9 Airbnbs in Fort Lauderdale under $250 for an affordable beach getaway

When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more.

A pool at an Airbnb in Fort Lauderdale — Airbnb

Nicknamed the "Venice of America," Fort Lauderdale has water channels that weave through the city.
A desirable beach getaway in its own right, it's also a less expensive option than nearby Miami.
From coastal homes to urban lofts, we found top Fort Lauderdale Airbnbs from $76 to $250 per night.

Ask a local why they favor Fort Lauderdale over Miami, and they'll tell you the coastal city is less crowded and more affordable than its southern neighbor. Just a 30-minute drive north from Miami, Fort Lauderdale boasts similar draws: vibrant nightlife, lively beaches, waterfront activities, and a strong Latin influence.

Florida has no shortage of top Airbnbs, and Fort Lauderdale has many wonderful hotels. However, vacation rentals allow you to have a more homey experience and some of the best homes to stay in range from chic downtown lofts near Las Olas Boulevard, the city's main street, to coastal homes that are steps from the beach.

Having lived in the city for five years, I've visited just about every area and know all the best spots. So if you are seeking an Airbnb to catch some Fort Lauderdale sun, consider these top options.

The best Fort Lauderdale Airbnbs were chosen based on the following criteria:

Each property rental is private and includes the entire apartment or home, per current expert recommendations.
Each home is committed to Airbnb's Enhanced Clean program, a five-step cleaning process developed in partnership with health and hospitality experts.
Each Airbnb listing was chosen based on its proximity to top attractions and walkability, with safety in mind.
Affordability played a large role in rounding up this list, with nightly rates ranging from $76 to $250 per night.
Each listing has also received at least a 4.43 review score or higher.
Standout design and added value property amenities, like access to a pool and free parking, were also taken into account.
Homes are available to book in the coming weeks and months, as of publishing but is subject to change. For more of the best Airbnbs in Fort Lauderdale, click here.

Browse all the best Airbnbs below, or jump directly to a specific area here:

These are the best Airbnbs in Fort Lauderdale, sorted by price from low to high.

Cozy cottage between the airport and Port Everglades

Little Cottage By The Pine Tree Fort Lauderdale — Airbnb

Book this Fort Lauderdale home on Airbnb

For the traveler just passing through Fort Lauderdale, this quaint cottage is located in the Croissant Park neighborhood, set between the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and Port Everglades.

Behind the property's main house, the desert-inspired cottage has a private entrance, a Queen-size bed, and two chairs that fold out into single-sofa beds to create cozy sleeping arrangements.

Although the home is small, there's enough space for a tiny, circular dining table with two rustic leather barrel chairs and a workspace, complete with a desk and stool. The home is air-conditioned and includes an updated full kitchen and modern bathroom with funky geometric floor tiles and a walk-in shower.

Complimentary coffee and tea, parking, and two bikes are a few other thoughtful touches.

Cottage-style condo in Victoria Park

Book this Fort Lauderdale condo on Airbnb

Victoria Park is central to just about everything the city has to offer. Locals like calling the historic neighborhood home because it's a short walk to the bustling Las Olas Boulevard, a five-minute drive to the arts district in Flagler Village, and a 10-minute drive across the drawbridge to the coastline.

This open-concept condo has fun tropical touches like palm tree paintings and pineapple accents, but the tasteful midcentury modern furniture in neutral colors keeps it from veering into kitschy territory.

There's no shortage of greenery with plenty of plants and succulents filling the bright and airy unit. Parking is free and an updated kitchen has basic appliances and cookware for an extended stay.

Modern apartment blocks from Las Olas Boulevard

Apartment in Colee Hammock Blocks from Las Olas Boulevard Fort Lauderdale — Airbnb

Book this Fort Lauderdale apartment on Airbnb

This modern apartment is an elegant place to retreat to in the upscale Colee Hammock neighborhood. It's just blocks away from the city's main drag, Las Olas Boulevard, where you'll find some of the best restaurants, bars, boutiques, and art galleries.

