Is Port St Lucie expensive to live in?

Port St Lucie is considered moderately expensive, with a cost index of 115 compared to the US average of 100. Living here costs about 15% more than the national average. The median monthly rent is $2,350, and the median household income is $78,137.

What salary do you need to live comfortably in Port St Lucie?

Using the standard 30% rent-to-income rule, you need at least $94,000/year to afford median rent in Port St Lucie. The median household income is $78,137, giving a rent-to-income ratio of 36%. Financial experts recommend keeping rent below 30% of gross income.

What is the average rent in Port St Lucie?

The median rent in Port St Lucie is $2,350 per month. Housing costs score 138 against the national average of 100, meaning housing is 38% more expensive than the US average.

How does Port St Lucie compare to the national average cost of living?

Port St Lucie's overall cost index is 115 vs the national average of 100. Breaking it down: housing (138), food & groceries (113), transportation (109), utilities (106), and healthcare (119). Port St Lucie is above average in most categories.

Is Port St Lucie, Florida a good place to live?

Port St Lucie has a population of 245,021 and a median household income of $78,137. With a cost index of 115, it offers a higher-cost lifestyle. The rent-to-income ratio is 36%, which is above the recommended 30% threshold.

What are the cheapest cities near Port St Lucie?

To find the most affordable cities near Port St Lucie in Florida, use the Livably city comparison tool or browse the Florida state page. You can compare rent, cost index, income, and affordability side by side across all tracked cities.

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Port St Lucie

Monthly city intelligence across housing costs, tax load, and affordability signals to help you plan your next move with clearer numbers.

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Cost index: 115

Median rent: $2,350

Median income: $78,137

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About Port St Lucie

Living in Port St Lucie, Florida

Port St Lucie, Florida is a growing city with a population of approximately 245,021. The overall cost of living index sits at 115, which is above the national average of 100. This means everyday expenses — housing, groceries, transportation, and healthcare — are roughly 15% more expensive compared to the typical U.S. city.

Housing is the largest cost driver in Port St Lucie. Median rent is $2,350 per month, while the median home price is $381,910. At a median household income of $78,137, rent consumes roughly 36% of gross income, which represents a moderate housing cost burden. The housing sub-index of 138 highlights significantly elevated shelter costs.

Beyond housing, healthcare is the most elevated non-shelter expense in Port St Lucie with a sub-index of 119, while utilities is comparatively more affordable at 106. State-level taxes also shape the true cost of living: Florida applies a 0.00% income tax rate, and property tax averages 0.80% of assessed home value. The combined sales tax rate is 7.05%. Local income tax may apply in some municipalities.

Over the past twelve months, the cost of living in Port St Lucie has remained relatively stable. Among the 22 tracked cities in Florida, Port St Lucie ranks #13 from most to least affordable. Whether you're evaluating a job offer, planning a relocation, or comparing salary purchasing power, these numbers give a grounded, data-backed view of what life in Port St Lucie actually costs.

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