Average Rent in Fort Myers, FL (2026): What Renters Pay and What Your Rental Could Earn
Fort Myers is one of the busiest rental markets in Southwest Florida, with about half of its households renting. Whether you own a single-family home, a condo, or a small multifamily building, knowing what renters actually pay is the first step to pricing it right. Here is what the latest data shows for 2026.
Written by Jon C. Schmitt, Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker and Owner of True Patriot Property Management. Last updated November 10, 2026. Rent figures come from RentCafe and Zumper and change monthly.
Quick answer: what is the average rent in Fort Myers?
The average apartment rent in Fort Myers is about $1,735 a month, down 2.76% from $1,784 a year ago, according to RentCafe (updated October 31, 2026). Across all listed rentals, including houses, Zumper puts the median at about $1,900 a month, down 5% from last year. On Zumper, apartments average about $1,490 and houses about $2,355.
The two sources measure different things. RentCafe tracks apartments in buildings with 50 or more units. Zumper tracks listings of all sizes, including single-family homes and condos, which is closer to what most individual owners rent out.
Average rent in Fort Myers by bedroom (2026)
| Unit size | RentCafe (apartments in large complexes) | Zumper (all listed rentals) |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,327 | $1,400 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,529 | $1,300 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,772 | $1,650 |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,155 | $2,250 |
| 4 bedrooms | Not reported | $2,900 |
| All rentals | $1,735 | $1,900 (median) |
Rent by Fort Myers neighborhood
RentCafe’s neighborhood averages for apartments show how much location matters inside the city:
| Neighborhood | Average apartment rent |
|---|---|
| Arborwood | $1,959 |
| Olympia-Sherwood | $1,906 |
| Edgewood-Morningside | $1,886 |
| Dunbar | $1,880 |
| Sunset-Edison | $1,875 |
| Forum | $1,821 |
| Estero Bay Park | $1,807 |
| Eastwood Village | $1,801 |
| Omni-Heritage Palms | $1,705 |
| Winkler | $1,610 |
| Palm Lee | $1,448 |
Fort Myers vs. nearby cities
| City | Average apartment rent |
|---|---|
| Cape Coral | $1,698 |
| Fort Myers | $1,735 |
| Naples | $2,165 |
| Bonita Springs | $2,294 |
| Estero | $2,409 |
Fort Myers sits near the low end of the Southwest Florida market, close to Cape Coral and well below Naples, Bonita Springs and Estero. See our guide to average rent in Naples for the Collier County side.
What is happening to rents in Fort Myers
- Slightly lower than last year. Both sources show rents down from a year ago, 2.76% on RentCafe and 5% on Zumper. Renters have more choices, so homes that are overpriced sit longer.
- A seasonal lift. Zumper shows a 2% rise over the last month. Winter brings snowbirds and seasonal workers, so demand usually picks up from fall into spring.
- Houses hold up better than apartments. With houses averaging about $2,355 on Zumper, a well-kept single-family home with a yard or garage still competes well against large complexes.
- Furnished stays have extra rules. Stays of 6 months or less generally owe Florida sales tax plus Lee County’s tourist development tax, and many HOAs limit short leases. See our guide to mid-term rentals in Florida.
How to price your Fort Myers rental
- Use leased comparables, not asking prices. Look at similar homes that actually rented nearby in the last few months.
- Adjust for what renters pay extra for. Garages, pools, updated kitchens, washer and dryer, and pet-friendly policies all move the number.
- Price for speed. One empty month on a $2,250 home costs about $2,250, which is more than most small rent differences add over a year. See the real cost of vacancy.
- Time your listing. Fall and winter bring more seasonal demand in Southwest Florida, so plan lease end dates with that in mind.
For a step-by-step method, read how much can I rent my house for in Florida.
What a Fort Myers owner keeps after management
This is an illustration, not a quote. Swap in your own numbers.
| Item | Monthly |
|---|---|
| Rent on a 3-bedroom home | $2,250 |
| Management fee at 10% (Full plan) | $225 |
| Owner receives before mortgage, taxes, insurance and HOA | $2,025 |
See exactly what we charge on our pricing page, and compare local managers in our guide to the best property management companies in Fort Myers.
What would your Fort Myers rental earn?
Averages are a starting point. Schedule a free market evaluation and we will walk you through recent comparable rentals for your home, a recommended rent range, and what management would cost, then send you the report as a PDF.
Schedule My Free Market Evaluation
Southwest Florida office: 239-497-4693
Frequently asked questions
What is the average rent in Fort Myers in 2026?
About $1,735 a month for an apartment in a large complex, according to RentCafe (October 31, 2026). Zumper puts the median across all listed rentals, including houses, at about $1,900 a month (October 2026). Houses average about $2,355 on Zumper.
Are rents in Fort Myers going up or down?
Down a little from last year. RentCafe shows apartment rents 2.76% lower than a year ago, and Zumper shows the median 5% lower. Zumper also shows a 2% rise over the last month as the winter season starts.
How much is a 3-bedroom rental in Fort Myers?
About $2,155 for a 3-bedroom apartment in a large complex (RentCafe) and about $2,250 across all listed 3-bedroom rentals (Zumper). Single-family homes with a garage, pool or newer finishes often rent above these averages.
Is Fort Myers cheaper to rent than Naples?
Yes. RentCafe puts the average apartment rent at $1,735 in Fort Myers and $2,165 in Naples. Cape Coral is slightly lower than Fort Myers at $1,698, while Bonita Springs and Estero are higher.
How much does property management cost in Fort Myers?
Many Southwest Florida managers charge a percentage of the monthly rent plus leasing and renewal fees. True Patriot Property Management charges 10% of monthly rent on its Full plan or 12% on its Premium plan, with 8 to 10% for multifamily and lower rates for owners with many doors, based on evaluation.
The bottom line
Fort Myers apartments average about $1,735 a month and the median listed rental is about $1,900, both a little below last year. Houses still rent well, and winter demand is starting to lift prices. Price from leased comparables, keep vacancy short, and plan around the season.
Rent data changes monthly. Figures are averages from RentCafe and Zumper and may not reflect your specific property. This article is general information, not financial advice.