| Index | Stuart | Florida | National |
| Cost of living | 109 | 102 | 100 |
| Groceries | 101 | 102 | 100 |
| Health care | 105 | 104 | 100 |
| Housing | 117 | 97 | 100 |
| Transportation | 106 | 103 | 100 |
| Utilities | 110 | 110 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 109 | 104 | 100 |
| Household Items | 102 | 102 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 105 | 106 | 100 |

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Stuart 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 Stuart is 109, which is 9% 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.
The cost of living in Stuart aligns closely with the national average when compared to other cities across the nation. Everyday essentials such as groceries, household expenses, health care and utility bills are priced at a level consistent with the average in similar urban areas. Stuart 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.
Locals have the inside scoop on their city. So, we polled 18 residents in Stuart 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? 56% find it reasonable with decreasing prices, but 44% think it's quite pricey, with prices that continue to rise.
Is Stuart 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 Stuart is 13.1% higher than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 27.6% higher than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Stuart has a median household income of $79,329, which is 2.5% lower 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 Stuart 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 Stuart, the housing index is 17.4% higher than the national average.
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 Stuart, the transportation index is 6.2% higher than the national average.
The cost of living data for Stuart shown above is based on a U.S. average baseline score of 100, making it easier to compare how far your dollar may go from one city to another. Housing uses U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all remaining values are AI-assisted estimates informed by regional pricing, climate, transportation dynamics, and local economic factors. These scores are best used for directional comparisons between cities.
| Cost of living index | |
| Groceries index | |
| Health care index | |
| Housing index | |
| Transportation index | |
| Utilities index | |
| Lifestyle index | |
| Household index | |
| Educare index |
| Median Income | Per Year | Per Month | Max Budget (28% DTI) | Max Budget (36% DTI) |
| Owners | $95,443 | $7,954 | $2,227 | $2,864 |
| Renters | $65,889 | $5,491 | $1,537 | $1,977 |
| 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. |
| Rio, FL | 733 | 105 | 4.9% |
| Ocean Breeze Park, FL | 222 | 84 | 16.3% |
| Indiantown, FL | 7,406 | 90 | 9.8% |
| River Park, FL | 7,343 | 98 | 1.9% |
| Fort Pierce South, FL | 4,644 | 102 | 2.1% |
| Stuart, FL | 16,622 | 109 | 8.7% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Fairview Heights, IL | 16,620 | 96 | 4.4% |
| Kings Park, NY | 16,620 | 143 | 42.9% |
| Harrisburg, NC | 16,618 | 118 | 18.4% |
| Fremont, OH | 16,617 | 84 | 15.9% |
| Live Oak, TX | 16,631 | 100 | 0.4% |
| Stuart, FL | 16,622 | 109 | 8.7% |