A-
8%
Overall NAT. AVG.
7%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
37%
Housing NAT. AVG.
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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 Palm Harbor Florida National
Cost of living10898100
Goods & Services9398100
Groceries10099100
Health care9296100
Housing13796100
Transportation10099100
Utilities9997100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Palm Harbor, FL

Knowing the cost of living in Palm Harbor allows individuals to create a realistic budget. This helps them understand how their income will cover expenses and whether they need to make financial adjustments. The cost of living in any region can fluctuate due to various factors. To assess the cost of living consistently across different areas, a national average of 100 serves as the basis for the cost of living index. The cost of living in Palm Harbor stands at 108, marking it 8% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in Palm Harbor aligns closely with the national average when compared to other cities across the nation. Everyday essentials such as groceries, goods and services, health care and utility bills are priced at a level consistent with the average in similar urban areas. Palm Harbor residents can anticipate that their daily expenses won't be significantly higher than those in an average city, ensuring that the cost of living remains manageable.

When it comes to the cost of living in Palm Harbor, housing costs are a real heavyweight, often hogging a significant chunk of your earnings. Sadly, in this area, housing expenses for both buying and renting were 36.6% more expensive compared to your average city. That means you'll be shelling out more for homes, rents, mortgage rates and insurance.

Is Palm Harbor Affordable?

Is Palm Harbor 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 Palm Harbor, the median home price is 33.2% higher than the national average and monthly rent prices are 44.7% higher than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Palm Harbor boasting a median household income of $61,572, 11.3% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Palm Harbor?

Groceries: Grocery costs have continued to increase significantly over the last 2-3 years. In some markets the cost of food has gone up by more than 20% in that period. While other markets have managed to see only a moderate uptick. These food costs can have a major impact on the cost of living in any area. In Palm Harbor, the groceries index is 0.5% lower than the national average.

Subsidies: Certain cities or states may institute government subsidies or assistance programs designed to alleviate the financial burdens associated with the cost of living for their residents. These programs encompass a variety of support mechanisms, including Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and farm subsidies. Areas that provide fewer subsidies may see an uptick in their overall cost of living.

Transportation: In cities with limited or no public transportation, residents may find it necessary to own and maintain vehicles, thereby elevating the cost of living. Monthly expenditures include fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potential lease or financing commitments. In Palm Harbor, the transportation index stands at 0.4% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living in Palm Harbor, presented above is derived from the C2ER cost of living index, offering a practical method for assessing living cost disparities in urban areas. Published quarterly, this index compiles data from more than 300 independent researchers, encompassing over 60 goods and services in 6 categories. The weightings assigned to cost variances are informed by government survey data tracking the expenditure patterns of professional and executive households. It should be noted that the C2ER index does not include data on sales or income tax rates, however, AreaVibes incorporates tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each area.

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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Palm Harbor is 11% higher than the Florida average
  • The cost of living in Palm Harbor is 8% higher than the national average
  • Palm Harbor housing is 37% higher 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 Palm Harbor

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Compare Palm Harbor, FL Cost of Living

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      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$68,105$5,675$1,589$2,043
      Renters$48,710$4,059$1,136$1,461
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Palm Harbor, FL, we can look at the percentage of income that is available to be spent on monthly housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). To stay on the safe side, a consumer should not spend more than 28% of his or her gross income on housing-related expenses and costs and not more than 36% of income on all expenses and debts. Homeowners in Palm Harbor have a median income of $68,105. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $1,589 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $48,710, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $1,136.

      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 Palm Harbor National avg. Difference
      Haircut $15.67$24.2635.4%
      Beauty Salon $54.72$45.5620.1%
      Toothpaste $3.67$3.700.8%
      Shampoo $1.48$1.2815.3%
      Movie $8.61$12.1329.1%
      Bowling $19.67$18.009.3%

      Groceries

      Item Palm Harbor National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $6.06$5.843.8%
      Fried Chicken $1.48$1.575.7%
      Milk $4.56$4.672.3%
      Potatoes $5.34$4.938.1%
      Pizza $8.38$12.0930.6%
      Beer $10.69$10.412.6%

      Health Care

      Item Palm Harbor National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $146.67$125.6816.7%
      Doctor $122.32$135.789.9%
      Dentist $103.33$113.298.8%
      Ibuprofen $10.74$10.650.8%
      Lipitor $523.90$468.6011.8%

      Housing

      Item Palm Harbor National avg. Difference
      Home Price $246,000.00$184,700.0033.2%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $1,846.50$2,346.6921.3%
      Apartment Rent $1,373.00$949.0044.7%

      Transportation

      Item Palm Harbor National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $3.42$3.461.0%
      Tire Balancing $57.28$59.924.4%

      Utilities

      Item Palm Harbor National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $219.66$193.9913.2%
      Phone $194.37$192.251.1%
      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.
      Moon Lake, FL4,2348317.1%
      Holiday, FL21,0068713.2%
      New Port Richey, FL16,5428713.0%
      Beacon Square, FL7,0318712.7%
      South Highpoint, FL5,8448812.5%
      Palm Harbor, FL61,7871088.3%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Moore, OK61,683918.6%
      Chapel Hill, NC61,91212828.5%
      Burnsville, MN61,5361109.6%
      Spring, TX61,514981.7%
      Reston, VA61,41815150.9%
      Palm Harbor, FL61,7871088.3%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.