B+
12%
Overall NAT. AVG.
0%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
33%
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 Sun City Center Florida National
Cost of living112102100
Groceries100102100
Health care107104100
Housing13397100
Transportation101103100
Utilities110110100
Lifestyle & Entertainment108104100
Household Items100102100
Education & Childcare101106100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Sun City Center, FL

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Sun City Center? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Sun City Center stands at 112, making it 12% higher than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.

Housing costs make up a big chunk of the cost of living in Sun City Center, and they usually eat into a large part of your take-home pay. Unfortunately, in this area, both buying a home and renting one costs 32.7% more than the average city. This includes stuff like home prices, rent, mortgage rates, and insurance.

Is Sun City Center Affordable?

Is Sun City Center 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 Sun City Center is 8.6% higher than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 89.1% higher than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Sun City Center has a median household income of $75,734, which is 6.9% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Sun City Center?

Taxes: Cities that enforce higher taxes, covering both sales taxes and income taxes, can be a factor contributing to a higher cost of living. Paying more in taxes for everyday essentials like clothing and food inevitably leads to higher expenses. A higher income tax rate can further contribute to an overall elevated cost of living. In Sun City Center, the baseline sales tax rate begins at 6%, and income tax rates start at 0%.

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 Sun City Center, the utilities index registers at 9.8% higher than the national average.

Subsidies: Some cities and states may extend government subsidies or aid programs aimed at reducing the cost of living for their residents. These initiatives encompass diverse forms of support, 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. Regions with limited subsidy provisions may witness an increase in their overall cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data for Sun City Center 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 Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Sun City Center is 10% higher than the Florida average
  • The cost of living in Sun City Center is 12% higher than the national average
  • Sun City Center housing is 33% 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 Sun City Center

See all the best places to live around Sun City Center

Compare Sun City Center, FL Cost of Living

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$81,039$6,753$1,891$2,431
      Renters$52,392$4,366$1,222$1,572
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in Sun City Center 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. Sun City Center has a median income of about $81,039 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $1,891 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $52,392. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $1,222 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.
      Palm River-Clair Mel, FL25,0851000.0%
      Palmetto, FL13,9911000.0%
      Memphis, FL10,9491021.6%
      Ellenton, FL5,9741021.8%
      Ruskin, FL26,2871043.8%
      Sun City Center, FL27,17711212.1%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Auburn, NY27,187963.8%
      University Park, FL27,16611413.8%
      Daphne, AL27,1601043.6%
      Ewa Gentry, HI27,20317271.7%
      Troy, OH27,108919.1%
      Sun City Center, FL27,17711212.1%
      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.