Florida Living Cost

All those beach days in the boating and fishing capital of the world sound enticing, but what’s the price tag for living in Florida? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the ins and outs of living here and help you decide if Florida is the perfect fit for your lifestyle and budget.

What’s the Cost of Living in Florida?

Florida boasts the 32nd lowest cost of living in the United States, based on 2022 data from MERIC. This might not appear noteworthy at first glance, but when you compare it to living in places like California, where costs are significantly higher, the allure of Florida’s affordability becomes evident. California, for instance, ranks fourth in terms of the highest cost of living nationwide.

Yearly Expenses

So, how much is cost of living in Florida? In 2021, the Bureau of Economic Analysis revealed that the average total personal consumption cost in Florida stands at $50,689 annually. Here’s a breakdown:

• Housing and Utilities: $9,656
• Health Care: $7,676
• Food and Beverages (non-restaurant): $3,886
• Gas and Energy Goods: $909
• All Other Personal Expenditures: $28,562

This translates to around $4,224 per person each month.

Florida Housing Costs

Housing is one of the most substantial ongoing expenses regardless of where you live. In Florida, there are approximately 10 million housing units, offering a diverse range of housing options throughout the state. The typical value of Florida homes, according to Zillow, was approximately $377,816 in February 2023. This is compared to the U.S. median existing-home sale price of $359,000 the previous month.

Read Also: Florida First Time Home Buyer Grants

The cost of living in Florida cities vary depending on various factors, and here’s a look at some monthly housing expenses based on 2021 census data:

• Median monthly mortgage cost: $1,618
• Median studio rent: $1,137
• Median one-bedroom rent: $1,142
• Median two-bedroom rent: $1,352
• Median three-bedroom rent: $1,542
• Median four-bedroom rent: $1,828
• Median five-bedroom (or more) rent: $1,981
• Median gross rent: $1,348

The costs of housing can differ substantially from one Florida city to another, with cities like Miami, Tampa, and Orlando offering different typical home prices in 2023. For instance, the typical home price in Miami is around $441,390, whereas Tampa and Orlando boast more affordable median prices of $361,065 and $373,914, respectively.

Utility Costs in Florida

Utility expenses can vary based on factors such as your state, the energy sources you rely on, your home’s size, and your appliance’s age. In Florida, typical utility costs include:

• Electricity: $130
• Gas: $136
• Cable & Internet: $111
• Water: $34

Groceries & Food Costs

On average, a Floridian’s annual non-restaurant food cost is approximately $3,886, amounting to about $324 per month. For a family of four, the monthly grocery expense may be around $1,296. The Council for Community and Economic Research ranks the food costs in major Florida cities, providing insight into grocery costs in various locations.

Transportation Costs in Florida

Transportation costs are universal and can add up significantly. Expenses can vary depending on factors like family size and the number of working adults in a household. In Florida, transportation costs based on MIT’s Living Wage Calculator for the first quarter of 2023 can be as follows:

• One adult, no children: $5,477
• Two working adults, no children: $9,851
• Two working adults, three children: $15,530

Health Care Costs

The average annual per-capita health care cost in Florida is $7,676, based on the 2021 Bureau of Economic Analysis Personal Consumption Expenditures by State report. It’s crucial to note that individual health care expenses can vary depending on your specific medical needs and health insurance coverage.

Child Care Costs in Florida

Child care costs are a significant expense for many parents, and these expenses depend on factors such as your location and the type of child care you choose. For instance, in Florida, costs for infant care vary compared to toddler or preschool care. Here’s a breakdown of average child care costs in Florida, according to 2021 data from costofchildcare.org:

• Infant Classroom: $1,364
• Toddler Classroom: $790
• Preschooler Classroom: $702
• Home-based Family Child Care: $989

Taxes in Florida

Florida residents enjoy the advantage of not paying any state income tax, as reported by the Tax Foundation’s State Individual Income Tax Rates and Brackets for 2023. This beneficial tax policy aligns with other states such as Alaska, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming, which also do not impose state income tax.

Miscellaneous Costs

Beyond the essentials, Floridians allocate funds for leisure and entertainment. With average personal expenditures per person at approximately $28,562 annually, individuals and families may spend on activities such as theme park visits, zoo outings, and exploring the state’s beaches.

• Walt Disney World annual passes range from $399 to $1,399 per year.
• A day at the Miami Zoo offers affordable family enjoyment, with admission fees varying by age, ranging from free to $22.95.
• To experience Florida’s famous alligators up close, Gatorland tickets start at $22.99.

Achieving Comfortable Living in Florida

While the definition of “comfortable living” varies from person to person, there’s a general standard of living people hope to attain without financial strain. Florida’s affordability ranking, which positions it as the 31st most affordable state according to U.S. News & World Report, aligns closely with MERIC data that placed it 32nd in terms of cost of living. Certain cities in Florida, such as Jacksonville and Daytona Beach, are known for their affordability, offering an attractive cost of living.

• Jacksonville: With a cost-of-living index of 94.2, Jacksonville is a thriving city that maintains affordability.
• Daytona Beach: This beach town boasts a cost-of-living index of 97.1, offering affordable living with picturesque ocean views and an array of activities and dining options.

With an average cost of living below the national average and the absence of state income tax, Florida offers the promise of an exciting lifestyle without breaking the bank. However, individual circumstances and priorities can differ, so it’s a good idea to contact a real estate agent before making the move.

 

FAQs

Q : What is the average Florida living cost like?

A : Housing costs vary but are generally affordable compared to other states. The average cost of living in Florida per month ranges from $1,137 for a studio to $1,981 for a five-bedroom or larger home.

Q : What is the Cost of Living Index in Florida?

A : The Cost of Living Index is a useful tool for comparing living expenses between different areas in Florida. It varies by location, with cities like Jacksonville and Daytona Beach offering a lower cost of living compared to cities like Miami or Orlando.

Q : For families, how much does Florida cost?

A : The cost of living for a family in Florida can vary, but on average, a family of four can expect to spend approximately $50,000 to $60,000 per year to cover housing, utilities, groceries, and other essentials.

Q : What is the Florida cost of living comparison to California?

A : The FL cost of living is notably lower than California’s. California has one of the highest costs of living in the United States. Additionally, Florida doesn’t impose a state income tax, which is a stark contrast to California’s relatively high state income tax rates.

Q : How much does it cost to live in Florida?

A : The average cost of living in Florida is approximately $50,689 per year, according to data from 2022. This includes expenses for housing, utilities, health care, food, transportation, and more.

Q : Is cost of living high in Florida?

A : The cost of living for single person in Florida is generally considered to be moderate compared to some other states in the U.S. While it can vary depending on the specific city or region, many parts of Florida offer a reasonable cost of living, making it an attractive destination for residents and newcomers

Q : What was the cost of living Florida 2022?

A : In 2022, the cost of living in Florida was quite affordable compared to many other states in the U.S. According to data from the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC), the average cost of living in Florida for that year was approximately $50,689 per year per capita. Overall, Florida remained a budget-friendly choice for many residents in 2022.