Cost of Living in Bartow, FL
Population 19,801 · Florida · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing costs in Bartow stay well under national norms: a median home value of $210,000 against median household incomes of $66,944 gives the city one of the more comfortable price-to-income ratios in Florida.
Located 14 miles southeast of Lakeland, Bartow falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 8% lower than Lakeland's $229,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Bartow
The median home value in Bartow is $210,400 — 31% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,073/month, 18% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $66,944/year is 10% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.7%, below the national average of 4.8%. Florida charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. Overall, Bartow has a cost of living index of 74 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 26% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Bartow, FL?
Bartow has a cost index of 74 (100 = national average). It is 26% below the national average.
What is average rent in Bartow, FL?
The median gross rent in Bartow is $1,073 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Bartow?
The median home value in Bartow is $210,400 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Bartow?
The median household income in Bartow is $66,944 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Bartow, FL?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Bartow is 7.0%. Florida has no state income tax.
Is Bartow, FL affordable?
Yes, Bartow is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 74 — about 26% below the US national average of 100.
Bartow at a Glance
- Population
- 19,801
- Median Income
- $66,944
- Home Value
- $210,400
- Median Rent
- $1,073/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.7%
- Sales Tax
- 7.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Florida Rankings
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