B
13%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
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 Port St. Lucie Florida National
Cost of living113102100
Groceries101102100
Health care105104100
Housing13197100
Transportation106103100
Utilities110110100
Lifestyle & Entertainment109104100
Household Items102102100
Education & Childcare105106100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Port St. Lucie, FL

Understanding the cost of living in Port St. Lucie 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 Port St. Lucie cost of living index is 113, which is 13% 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.

When it comes to the cost of living in Port St. Lucie, 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 31.2% more expensive compared to your average city. That means you'll be shelling out more for homes, rents, mortgage rates and insurance.

Is Port St. Lucie Affordable?

Is Port St. Lucie 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 Port St. Lucie is 21.9% higher than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 53.1% higher than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Port St. Lucie has a median household income of $94,472, which is 16.2% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Port St. Lucie?

Transportation: In areas where public transportation is scarce or unavailable, residents often find themselves compelled to own and upkeep vehicles, thereby increasing the overall cost of living. Monthly expenses encompass fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potentially lease or financing payments. In Port St. Lucie, the transportation index is 6.2% higher 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.

Utilities: Similar to the prices of any goods or services, utility expenses can fluctuate widely, contingent on variables such as climate, available energy sources, geographical location and state regulations. Costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can differ in magnitude, depending on the specific city or state. In Port St. Lucie, the utilities index registers at 10.3% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Port St. Lucie cost of living data displayed above uses a U.S. average baseline of 100 to provide a practical way to compare living expenses across cities. Housing estimates incorporate U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are generated using AI-assisted models based on everyday expense expectations, regional pricing trends, climate, transportation patterns, and local economic conditions. These values are designed for directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Port St. Lucie is 11% higher than the Florida average
  • The cost of living in Port St. Lucie is 13% higher than the national average
  • Port St. Lucie 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 Port St. Lucie

See all the best places to live around Port St. Lucie

Compare Port St. Lucie, FL Cost of Living

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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$98,996$8,250$2,310$2,970
      Renters$78,771$6,564$1,838$2,363
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Port St. Lucie, FL, is the percentage of monthly income that should be spent on housing expenses, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Generally speaking, no more than 28 percent of your total gross income should be spent on your housing expenses and not more than 36 percent of your gross income on total expenses, including debts. In Port St. Lucie, the median monthly income is $98,996 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $2,310 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $78,771, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $1,838 on monthly rental expenses.

      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.
      Rio, FL7331054.9%
      Ocean Breeze Park, FL2228416.3%
      Fort Pierce North, FL7,416928.0%
      Fort Pierce, FL47,562972.5%
      River Park, FL7,343981.9%
      Port St. Lucie, FL203,09411312.8%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Akron, OH203,0428317.0%
      Glendale, CA204,03719393.1%
      Little Rock, AR202,086964.3%
      Grand Rapids, MI204,117964.0%
      Augusta, GA204,183928.1%
      Port St. Lucie, FL203,09411312.8%
      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.