Cost of Living in Crystal River, FL

Population 3,443 · Florida · Data vintage 2023

85
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Crystal River skews considerably older than the national median, with an average age of 63. Reported household income of $52,112 often reflects pension and investment income rather than wages, which makes the local tax picture — especially property tax treatment — a larger factor than in working-age cities. A poverty rate near 25% adds context to the income figures — well above the US average, and worth factoring into any comparison with cities on the coasts or in the Rockies.

Crystal River is about 30 miles north of Spring Hill, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 17% higher than Spring Hill's $248,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 95
Rent 69

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Crystal River

The median home value in Crystal River is $290,900 — 5% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $913/month, 31% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $52,112/year is 30% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 11.5%, above the national average of 4.8%. Florida charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. Overall, Crystal River has a cost of living index of 85 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 15% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$290,900
5% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$268,418
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$913/mo
31% below avg
Zillow Rent
$1,833/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
26.6x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
0.9%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$1,085
1 BR
$1,181
2 BR
$1,427
3 BR
$1,797
4 BR
$2,099
Owner-occupied 61.0%
Renter-occupied 39.0%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$913
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,527/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
19.9 min
26% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
9.8%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
63.8%
Carpooled
12.4%
Walked
8.6%
Bicycle
4.4%
Work from home
9.8%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) None
Total Sales Tax 7.0%
State rate 6.0%
Avg local rate 1.1%
Property Tax 0.9%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$52,112
30% below avg
Per Capita Income
$33,965
Unemployment Rate
11.5%
138% above avg
Poverty Rate
24.9%
Labor Force Participation
35.0%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 26.7%
Graduate degree 8.1%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 63.3
Male median age 57.4
Female median age 66

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 45 — Good
65.2%
Good air days/yr
118
Max AQI recorded
353
PM2.5 days
0
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Crystal River, FL?

Crystal River has a cost index of 85 (100 = national average). It is 15% below the national average.

What is average rent in Crystal River, FL?

The median gross rent in Crystal River is $913 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Crystal River?

The median home value in Crystal River is $290,900 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Crystal River?

The median household income in Crystal River is $52,112 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Crystal River, FL?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Crystal River is 7.0%. Florida has no state income tax.

Is Crystal River, FL affordable?

Yes, Crystal River is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 85 — about 15% below the US national average of 100.