A+
8%
Overall NAT. AVG.
7%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
22%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Search Homes for Sale
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living is 90, then it is 10% lower than average. If the cost of living is 110, then it is 10% higher than average. The breakdown for each index is as follows: goods & services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%) and utilities (10%). If the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used.
Index Fort Pierce Florida National
Cost of living9298100
Goods & Services9398100
Groceries9999100
Health care9796100
Housing7896100
Transportation9899100
Utilities10997100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Fort Pierce, FL

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Fort Pierce is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Fort Pierce is 92, which is 8% lower than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.

In Fort Pierce, daily expenses such as food, housing, goods and services, transportation and health care are in line with comparable areas and about average when compared to all cities across the nation. This ensures that the cost of living in Fort Pierce will resemble that of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

Is Fort Pierce Affordable?

Is Fort Pierce affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in Fort Pierce, the median home price is 32.5% lower than the national average and monthly rent prices are 1.3% higher than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Fort Pierce boasting a median household income of $37,624, 32% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Fort Pierce?

Housing: When there's a high demand for housing in trendy places, it can cause property prices and rental rates to soar, leading to a significantly higher cost of living. Conversely, in less desirable locations, where demand is low, prices tend to decrease, resulting in a more budget-friendly cost of living. In Fort Pierce, the housing index is 22.4% lower than the national average.

Utilities: Similar to the prices of any other goods or services, utility expenditures can exhibit substantial variability, influenced by factors such as climate, energy sources accessibility, geographical location and state regulations. Costs related to electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can fluctuate, whether higher or lower, contingent on the city or state. In Fort Pierce, the utilities index is 8.7% higher than the national average.

Healthcare: The costs associated with healthcare and insurance premiums can exhibit notable disparities based on the city or state of residence. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for medical appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs and specialized medical care expenses all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Fort Pierce, healthcare costs are 2.9% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Fort Pierce cost of living data you see above is sourced from the C2ER cost of living index, providing a practical and accurate means of comparing living expenses in urban areas. Updated quarterly, this index gathers data from over 300 independent researchers, covering more than 60 goods and services, in 6 different categories. These selections are made meticulously to represent a wide range of consumer expenditure categories. The weightings applied to cost differences are based on government survey data that tracks spending patterns among professional and executive households. It's important to note that while the C2ER index excludes data on sales or income tax rates, AreaVibes factors tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each region.

New Real Estate Listings in Fort Pierce Area
Search Homes for Sale in Fort Pierce, FL

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Fort Pierce is 6% lower than the Florida average
  • The cost of living in Fort Pierce is 8% lower than the national average
  • Fort Pierce housing is 22% lower than the national average
  • Florida general sales tax is 18% higher than the national average
  • Florida state income tax is 100% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Fort Pierce

See all the best places to live around Fort Pierce

Compare Fort Pierce, FL Cost of Living

      vs
      How would you rate the cost of living in Fort Pierce?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      Is the cost of living increasing or decreasing in Fort Pierce?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      See all Fort Pierce poll results

      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Goods & Services index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$43,510$3,626$1,015$1,305
      Renters$32,170$2,681$751$965
      The percent of monthly income spent on housing can be a good indicator of the affordability of housing in Fort Pierce, FL, as well as the overall cost of living. As a general rule of thumb, the debt-to-income ratio (DTI) for homeowners or renters should be not more than 28 percent of gross income to be spent on housing related costs and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses, including debts. The median income for Fort Pierce homeowners, is $43,510. This would allow for a maximum of $1,015 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $32,170 which would result in a maximum of $751 to be spent on rental costs.

      Florida Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Florida 6% 7.5%

      Florida Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Florida 0% 0%

      Goods & Services

      Item Fort Pierce National avg. Difference
      Haircut $21.00$24.2613.4%
      Beauty Salon $56.83$45.5624.7%
      Toothpaste $3.68$3.700.6%
      Shampoo $1.32$1.283.1%
      Movie $13.10$12.137.9%
      Bowling $14.75$18.0018.1%

      Groceries

      Item Fort Pierce National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $5.85$5.840.2%
      Fried Chicken $1.45$1.578.0%
      Milk $4.52$4.673.2%
      Potatoes $5.38$4.939.0%
      Pizza $12.62$12.094.4%
      Beer $10.69$10.412.6%

      Health Care

      Item Fort Pierce National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $78.20$125.6837.8%
      Doctor $139.80$135.783.0%
      Dentist $132.83$113.2917.3%
      Ibuprofen $10.32$10.653.1%
      Lipitor $526.92$468.6012.4%

      Housing

      Item Fort Pierce National avg. Difference
      Home Price $124,700.00$184,700.0032.5%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $2,007.04$2,346.6914.5%
      Apartment Rent $961.00$949.001.3%

      Transportation

      Item Fort Pierce National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $3.45$3.460.5%
      Tire Balancing $54.85$59.928.5%

      Utilities

      Item Fort Pierce National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $144.67$193.9925.4%
      Phone $196.14$192.252.0%
      Although the cost of living data is updated regularly, this cost of living information is to be used as estimates only as prices can change on an ongoing basis.

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Rio, FL705982.4%
      Ocean Breeze Park, FL2147821.6%
      Fort Pierce North, FL7,1998713.4%
      West Vero Corridor, FL10,5078911.1%
      River Park, FL7,139937.0%
      Fort Pierce, FL45,855928.4%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Kyle, TX45,8281044.5%
      Four Corners, FL45,9461055.3%
      Hattiesburg, MS46,0108712.9%
      Biloxi, MS46,042946.0%
      Quinte West, ON46,045n/a 
      Fort Pierce, FL45,855928.4%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.