A
7%
Overall NAT. AVG.
4%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
7%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Highland City Florida National
Cost of living107102100
Groceries104102100
Health care107104100
Housing10797100
Transportation107103100
Utilities110110100
Lifestyle & Entertainment100104100
Household Items104102100
Education & Childcare113106100
Does this Area Fit Your Budget? Local Insights Report
  • Know the community before you call it home
  • Compare multiple areas side by side
  • Access over 300 data points for any address
Local Insights Report

An Overview of Cost of Living in Highland City, FL

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Highland City 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 Highland City is 107, which is 7% higher 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 Highland City, daily expenses such as food, housing, lifestyle expenses, 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 Highland City will resemble that of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

Is Highland City Affordable?

Is Highland City an affordable place to live? It's a good question and one that you might want to ask when considering any new city, as affordability can play a huge role in the decision making process. The cost of living index (which we covered above), as well as housing costs and income levels play a vital role in determining the affordability of an area. The median home price in Highland City is 1.1% higher than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 22.5% higher than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Highland City has a median household income of $101,144, which is 24.4% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Highland City?

Groceries: Grocery prices have seen substantial hikes in the last 2-3 years, with some markets witnessing food cost increases of over 20% during this period. Conversely, certain markets have experienced only moderate upticks. These variations in food expenses can have a substantial impact on the overall cost of living in any locality. In Highland City, the groceries index is 4.2% higher than the national average.

Taxes: Areas with higher taxes, including sales taxes and income taxes, can contribute to a higher cost of living. Paying more tax for everyday household expenses like clothing and food will result in higher costs, as will paying a higher rate of income tax. The general sales tax rate in Highland City starts at 6% and the income tax rates start at 0%.

Housing: Elevated demand for housing within coveted locales has the propensity to escalate both property values and rental rates, thereby serving as a primary catalyst for an augmented cost of living. Conversely, areas witnessing diminished housing demand, particularly within less desirable environs, often experience an inversely proportional effect, leading to price reductions and subsequently contributing to a more modest cost of living. In Highland City, the housing index is 7.5% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Highland City cost of living data above is designed around a U.S. average baseline of 100, allowing for easy comparisons of relative living costs. Housing incorporates U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other figures are AI-assisted estimates that account for regional price trends, climate, transportation dynamics, and common everyday expenses. These values are best used as directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Highland City is 5% higher than the Florida average
  • The cost of living in Highland City is 7% higher than the national average
  • Highland City housing is 7% 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 Highland City

See all the best places to live around Highland City

Compare Highland City, FL Cost of Living

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

      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index
      Lifestyle index
      Household index
      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$116,999$9,750$2,730$3,510
      Renters$78,635$6,553$1,835$2,359
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in Highland City is by simply calculating the maximum that should be spent on housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The plan is to avoid spending more than 28 percent of the gross income on costs that pertain to housing and no more than 36 percent on all expenses and debts. Highland City has a median income of about $116,999 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $2,730 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $78,635. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $1,835 on all rental costs if they want to maintain a non-impoverished standard of living.

      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%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Fussels Corner, FL4,9498713.4%
      Wahneta, FL4,1208614.1%
      Bradley Junction, FL7278812.2%
      Mulberry, FL4,2428910.6%
      Inwood, FL7,469909.9%
      Highland City, FL11,8161076.7%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Moncks Corner, SC11,8161022.0%
      Cleveland, MS11,8128911.0%
      Magalia, CA11,82211515.0%
      Lovington, NM11,8228910.7%
      Muscoy, CA11,80912626.0%
      Highland City, FL11,8161076.7%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.