Have you ever questioned why Florida is known as the Sunshine State?
This state is famous for its tropical climate, diverse wildlife, and plentiful world-class beaches and state parks.
Florida is warm and sunny most days.
This means that you can prepare for an outdoor event knowing that the weather is likely to be great.
On top of that, Florida is an excellent place for yachting, sailing, diving, swimming, or surfing.
In this state, you could find lots of unusual and exotic animal life.
To sum up, Florida has plenty of reasons why so many people are moving there.
But, do you know the actual cost of living in Florida?
Keep reading this post, and you can find out the top five expensive cities in this state.
Contents
The Cost of Living in Florida
First of all, we have to mention that, in Florida, there are no state taxes.
There are only federal taxes.
Florida is not the cheapest state to live in, but not the most expensive either.
The cost of living varies considerably depending on which cities of Florida, from the super expensive to the very reasonable.
Housing / Renting
In some parts of Florida, you can purchase a new home for a relatively low price.
Housings costs are cheaper than in many parts of the country.
For instance, the average home costs $230,000.
If you are not looking to buy a home but rent instead, then you should know that in an expensive city such as Miami, the average apartment rental is around $1,915.
On the other hand, in Tampa or Jacksonville, the average apartment rent is $1,647.
In Orlando, the price for average apartment rental price is slightly higher, around $1,611.
Utility Costs
The price of utilities is on the expensive side in Florida.
According to the Energy Information Administration, Florida residents incur an average monthly electricity bill of around $126.44.
Electricity costs in Florida are 13% higher than the national average of $111.67.
But, have in mind that this is just an average.
Depending on the time of the year, you will see enormous change due to the outside temperature.
Transportation Costs
The average gas price is $3.31 in Florida, compared to the US national average of $3.38.
But, another circumstance to consider when it comes to transportation costs in Florida is car insurance.
When it comes to that, Florida is usually more expensive than other cities in the country.
For example, Florida drivers pay an average of $2,464 per year for full coverage and $1,201 per year for minimum coverage car insurance.
Healthcare Costs in Florida
In Florida, the average cost of healthcare is about 3% lower than the US national average.
But again, this can vary widely depending on where you live, as well as your health situation.
For example, the average cost of healthcare is 16% lower than the national average in Jacksonville and 11% higher in Vero Beach.
The Top Five Expensive Cities in This State
Although we mentioned that Florida is a state where the cost of living is low, there are still some cities that ruin this perception.
These cities, mentioned in the text below, are with the highest prices in Florida.
Miami
Miami is apparently what most people think of when they hear about Florida.
It has the beaches, the year-round heat, and the feel of a big, metropolitan city.
That is why some people say that the Miami area feels like New York transposed to the Caribbean.
However, it does have its downsides: there is a lot of traffic jams, and, most important, a higher cost of living.
For example, the average home price is $303,000.
Transportation expenses like bus fares and gas prices are 12% higher than the national average.
Also, Miami has grocery prices that are 5% higher than the national average.
So, a loaf of bread in the supermarket is $3.51, a gallon of milk – $2.04, one carton of eggs – $1.91, and a bunch of bananas – $3.54.
Orlando
This portion of Central Florida is one of the leading tourist destinations in the country and perhaps one of the most well-known and visited areas in Florida.
Orlando’s housing expenses are 11% lower than the national average, and the utility prices are 11% higher than the national average.
Transportation expenses like bus fares and gas prices are 6% lower than the national average.
The average home price is $171,000.
The gas price is $2.45 per gallon.
As for food prices, a loaf of bread is $3.40, a gallon of milk is $1.98, one carton of eggs – $1.85, and a bunch of bananas is $3.43.
That makes Orlando grocery prices 2% higher than the national average.
Sarasota
Rent and housing costs are slightly higher in Sarasota mainly due to its small size, making it a more expensive place to live than many other parts of Florida.
The average home price is $282,800.
Moreover, healthcare in Sarasota is 17% higher than the national average.
As a result, for only one doctor’s visit, you should expect to pay more than $130.
Jacksonville
The average cost of living in Jacksonville is $1706, which is in the top 22% of the most expensive cities in the world.
The median home price is more than $300.000, while the median rent price is $969.60 per month.
Also, transportation costs, as well as costs for leisure activities, are expensive.
Local transport tickets in Jacksonville are $2.53.
On the other side, a cinema ticket for one person is an incredible $15.2.
Tampa
Firstly, we have to say that Tampa has food prices that are about the same as the national average.
But have you heard about the delicious Cuban sandwich?
Well, this sandwich was made up firstly, in Tampa.
And now, it costs from $5 up.
In this city, the most expensive part of living is healthcare and childcare.
One doctor’s visit can cost you enormously $130.20, while International Primary School per year for one child is $13.950.00.
So, not every resident can afford these costs.
Florida Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Florida Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
- TERRORISM RISK: HIGH
- SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Additional Resources
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Cost of Living in Massachusetts Cities: These Are the Top 5
Cost of Living in New Hampshire Cities: These Are the Top 5
Cost of Living in Ohio Cities: These Are the Top 5
Cost of Living in Maryland Cities: These Are the Top 5
Cost of Living in Illinois Cities: These Are the Top 5
New Hampshire is cold and expensive. Manchester and Concord are immigrant heavy and there is a lot of crime. Most immigrants don’t work so you pay more for everything.