| Index | Boca Raton | Florida | National |
| Cost of living | 148 | 102 | 100 |
| Groceries | 102 | 102 | 100 |
| Health care | 104 | 104 | 100 |
| Housing | 245 | 97 | 100 |
| Transportation | 100 | 103 | 100 |
| Utilities | 114 | 110 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 111 | 104 | 100 |
| Household Items | 105 | 102 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 117 | 106 | 100 |
Understanding the cost of living in Boca Raton can help future residents assess whether their current financial situation aligns with the expenses they will encounter. It enables them to plan for potential changes in their budget and lifestyle. The Boca Raton cost of living index is 148, which is 48% higher than the national average. The cost of living index is calculated by taking into account multiple categories, which encompass both the cost of everyday expenditures and larger expenses as well.
If you value affordability in your search for a new place to live, Boca Raton may not be the most suitable option, as it stands out as one of the priciest areas in the entire United States. Only a small fraction of regions have a cost of living that is more than 20% higher than the national average, and regrettably, Boca Raton falls into this category, which may not align with your desire for an affordable place to call home.
Housing costs are a very significant part of the Boca Raton cost of living index and generally encompass a large percentage of take-home income. Unfortunately, in this area, the housing costs for both homes and rentals were 145% more than the average city. This includes things like home and rent prices, mortgage rates and insurance.
Locals have the inside scoop on their city. So, we polled 26 residents in Boca Raton to learn how they view the cost of living. We asked how they felt about the cost of living in their area, and if they thought that prices were increasing, decreasing or staying the same. The verdict? 35% find it reasonable with decreasing prices, but 65% think it's quite pricey, with prices that continue to rise.
Is Boca Raton affordable? It's a key consideration when pondering a move, as affordability often shapes your choices. The cost of living index (we discussed it earlier), coupled with housing costs and income levels, serves as the cornerstone for determining a location's affordability. Take Boca Raton, for instance, where the median home price falls 169.2% higher than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 88.6% higher than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Boca Raton flaunting a median household income of $124,064, 52.5% higher than the national norm.
Urbanization: Urban areas with a wealth of amenities and employment opportunities tend to come with a higher price tag for living. Why? Well, more people want to be there, which drives up home prices and rents. On the flip side, less densely populated rural areas or places where there's not as much demand usually mean fewer attractions, things to do and slower job growth. That often results in a lower cost of living.
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.
Taxes: Regions that impose higher taxes, including sales and income taxes, can contribute to an increased cost of living. Higher taxes for everyday necessities such as clothing, utilities and food inevitably leads to higher expenditures. Additionally, a higher income tax rate can also play a role in elevating the overall cost of living. In Boca Raton, the prevailing sales tax rate starts at 6%, and income tax rates kick off at 0%.
The cost of living estimates displayed for Boca Raton are modeled using a U.S. average baseline of 100, helping provide a useful comparison of local living expenses. Housing calculations include U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are AI-assisted estimates based on regional cost patterns, climate, transportation, and everyday spending expectations. These values are intended for directional comparisons across cities.
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| Educare index |
| Median Income | Per Year | Per Month | Max Budget (28% DTI) | Max Budget (36% DTI) |
| Owners | $160,112 | $13,343 | $3,736 | $4,804 |
| Renters | $84,916 | $7,076 | $1,981 | $2,548 |
| State | General Sales Tax | With Max Surtax |
| Florida | 6% | 7.5% |
| State | Income Tax (Low) | Income Tax (High) |
| Florida | 0% | 0% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Lauderdale Lakes, FL | 37,351 | 98 | 1.6% |
| San Castle, FL | 4,211 | 101 | 0.8% |
| Acacia Villas, FL | 659 | 102 | 2.0% |
| Lauderhill, FL | 73,782 | 106 | 5.5% |
| Watergate, FL | 3,788 | 106 | 5.9% |
| Boca Raton, FL | 102,418 | 148 | 48.0% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Spokane Valley, WA | 102,600 | 114 | 14.0% |
| Vista, CA | 102,779 | 158 | 58.2% |
| Kenosha, WI | 102,872 | 96 | 3.8% |
| Lee's Summit, MO | 101,898 | 104 | 4.0% |
| Roanoke, VA | 102,987 | 95 | 4.7% |
| Boca Raton, FL | 102,418 | 148 | 48.0% |
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