as well, especially when competing with cash buyers and investors, as explained in how to compete with investors and cash offers in South Florida.

5) So where are buyers getting more value in 2026?

Broward often wins for value when you want:

• More space for the budget

• A suburban lifestyle with easier parking

• A potentially more manageable total monthly cost (PITI + insurance + HOA)

Miami-Dade often wins for value when you want:

• A commute that needs to be Miami-centric

• A more urban lifestyle or transit access

• Specific neighborhoods where location is the primary value driver

Final takeaway

In 2026, "value" is not a county-wide truth. It's a math problem plus a lifestyle choice.

The smartest move is to compare two homes you would actually buy (one in Broward, one in Miami-Dade) and line up:

• Mortgage payment

• Taxes

• Insurance

• HOA/condo dues

• Commute cost (time, tolls, parking)

That comparison usually makes the answer obvious.

Want a Broward vs Miami-Dade payment comparison for your budget?

If you're deciding between Broward and Miami-Dade, we can run side-by-side scenarios that include realistic insurance, taxes, and HOA so you can choose confidently:

• Get pre-approved in minutes: Start your application now

• Explore Florida homebuyer programs: Learn about FHA, low-down, and first-time buyer options

• Book a strategy call: Schedule a call to compare counties and monthly payments

EZ Funding Group, Inc. NMLS #349022 | Jaime Charouf NMLS #348964 | Equal Housing Lender