A+
1%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
4%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Search Homes for Sale
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 Sanford Florida National
Cost of living9998100
Goods & Services10198100
Groceries9899100
Health care9296100
Housing10496100
Transportation9599100
Utilities9097100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Sanford, FL

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Sanford 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 Sanford is 99, which is 1% lower 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.

The cost of living in Sanford 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. Sanford 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.

Is Sanford Affordable?

Is Sanford 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 Sanford, for instance, where the median home price falls 4.4% lower than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 23.4% higher than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Sanford flaunting a median household income of $52,664, 4.8% lower than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Sanford?

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can undergo substantial fluctuations based on the city or state of residence. Elements such as the availability of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket costs for medical consultations, dental expenses, prescription medication charges and specialized medical care fees all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Sanford, healthcare costs are 7.6% lower than the national average.

Subsidies: Certain regions may provide government subsidies or assistance initiatives designed to alleviate the cost of living burden on their residents. These programs encompass a wide range of support mechanisms, such as 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 farming subsidies. Areas with fewer subsidy offerings might experience an elevation in their cost of living.

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 Sanford, the groceries index is 2.2% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Sanford cost of living data you see above is sourced from the C2ER cost of living index, providing a practical and accurate means of comparing living expenses in urban areas. Updated quarterly, this index gathers data from over 300 independent researchers, covering more than 60 goods and services, in 6 different categories. These selections are made meticulously to represent a wide range of consumer expenditure categories. The weightings applied to cost differences are based on government survey data that tracks spending patterns among professional and executive households. It's important to note that while the C2ER index excludes data on sales or income tax rates, AreaVibes factors tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each region.

New Real Estate Listings in Sanford Area
Search Homes for Sale in Sanford, FL

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Sanford is 2% higher than the Florida average
  • The cost of living in Sanford is 1% lower than the national average
  • Sanford housing is 4% 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 Sanford

See all the best places to live around Sanford

Compare Sanford, FL Cost of Living

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

      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$64,608$5,384$1,507$1,938
      Renters$41,604$3,467$971$1,248
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in Sanford, FL, as well as what the overall cost of living might be. Generally, a good rule to follow is that the debt-to-income (DTI) level you want to maintain is 28 percent or less of your income on your rent or mortgage payments and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses and debts. In Sanford, homeowners have a median income of $64,608. Using that number, a maximum of $1,507 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $41,604, which means there is a maximum of $971 to be spent on the costs of renting a home or apartment.

      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 Sanford National avg. Difference
      Haircut $26.53$24.269.4%
      Beauty Salon $55.13$45.5621.0%
      Toothpaste $3.84$3.703.8%
      Shampoo $1.48$1.2815.8%
      Movie $13.54$12.1311.6%
      Bowling $19.87$18.0010.4%

      Groceries

      Item Sanford National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $6.26$5.847.1%
      Fried Chicken $1.40$1.5711.0%
      Milk $4.58$4.671.9%
      Potatoes $5.23$4.936.0%
      Pizza $13.13$12.098.6%
      Beer $11.07$10.416.3%

      Health Care

      Item Sanford National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $118.44$125.685.8%
      Doctor $137.00$135.780.9%
      Dentist $125.36$113.2910.7%
      Ibuprofen $10.89$10.652.2%
      Lipitor $446.86$468.604.6%

      Housing

      Item Sanford National avg. Difference
      Home Price $176,600.00$184,700.004.4%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $2,463.53$2,346.695.0%
      Apartment Rent $1,171.00$949.0023.4%

      Transportation

      Item Sanford National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $3.39$3.462.1%
      Tire Balancing $57.07$59.924.8%

      Utilities

      Item Sanford National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $190.71$193.991.7%
      Phone $194.67$192.251.3%
      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.
      Lake Mack-Forest Hills, FL2,4258613.7%
      Pine Lakes, FL1,1278911.3%
      Clarcona, FL4,6878911.1%
      Eatonville, FL2,399937.0%
      Orange City, FL12,232964.1%
      Sanford, FL60,337990.6%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Mirabel, QC60,296n/a 
      Novi, MI60,43912020.2%
      La Mesa, CA60,20815959.3%
      Wesley Chapel, FL60,5341099.4%
      Lakewood, WA60,56412625.8%
      Sanford, FL60,337990.6%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.