Cost of Living in Destin, FL
Population 14,018 · Florida · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Destin sits on the smaller end of the Florida city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible. An unemployment rate of 1.6% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.
Geographically, Destin lies roughly 100 miles east of the nearest major metro, Mobile. Median home values run roughly 167% higher than Mobile's $170,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Destin
The median home value in Destin is $455,100 — 49% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,913/month, 46% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $89,141/year is 20% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 1.6%, below the national average of 4.8%. Florida charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. The climate averages highs of 78.1°F and lows of 61.4°F. Overall, Destin has a cost of living index of 148 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 48% more 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
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 63 | 66 | 71 | 76 | 84 | 89 | 91 | 91 | 89 | 81 | 72 | 66 |
| Low °F | 45 | 48 | 54 | 60 | 68 | 74 | 76 | 76 | 72 | 63 | 53 | 48 |
| Precip" | 4.52 | 4.96 | 4.70 | 4.55 | 3.22 | 4.70 | 5.77 | 6.08 | 5.18 | 2.82 | 4.13 | 4.72 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Destin, FL?
Destin has a cost index of 148 (100 = national average). It is 48% above the national average.
What is average rent in Destin, FL?
The median gross rent in Destin is $1,913 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Destin?
The median home value in Destin is $455,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Destin?
The median household income in Destin is $89,141 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Destin, FL?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Destin is 7.0%. Florida has no state income tax.
Is Destin, FL affordable?
Destin is above average in cost of living, with an index of 148 — about 48% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Destin?
Destin has average high temperatures of 78.1°F and average lows of 61.4°F. Annual precipitation is 55.4". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Destin at a Glance
- Population
- 14,018
- Median Income
- $89,141
- Home Value
- $455,100
- Median Rent
- $1,913/mo
- Unemployment
- 1.6%
- Avg High Temp
- 78.1°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.0%
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Florida Rankings
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