Cost of Living in Fernandina Beach, FL

Population 13,239 · Florida · Data vintage 2023

143
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

With a median age of 58, Fernandina Beach functions largely as a retirement market. Housing costs — $484,000 for a typical home — anchor most household budgets, and the state's treatment of pension income tends to matter more than wage-driven tax comparisons. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 2.6% — below most comparable cities in the state.

Fernandina Beach is about 25 miles northeast of Jacksonville, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 82% higher than Jacksonville's $266,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 159
Rent 120

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

About the Cost of Living in Fernandina Beach

The median home value in Fernandina Beach is $483,700 — 59% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,581/month, 20% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $92,535/year is 24% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.6%, 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 76.4°F and lows of 59.1°F. Overall, Fernandina Beach has a cost of living index of 143 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 43% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$483,700
59% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$596,850
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,581/mo
20% above avg
Zillow Rent
$2,108/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
25.5x
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 78.7%
Renter-occupied 21.3%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,581
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,195/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
25.4 min
6% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
19.0%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
74.6%
Carpooled
4.8%
Public transit
0.2%
Walked
0.8%
Bicycle
0.4%
Work from home
19.0%

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
$92,535
24% above avg
Per Capita Income
$63,640
Unemployment Rate
2.6%
46% below avg
Poverty Rate
8.7%
Labor Force Participation
51.7%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 31.7%
Graduate degree 19.4%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 58.3
Male median age 56.5
Female median age 59.4

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
76.4°F
Avg Low
59.1°F
Annual Precip
47.2"
40° 53° 65° 78° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 626570768286898985797165
Low °F 434551576571747471625246
Precip" 2.832.823.312.773.716.294.586.535.204.391.683.06

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

92%
4-Year Graduation Rate
16.6:1
Student-teacher ratio
20
Public schools
12,248
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Fernandina Beach, FL?

Fernandina Beach has a cost index of 143 (100 = national average). It is 43% above the national average.

What is average rent in Fernandina Beach, FL?

The median gross rent in Fernandina Beach is $1,581 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Fernandina Beach?

The median home value in Fernandina Beach is $483,700 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Fernandina Beach?

The median household income in Fernandina Beach is $92,535 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Fernandina Beach, FL?

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

Is Fernandina Beach, FL affordable?

Fernandina Beach is above average in cost of living, with an index of 143 — about 43% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Fernandina Beach?

Fernandina Beach has average high temperatures of 76.4°F and average lows of 59.1°F. Annual precipitation is 47.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Fernandina Beach at a Glance

Population
13,239
Median Income
$92,535
Home Value
$483,700
Median Rent
$1,581/mo
Unemployment
2.6%
Avg High Temp
76.4°F
Sales Tax
7.0%
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