Cost of Living in Laurel, FL
Population 11,868 · Florida · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
With a median age of 63, Laurel functions largely as a retirement market. Housing costs — $450,000 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.
Laurel is about 45 miles south of St. Petersburg, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 36% higher than St. Petersburg's $332,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Laurel
The median home value in Laurel is $450,200 — 48% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,411/month, 7% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $89,282/year is 20% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.6%, below the national average of 4.8%. Florida charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. Overall, Laurel has a cost of living index of 132 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 32% 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
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Laurel, FL?
Laurel has a cost index of 132 (100 = national average). It is 32% above the national average.
What is average rent in Laurel, FL?
The median gross rent in Laurel is $1,411 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Laurel?
The median home value in Laurel is $450,200 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Laurel?
The median household income in Laurel is $89,282 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Laurel, FL?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Laurel is 7.0%. Florida has no state income tax.
Is Laurel, FL affordable?
Laurel is above average in cost of living, with an index of 132 — about 32% higher than the national average.
Laurel at a Glance
- Population
- 11,868
- Median Income
- $89,282
- Home Value
- $450,200
- Median Rent
- $1,411/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.6%
- Sales Tax
- 7.0%
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Explore county-level cost of living data
Florida Rankings
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