Monthly budget in Florida in Canadian dollars: rent, phone, car and the rest (2026)
In short
For a couple renting a one-bedroom apartment, expect about C$2,400 to C$4,500 a month depending on the city, before groceries and outings. Two traps push the bill up: the exchange rate (US$1 costs about C$1.42) and Florida's taxes on rentals of 6 months or less (6% state tax, plus the county surtax and tourist tax).
Sample monthly budget (couple, 1 bedroom)
| Item | Orlando (US$) | Miami (US$) |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent for a 1 bedroom | 1,598 | 2,452 |
| Short-term rental taxes (about 8 to 12%) | ~160 | ~250 |
| Electricity and internet | ~150 | ~170 |
| 2 prepaid phone lines | ~50 | ~50 |
| Tolls and gas | ~120 | ~120 |
| Total (US$) | ~2,080 | ~3,040 |
| Total (C$, at 1.42) | ~2,950 | ~4,320 |
Illustrative example, excluding groceries, restaurants, travel insurance and activities. Rents are 2026 averages; a furnished rental for a few months often costs more.
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Taxes on rentals of 6 months or less
In Florida, a rental of 6 months or less is a "transient rental." It is subject to the state sales tax (6%), a county surtax and a county tourist tax (1 to 6%). Beyond 6 months with a written lease, these taxes do not apply. Ask whether the advertised price includes taxes.
The exchange rate, item #1
- Every US$1,000 of rent costs about C$1,420 at the October 2026 rate.
- Most Canadian cards add about 2.5% in fees on every purchase in US dollars. See paying in US dollars.
- On a 3-month stay costing US$10,000, 2.5% in fees comes to about C$355.
How to lower the bill
- A prepaid US phone line rather than roaming. See phone plans in Florida.
- A SunPass transponder rather than toll-by-plate billing. See driving your car to Florida.
- A card with no foreign transaction fees for all purchases.
- A less expensive city: Orlando, Tampa, Fort Myers or Vero Beach rather than Miami. See East or West Coast.
Key takeaways
- Couple, 1 bedroom: about C$2,400 to C$4,500 a month depending on the city, before groceries.
- Rentals of 6 months or less: about 8 to 12% in extra taxes.
- The exchange rate and card fees weigh heavily: choose a card with no foreign transaction fees.
Leave without forgetting anything
The complete checklist: more than 65 items to tick off, from 2 months before you leave until you're back. 6-page PDF, 2026 rules.
See the checklist ($9)Sources
- RentCafe — Miami vs. Tampa (2026)
- RentCafe — Orlando (2026)
- Florida Department of Revenue — Sales tax and rentals
- Bank of Canada — Exchange rates
Illustrative example and general information only. Actual prices vary with the accommodation, the season and your lifestyle.