Cost of Living in Fort Meade, FL
Population 5,172 · Florida · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
At $35,131, median household incomes in Fort Meade land roughly 53% below the US median, a gap that tends to persist across local labor-market indicators. At 6.4%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Fort Meade sits roughly 20 miles southeast of Lakeland — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 38% lower than Lakeland's $229,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Fort Meade
The median home value in Fort Meade is $141,500 — 54% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $919/month, 30% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $35,131/year is 53% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.4%, above the national average of 4.8%. Florida charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. Overall, Fort Meade has a cost of living index of 56 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 44% less expensive.
Fort Meade is a military installation
This location is a military installation. Civilian housing is primarily found in surrounding communities — 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
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Fort Meade, FL?
Fort Meade has a cost index of 56 (100 = national average). It is 44% below the national average.
What is average rent in Fort Meade, FL?
The median gross rent in Fort Meade is $919 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Fort Meade?
The median home value in Fort Meade is $141,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Fort Meade?
The median household income in Fort Meade is $35,131 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Fort Meade, FL?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Fort Meade is 7.0%. Florida has no state income tax.
Is Fort Meade, FL affordable?
Yes, Fort Meade is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 56 — about 44% below the US national average of 100.
Fort Meade at a Glance
- Population
- 5,172
- Median Income
- $35,131
- Home Value
- $141,500
- Median Rent
- $919/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.4%
- Sales Tax
- 7.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Florida Rankings
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