Whether you've recently retired to Florida or you're a lifelong resident, you know there is plenty to enjoy about life in the Sunshine State.
However, Florida's above-average cost of living can take a toll on your ability to keep more money in your bank account. That is especially true when it comes to these 10 crucial costs.
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Homeownership
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Housing costs in Florida are above the nationwide average. The average cost of a house in Florida is $392,176, according to the most recent data from Zillow. That's nearly $40,000 higher than the national average of $359,099.
It's also notably higher than the average cost of a house in the neighboring states of Georgia ($326,617) and Alabama ($227,508). So, if you are thinking of spending your golden years in Florida, housing is one area where you might struggle to stretch your retirement savings.
Rent
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Homeowners aren't the only ones paying above-average prices for the roof over their heads.
While the cost of rent is lower now than it was last year, the median expense remains $2,450 a month in Florida, according to Zillow. That is about 18% above the national average.
Electricity
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Luckily for warm-weather lovers, there isn't much chance of snow in Florida. But all that sunshine and heat can take a toll on your budget, especially if you spend most of your time inside with the air conditioner running.
Per data compiled by SoFi® , Floridians pay an average of $130 per month on electricity alone, according to a SoFi analysis of data.
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Homeowners insurance
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The cost of homeowners insurance in Florida is dramatically higher than in other parts of the country.
You can expect to spend an average of $5,527 on homeowners insurance in Florida per year. That is a shocking $3,223 higher than the national average, according to Bankrate.
Some say the higher insurance costs are a result of devastating hurricanes and tropical storms. However, the Insurance Information Institute says Florida's high costs are the result of widespread fraud and litigation.
Car insurance
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If you plan to own and operate a car in Florida, you will need automobile insurance, which costs more on average in Florida than in other states.
While the national average cost of car insurance is $1,582, Florida residents pay an average of $2,683. However, in several Florida cities, you may pay much more than that, according to our best car insurance page and analysis.
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Health insurance premiums
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On top of paying more for homeowners and car insurance, Floridians also pay more in health insurance premiums.
Per data from Forbes, households with employer-supported insurance pay an average annual premium of $7,258 for family coverage — the highest in the nation.
Medigap insurance plans
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Medigap health insurance plans cover gaps in traditional Medicare coverage. Thanks in large part to its popularity among retirees, Florida has a high percentage of individuals on Medicare.
The demand for Medigap coverage in Florida means residents often pay above-average prices for a policy.
Gas
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After a rapid price increase at Florida's pumps in March, the average cost of gas in the state dropped to $3.o7 per gallon in early November, about 0.10 cents below the national average. However, in February, Florida's gas prices were among the ten highest in the country
;In other words, depending on the month, Florida's gas prices can be among the highest in the nation, or they can be perfectly average. The fluctuating prices can make it hard to budget for transportation in Florida.
Groceries
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woman picks ripe bananas at grocery supermarket
Individual Floridians spend an average of $287.27 per week on groceries, while Florida households with children spend around $341.40 per week on groceries, according to U.S. Census Bureau figures from earlier this year. That makes Florida's groceries the fifth-priciest in the nation.
The situation is even worse if you live in Miami. The city surpasses the country's other major metro areas — including New York City, Los Angeles, and San Francisco — to take the top spot as the most expensive city to buy groceries.
Get a protection plan on all your appliances
Did you know if your air conditioner stops working, your homeowner’s insurance won’t cover it? Same with plumbing, electrical issues, appliances, and more.
Whether or not you’re a new homeowner, a home warranty from Choice Home Warranty could pick up the slack where insurance falls short and protect you against surprise expenses. If a covered system in your home breaks, you can call their hotline 24/7 to get it repaired.
For a limited time, you can get your first month free with a Single Payment home warranty plan.
Golf
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In fairness to Florida, golfing doesn't necessarily cost more on average in the state compared to everywhere else. But Florida has more than 1,000 golf courses, and you could spend a minimum of $35 to $75 to book a round, with top-tier courses costing well over $100.
But there's good news for Florida residents who love to golf but hate wasting money: Florida residents often get discounted fees compared to out-of-state players, which should help you save money.
Bottom line
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Whether you dream of a stress-free retirement in Florida or want to move to the state at a younger age, beware of some of the higher costs in the Sunshine State.
With a little forethought and some careful math, your life in Florida can still be sunshine and rainbows.
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Benefits
Card Details
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on Bank of America’s secure website
Read Card ReviewIntro Offer
Earn 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases
Annual Fee
$0
Why we like it
The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card is great for individuals who enjoy earning rewards and traveling.
Cardholders will enjoy the flexibility to redeem points with no blackout dates and receive a statement credit to pay for travel and dining purchases.
Earn 3 points per $1 spent on travel purchases booked through the Bank of America Travel Center and 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases.
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