Cost of Living in Cortez, FL
Population 5,323 · Florida · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
The median resident in Cortez is 63 years old, well past the national midpoint, giving the city the retail and service mix of a retirement-dominant market. Household-income figures here read differently than in working-age cities: retirement and investment income weigh heavily in the totals. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 11.9% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Located 20 miles south of St. Petersburg, Cortez falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 17% higher than St. Petersburg's $332,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Cortez
The median home value in Cortez is $388,500 — 27% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,912/month, 46% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $76,915/year is 3% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 11.9%, above the national average of 4.8%. Florida charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. The climate averages highs of 83.3°F and lows of 64.8°F. Overall, Cortez has a cost of living index of 135 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 35% more expensive.
Cortez has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 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
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 73 | 75 | 78 | 83 | 88 | 90 | 91 | 92 | 90 | 86 | 80 | 75 |
| Low °F | 52 | 55 | 58 | 63 | 68 | 74 | 75 | 75 | 74 | 68 | 60 | 55 |
| Precip" | 2.79 | 1.92 | 2.85 | 2.46 | 2.58 | 7.05 | 7.39 | 9.11 | 6.00 | 2.76 | 1.81 | 2.33 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Cortez, FL?
Cortez has a cost index of 135 (100 = national average). It is 35% above the national average.
What is average rent in Cortez, FL?
The median gross rent in Cortez is $1,912 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Cortez?
The median home value in Cortez is $388,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Cortez?
The median household income in Cortez is $76,915 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Cortez, FL?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Cortez is 7.0%. Florida has no state income tax.
Is Cortez, FL affordable?
Cortez is above average in cost of living, with an index of 135 — about 35% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Cortez?
Cortez has average high temperatures of 83.3°F and average lows of 64.8°F. Annual precipitation is 49". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Cortez at a Glance
- Population
- 5,323
- Median Income
- $76,915
- Home Value
- $388,500
- Median Rent
- $1,912/mo
- Unemployment
- 11.9%
- Avg High Temp
- 83.3°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.0%
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Florida Rankings
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