How does the cost of living in Port St. Lucie compare to other Florida cities?

Housing Costs

• Rent Prices: Rent in Port St. Lucie is significantly lower than in Orlando. For example, a one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs about $1,595.40 in Port St. Lucie compared to $1,918.96 in Orlando, a 20.3% difference. Similarly, a three-bedroom apartment in the city center costs $2,616.67 in Port St. Lucie versus $3,120.00 in Orlando, a 19.2% difference.
• Home Prices: The cost to buy an apartment is also lower in Port St. Lucie. For instance, the price per square foot to buy an apartment outside the city center in Orlando is $218.68, which is higher than in Port St. Lucie.

General Living Expenses

• Groceries: The cost of groceries in Port St. Lucie is slightly lower than in Orlando. For example, the price of milk, bread, and eggs is the same in both cities, but other items like local cheese are cheaper in Port St. Lucie.
• Restaurants: Eating out is more affordable in Port St. Lucie. Restaurant prices are about 12.2% lower than in Orlando. For instance, a meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs $20.00 in Port St. Lucie compared to $25.00 in Orlando.

Utilities and Transportation

• Utilities: The cost of utilities in Port St. Lucie is generally lower than the national average, which contributes to the overall lower cost of living.
• Transportation: Transportation costs, including gasoline and public transit, are also lower in Port St. Lucie compared to larger cities like Miami and Orlando.

Healthcare and Other Services

• Healthcare: Healthcare costs in Port St. Lucie are significantly lower than the national average, making it a more affordable option for medical services.
• Other Services: Services like childcare and education are competitively priced, adding to the affordability of living in Port St. Lucie.

Overall Cost of Living Index

• Comparison to National Average: The overall cost of living index in Port St. Lucie is 108, which is slightly above the national average of 100 but still lower compared to many other major cities in Florida.
• Comparison to Other Florida Cities: Port St. Lucie is more affordable than cities like Miami, where the cost of living is 15.4% higher than the national average.

In summary, Port St. Lucie offers a more affordable living option compared to many other Florida cities, particularly in terms of housing, groceries, and healthcare. This makes it an attractive destination for those looking to enjoy the Florida lifestyle without the high costs associated with larger urban areas.

Myrna Santiago-Mendoza is a Real Estate Consultant specializing in New Home Sales, Land Sales, Custom Home Builds, and 55+ Communities in Port St. Lucie and the surrounding counties. For more info, visit www.MyrnaSantiago.com.