Cost of Living in Goulding, FL

Population 3,448 · Florida · Data vintage 2023

50
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Household incomes in Goulding run well below national norms — a median of $27,299 versus the $74,580 US figure. Housing costs partially offset that gap (typical home values around $87,000). A poverty rate near 36% 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.

Goulding is about 55 miles east of Mobile, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 49% lower than Mobile's $170,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 28
Rent 82

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

About the Cost of Living in Goulding

The median home value in Goulding is $86,800 — 72% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,077/month, 18% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $27,299/year is 63% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 21.6%, 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 78.6°F and lows of 60.3°F. Overall, Goulding has a cost of living index of 50 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 50% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$86,800
72% below avg
Median Rent
$1,077/mo
18% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
6.7x
Favors buying
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 40.5%
Renter-occupied 59.5%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,077
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,691/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
26.3 min
3% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
5.8%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
43.6%
Carpooled
38.6%
Public transit
1.3%
Walked
1.9%
Bicycle
1.5%
Work from home
5.8%

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
$27,299
63% below avg
Per Capita Income
$15,914
Unemployment Rate
21.6%
349% above avg
Poverty Rate
35.8%
Labor Force Participation
32.8%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 7.3%
Graduate degree 1.3%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 36.9
Male median age 33
Female median age 44.4

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
78.6°F
Avg Low
60.3°F
Annual Precip
68.3"
40° 55° 70° 85° 100° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 636672788590929189817265
Low °F 444753596774757572625146
Precip" 5.034.775.255.523.907.327.897.506.614.704.425.40

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 51 — Moderate
48.8%
Good air days/yr
108
Max AQI recorded
251
PM2.5 days
114
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Goulding, FL?

Goulding has a cost index of 50 (100 = national average). It is 50% below the national average.

What is average rent in Goulding, FL?

The median gross rent in Goulding is $1,077 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Goulding?

The median home value in Goulding is $86,800 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Goulding?

The median household income in Goulding is $27,299 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Goulding, FL?

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

Is Goulding, FL affordable?

Yes, Goulding is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 50 — about 50% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Goulding?

Goulding has average high temperatures of 78.6°F and average lows of 60.3°F. Annual precipitation is 68.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Goulding at a Glance

Population
3,448
Median Income
$27,299
Home Value
$86,800
Median Rent
$1,077/mo
Unemployment
21.6%
Avg High Temp
78.6°F
Sales Tax
7.0%
View all cities in Florida →
🗺️ County data for Florida

Explore county-level cost of living data

Similar Cost Cities

Cities in other states with comparable housing costs