Florida cost of living
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Moving to a new state is a mix of emotions — it can be full of new possibilities but also challenging and a bit scary. While a fresh start offers exciting opportunities and experiences, it's important to consider the practical side of things, too. Building new friendships, finding support and getting to know your way around takes time.
Moving can also be costly and emotionally draining. Whether you're relocating to Florida for a job, a change of scenery or any other reason, understanding the cost of living in the state is crucial for a smooth transition.
The median rent in Florida is $2,035.89, versus the national median rent of $1,529.01.
Jump to insightResidents in Florida spend $287.27 weekly on food at home and $109.68 on food out.
Jump to insightAs of publishing, the average price per gallon of regular gas is $3.27 in Florida.
Jump to insightRecent data shows that employees in Florida pay $1,609 annually for employee-sponsored health insurance coverage.
Jump to insightHousing costs in Florida
According to recent data from Zillow, the median rent in Florida is $2,035.89, while the national median rent is $1,529.01.
Data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows rent prices in Florida broken down by home size. As of publishing, one-bedroom apartments in Florida had a median cost of $1,327 per month, and the two-bedroom median cost was $1,528 per month. Three- and four-bedroom homes had median costs of $1,729 and $2,016, respectively.
As of publishing, the median home price in Florida is $439,000, according to Redfin. The U.S. median home price is $436,000.
The metro areas of Naples-Marco Island, Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach and North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton had the highest median home prices in the state in the first quarter of 2024, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). The median existing home price in the Naples area was $850,000. The lowest median home prices were in Ocala ($285,300), Tallahassee ($305,000) and Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent ($320,000).
Florida ranks No. 26 for highest effective property tax rates in the nation, according to the most recent Tax Foundation data, at 0.91%.
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Food costs in Florida
According to recent census data, the average spent weekly on food to prepare at home in Florida is $287.27, compared with the U.S. average of $270.21 at the time. Florida residents spend an average of $109.68 weekly on food prepared outside the home, compared with the U.S. average of $109.21.
Transportation costs in Florida
According to recent data from AAA, the average price per gallon of regular gas in Florida is $3.27, compared with the U.S. average of $3.46.
The most recent National Association of Insurance Commissioners data shows that the average auto insurance premium (liability, collision and comprehensive coverage combined) in Florida is $1,517.66, versus the national average of $1,189.50.
Public transportation costs
Florida employs a multimodal transportation network of buses, rail, ferries and trollies. According to a 2024 ConsumerAffairs public transit study, the average fare per public transit trip in Tampa was 87 cents in 2022, while Miami’s average fare was $1.27, Orlando’s was $1.18 and Jacksonville’s was $1.31.
Health care costs in Florida
The most recent KFF data shows that, on average, employer-sponsored health insurance cost Florida employees $1,609 annually, with employers covering the remaining $5,942 of the $7,551 total cost.
Nationwide, the average employee contribution was $1,637 out of a total premium of $7,590.
Utility costs in Florida
According to the most recent data from the Energy Information Administration, the average monthly electric bill in Florida is $154.51, versus $135.25 countrywide.
Recent EIA data also shows that natural gas in Florida costs $20.79 per thousand cubic feet, compared with $13.25 nationally.
FAQ
Is Florida good for renters?
Not exactly. In a 2024 study on the best and worst states for renters, we ranked Florida eighth-worst.
What are the most expensive cities in Florida?
Based on 2024 NAR data from the first quarter of the year, the Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island metro area has the highest median home sales price in Florida. The Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach area is also among the top 25 most expensive metro areas in the U.S. for homebuying.
What other expenses should I consider when moving to Florida?
You might encounter inflated prices for everyday items in some parts of Florida — especially tourist destinations.
Article sources
ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:
- Zillow, “Housing Data.” Accessed May 14, 2024.
- Redfin, "Redfin Data Center." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- Tax Foundation, "Where Do People Pay the Most in Property Taxes?" Accessed May 14, 2024.
- United States Census Bureau, "Week 63 Household Pulse Survey: October 18 - October 30." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- AAA Gas Prices, "State Gas Price Averages." Accessed June 14, 2024.
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners, "2020/2021 Auto Insurance Database Report." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- KFF, "Average Annual Single Premium per Enrolled Employee For Employer-Based Health Insurance." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- U.S. Energy Information Administration, "2022 Average Monthly Bill- Residential." Accessed May 14, 2024.
