B+
12%
Overall NAT. AVG.
2%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
31%
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 Palm Coast Florida National
Cost of living112102100
Groceries102102100
Health care102104100
Housing13197100
Transportation102103100
Utilities110110100
Lifestyle & Entertainment109104100
Household Items104102100
Education & Childcare101106100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Palm Coast, FL

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Palm Coast 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 Palm Coast is 112, which is 12% 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.

When it comes to the cost of living in Palm Coast, 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 30.9% more expensive compared to your average city. That means you'll be shelling out more for homes, rents, mortgage rates and insurance.

Is Palm Coast Affordable?

Is Palm Coast 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 Palm Coast is 25.2% higher than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 44.3% higher than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Palm Coast has a median household income of $84,798, which is 4.3% higher than the national average.

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

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 Palm Coast, the housing index is 30.9% higher than the national average.

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 Palm Coast, the groceries index is 2.3% higher than the national average.

Urbanization: Larger, urban centers, known for their wealth of amenities and strong employment prospects, often exhibit an elevated cost of living, primarily attributable to the heightened demand for services and residential relocation. Consequently, this scenario leads to elevated home prices and higher rental rates. In contrast, sparsely populated rural areas or regions characterized by diminished demand typically provide a more limited array of amenities and experience slower job market growth, resulting in a more affordable cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The Palm Coast 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 Palm Coast is 10% higher than the Florida average
  • The cost of living in Palm Coast is 12% higher than the national average
  • Palm Coast housing is 31% 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 Coast

See all the best places to live around Palm Coast

Compare Palm Coast, FL Cost of Living

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      Cost of living index
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      Utilities index
      Lifestyle index
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      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$92,062$7,672$2,148$2,762
      Renters$70,393$5,866$1,642$2,112
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in Palm Coast 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. Palm Coast has a median income of about $92,062 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $2,148 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $70,393. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $1,642 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.
      Marineland, FL61043.8%
      Flagler Estates, FL3,446928.1%
      Bunnell, FL2,957954.9%
      Beverly Beach, FL5751044.3%
      Flagler Beach, FL5,22712423.6%
      Palm Coast, FL91,05711211.9%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Champaign, IL90,911982.4%
      Reading, PA90,9068812.4%
      Fort Smith, AR90,7248712.8%
      Fall River, MA91,43711919.1%
      Nashua, NH91,47111616.5%
      Palm Coast, FL91,05711211.9%
      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.