The property was designed in the 1960s around a massive oak tree in an enclosed courtyard, which from the sidewalk appears to be sprouting from the building. Minimal decor and high-gloss white vinyl flooring put the attention back on the architecture, which includes uniquely shaped rooms and outdoor spaces.

In the bedroom, a sliding door across from the Queen-size bed opens to a private patio with a colorful hammock. Details like a leopard-print rug and palm leaf wallpaper in the kitchen add personality.

In the living room, a cream-colored pullout sofa can accommodate additional guests and a small, secluded outdoor dining area creates additional hangout space. As an added bonus, there's free on-site parking.

Elegant apartment just steps from the beach

Stylish Fort Lauderdale Beach Apartment — Airbnb

Book this Fort Lauderdale beach apartment on Airbnb

Most of the accommodations in the central Fort Lauderdale Beach area are with major hotel brands and boutiques, making this luxury apartment at the Gale Residences a rare find on Airbnb.

The ninth-floor condo is located along the Intracoastal Waterway, just two blocks from the beach and right behind the W hotel, which houses noteworthy restaurants like Steak 954 and El Vez.

The sleek kitchen has stainless steel appliances and opens up to a living room decorated with blue hues that mirror the views of the Intracoastal Waterway just beyond the balcony. The outdoor space has a metal high-top table with matching chairs for an ideal setting to sip morning coffee. Floor-to-ceiling windows in the master bedroom, with a King-size bed and tufted headboard, also boast sweeping sights.

The bathroom includes a tiled walk-in shower, and a lacquered desk is tucked into a corner for those who need to balance work and play.

Communal amenities open to guests include a grilling area, pool with chaise lounges, a fully equipped gym, and a theater room. Free parking is available to guests staying for more than 27 days.

Tropical oasis with private pool near Wilton Manors

'Martini Manor' Near Wilton Manors Fort Lauderdale — Airbnb

Book this Fort Lauderdale house with a pool on Airbnb

Just north of Fort Lauderdale, set between the LGBTQIA neighborhood of Wilton Manors and the coastline, is this listing dubbed the "Martini Manor."

The one-story home tastefully meshes pop art with nautical decor and comes ready-made for a good time, thanks to a coffee bar, wine bar with a cooler, and a fully stocked kitchen. The living room does have a desk and office chair for those who need to work, but those are easily overshadowed by the big white sectional sofa, zebra pouf ottomans, cozy fireplace, and dining table with bold red chairs.

By day, relax at the freeform pool in the backyard shaded by palm trees and outfitted with chaise lounges and a daybed. In the evening, use the grill for a cookout and dine under the pergola with hanging bistro lights. A washer and dryer, and covered parking are also perks.

Charming home with saltwater pool at Sailboat Bend

The River House at Sailboat Bend Fort Lauderdale — Airbnb

Book this Fort Lauderdale home with a pool on Airbnb

Get a real sense of old Fort Lauderdale charm when staying in the Sailboat Bend neighborhood. This yellow, one-story home serves Key West vibes with a charming seating area on the front porch flanked by palm tree cutouts within lime green wooden shutters.

Although the home has old bones, the interior is updated with a modern kitchen and a comfortable living room with an L-shaped couch set under an aerial photograph of beachgoers. Practice chess-playing skills on a game table by the window.

The bedrooms are decked out in nautical decor including sailboat art and a hanging ship steering wheel, as well as plush robes for a hotel-like amenity. The bathroom has a steam-room-style shower, and in the backyard, guests can take a dip in the saltwater pool and hot tub.

Riverside Market Cafe, a local haunt, is just across the river, and the Broward Center for the Performing Arts and the Museum of Discovery and Science is less than a 20-minute walk away. Keep heading down Himmarshee Street, lined with bars and restaurants, and take a right on South Andrews Avenue to arrive at The Wharf Fort Lauderdale, an open-air space along the water with live music and drinks.

Boho house near the MASS District

Book this Fort Lauderdale house on Airbnb

This home's biophilic design brings the outside in and vice versa. There are plenty of plants scattered throughout the open-concept living room with a white, L-shaped couch decorated with black-and-white throw pillows.

A Buddha statue sits just above it on the window sill and a full kitchen looks out at the living space, with a marble countertop and two stools. A light-filled room with a rustic dining table and four midcentury modern chairs can also be used for sit-down meals.

