A Guide to Cost of Living in Florida

Renters have plenty of reasons to want to move to Florida. With beautiful year-round weather, recreation activities that range from beaches to theme parks, and lifestyle possibilities ideal for low-key relaxing and constant partying alike, Florida has something for everyone. However, with this range of options comes a corresponding range of costs. Understanding the factors that affect the cost of living in Florida is essential for anyone planning a move to the state. Before you pack up your bags and schedule the moving truck, find out what you need to know about the cost of living in Florida.

Florida cost of living at a glance

• Average cost of a one-bedroom apartment for rent in Florida is between $900-$2,000
• Average cost of utilities in Florida is $126.44 per month
• Average annual salary in Florida is $55,833 per year
• Cost of living in Florida is 70.6% lower than in Los Angeles

The cost of living in Florida is slightly higher than the national average. Where you live in Florida significantly affects how much you can expect to pay for housing, utilities, and other costs. Overall, Floridians can expect to pay slightly more than the national average for housing costs and utilities, but slightly less for health care and grocery costs. However, how much you can expect to pay to live in Florida significantly varies depending on what city you call home.

Florida housing costs

Is the cost of living high in Florida? The overall cost of living in Florida depends on exactly where you decide to live. Florida is a big state, making it tough to get one estimate for housing costs. The state comes with generally high rental prices, and renting is relatively more expensive than buying in many cities.

Current rental costs in Miami

• Studio:  $1,950 per month
• One-bedroom: $2,200 per month
• Two-bedroom: $2,900 per month

Current rental costs in Orlando

• Studio: $1,754 per month
• One-bedroom: $1,687 per month
• Two-bedroom: $1,635 per month

Current rental costs in Tampa

• Studio: $1,975 per month
• One-bedroom: $1,750 per month
• Two-bedroom: $1,950 per month

Current rental costs in Daytona Beach

• Studio: $1,200 per month
• One-bedroom: $900 per month
• Two-bedroom: $561 per month

Current rental costs in Fort Lauderdale

• Studio: $1,947 per month
• One-bedroom: $1,933 per month
• Two-bedroom: $2,586 per month

While the average rent is slightly above the national average in the United States, you have many choices. For example, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Tampa is a little over $1,700 per month, while the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Miami is upward of $2,200 per month. You can easily find a one-bedroom apartment in Daytona Beach for less than $1,000 each month. All in all, the city you decide to settle in will significantly impact your average cost of living in Florida per month.

Average salary in Florida

Average salaries in Florida can also affect the affordability of housing costs. These are the average salaries in different cities of Florida:

• Miami: The average salary in Miami is $63,634 per year
• Orlando: The average salary in Orlando is $41,410 per year
• Tampa: The average salary in Tampa is $58,278 per year
• Daytona Beach: The average salary in Daytona Beach is $40,686 per year
• Fort Lauderdale: The average salary in Fort Lauderdale is $63,634 per year

Some common employment industries in Florida include tourism, marketing, hospitality, and education. Some of the biggest employers in Florida include Walt Disney World and the Miami-Dade County Public Schools.

Florida transportation costs

Florida residents depend on their cars to get around, so you’ll need to budget for driving-related costs. Averages can range from 14% lower than the national average in Jacksonville to 13% higher than the national average in Sarasota, for example.

The relatively high cost of transportation in Florida comes from several factors. Although gas prices in the state are close to national averages, a typical commute takes nearly 30 minutes. Couple this commute with the limited public transportation options and amenities spread out over large distances, and you’ll almost definitely need to have a car. Further, some Florida cities come with extensive — and expensive — toll roads that increase your monthly transportation budget more.

Public transportation options in Florida include:

• NoMi Express: The NoMi Express is available in North Miami. NoMi transportation is free.
• Broward County Transit: The Broward County Transit is available in Pompano Beach, Florida. One-way tickets on BCT are $2, three-day passes are $12, and monthly passes are $70.

The average car insurance premium in Florida is $1,878 per year, which is 31.6% higher than the U.S. average.

Florida utilities

The average utility costs in Florida also depend on where you make your home. Here’s how much you can expect to pay in Florida’s biggest cities:

• Miami: $134.93 per month
• Orlando: $179.03 per month
• Tampa: $160.37 per month
• Daytona Beach: $147.40 per month
• Fort Lauderdale: $117.89 per month

If you’re like many Florida residents, utility costs will be non-negotiable. Hot summers mean you’ll crank up the air conditioning every chance you get. Make sure to budget for these expenses if you’re planning a move to the Sunshine State.

Florida food costs

The average cost of groceries will also depend on where you are in Florida. Although overall grocery costs tend to be slightly lower than in other parts of the country, you’ll find a range of averages here. The tropical weather makes it easier to find plenty of fruits and vegetables you wouldn’t have available to you in other parts of the United States.

Average comparisons span from Daytona Beach’s rate of 4% lower than the national average to Miami’s rate of 11% higher than the national average. Tampa offers a middle ground, with groceries costing about 8% more than the national average. Even if you are paying for groceries on the higher end of the spectrum, easy access to beach-side picnics probably makes the expense worth it.

Florida healthcare costs

At this point, you’re probably not shocked to hear that other costs in Florida fluctuate depending on the location. Health-care costs can range from Jacksonville’s rate, about 16% lower than the national average, to Vero Beach’s 11% rate that’s higher than the national average.

The average annual premium for health insurance in Florida is $467 per person. Some of the most popular health insurance providers in Florida include:

• Aetna Health Insurance Company
• Assurant Health Insurance Company
• Blue Cross And Blue Shield of Florida
• CIGNA

Florida entertainment costs

Miscellaneous costs, including restaurants, entertainment, personal care, and clothing, come in within a range of figures as well. Tallahassee offers a fair snapshot of Florida cities overall, with miscellaneous costs at around the national average. The broader range includes costs from 9% lower than the national average in Palm Coast up to a 7% higher rate in Fort Myers.

Some popular entertainment attractions in Florida include:

• Walt Disney World: Tickets start at $109
• Kennedy Space Center:Tickets start at $65
• Daytona 500 International Speedway: Tickets start at $113

Of course, there are endless beaches to enjoy, many of which are free. Check out beaches like Clearwater Beach, Miami Beach, Destin Beach, and Fort Lauderdale Beach.

Other expenses to consider when living in Florida

In addition to year-round sunshine, Florida has one significant benefit that continually attracts new residents. The state offers a low tax burden, which helps to drive down the cost of living in Florida when you look at the overall picture.

Florida does not charge its residents any state income tax. State sales tax is 6%, although this percentage runs higher in some places thanks to a county tax. Still, it keeps Florida on the lower end of the country’s spectrum for total sales tax. You will have to budget for special charges in Florida. These fees include special taxes on gas, phone services, and alcohol. Florida has some of the highest nationwide taxes for gas and mobile phone use.

Other costs to consider in Florida are fitness and child care costs. A fitness club membership in Florida costs on average $26.18 per month. Parents who need child care in Florida can expect to pay around $834.38 per month.

What’s the cost of living in Florida? Taking everything into consideration, Florida is about on par with United States averages overall. You’ll want to look closely into your chosen city’s specifics to create an accurate budget for yourself. The cost of items such as rent, groceries, and more can vary significantly depending on where you settle. 

With everything from low-key beaches and famous theme parks to glitzy nightlife and relaxed days outdoors, Florida has something for everyone. You’re sure to find your dream place in Florida on any budget.

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