Each bedroom includes a Queen-size bed and boasts a minimalistic design with funky lighting, including a small chandelier in one and a white urchin pendant in another. The two bathrooms have different but equally appealing aesthetics; one comes with a spa-like marble shower while the other has a contemporary feel with a sliding barn door.

But the real draw is the expansive backyard with a faux grass wall and various seating areas. It's especially ideal for pet owners since the yard is fenced, and in the front, there's free parking.

Set in a residential part of town, this entire home is filled with Zen decor and playful artworks that embody the M.A.S.S. District that's just a five-minute drive away. This up-and-coming, trendy part of town set beside train tracks boasts arcade bars, yoga studios, smoothie spots, coffee shops, and more — all usually found inside buildings covered by murals.

Beach house with private pool in North Fort Lauderdale

North Fort Lauderdale Beach House — Airbnb

Book this Fort Lauderdale house with a pool on Airbnb

This ultra-contemporary house near the beach has plenty of space for families or pods of friends to spread out.

The open-concept living area includes a media console, two black leather couches, a small writer's desk, and an expansive dining table that can seat up to eight under oversized light fixtures. The full kitchen beckons home cooks with its glossy white cabinets and a subway-tile backsplash.

Kids will sleep soundly in the Twin-size beds, but parents will surely appreciate the master bedroom, with a King-size bed and ensuite double vanity. Sliding glass doors lead to a private, fenced-in yard with a pool and patio with a gas grill. Other notable amenities include a stacked washer and dryer, and a driveway with parking.

The home is a quarter-mile from the northern, less crowded stretch of beach. The house is also on the outskirts of Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, where you can bike, kayak, stroll through the massive banyan trees, or have lunch at Park & Ocean, a shaded, casual cafe with ocean views.

Luxury industrial loft in Downtown Fort Lauderdale

Book this Fort Lauderdale loft on Airbnb

Walk to some of the best parts of town from this downtown loft, which is a 10-minute stroll to the FAT Village Arts District where warehouses open up for art walks and hipster locals hang inside coffee shops. One of the city's highest rooftop bars, Sparrow, on top of The Dalmar hotel, is a seven-minute walk away, and around the corner is the Brightline station, where you can ride a luxury high-speed train to Miami in just 30 minutes.

This studio apartment's vaulted ceiling and exposed pipes create an urban feel, but warm neutral colors soften the design. In the living room, two cream chairs face a brown pull-out sofa, set on a gray and beige boho rug. Three stools line up at the island in a contemporary kitchen and close by, two folding chairs and a table create an ideal breakfast nook, while a rectangular dining table and four matching chairs are ideal for larger group meals.

A sliding wall can close off the King-size bed in front of a large, industrial window for added privacy, and the host also provides an air mattress. A Pac-Man arcade machine tucked in the corner adds character, while the building allows visitors access to the rooftop pool and Jacuzzi.

FAQ: Fort Lauderdale vacation rentals

When is the best time to visit Fort Lauderdale?

Fort Lauderdale is alluring all year, but the best time to visit is October to May when you can avoid humid, rainy summers and hurricane season, which starts in June.

Fort Lauderdale can also become crowded during spring break and over three-day weekends, like Memorial Day, so keep this in mind and book far in advance if you plan to visit over popular holidays.

What is there to do in Fort Lauderdale?

Fort Lauderdale is home to impressive beaches, great dining, and fun nightlife. There is also a massive boating culture. Nicknamed the "Venice of America," Fort Lauderdale is home to miles of the Intracoastal Waterway, which fills with vessels that anchor at local sandbars or dock at restaurants along the canals.

Is it safe to stay in an Airbnb?

The CDC says travel is safe for fully vaccinated individuals. However, we always recommend following safety precautions, like wearing a mask in public spaces, practicing social distancing, and washing hands frequently.

That said, if you're wondering if Airbnbs are safe, private home rentals are considered by experts to offer a higher level of safety compared to hotels. Plus, Airbnb hosts are required to follow enhanced cleaning procedures.

More great Florida Airbnbs