Cost of Living in Lely Resort, FL

Population 8,296 · Florida · Data vintage 2023

180
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Home prices in Lely Resort run well above the national baseline, with a median of $599,000, though local incomes keep the cost-to-earnings ratio tighter than in coastal metros with comparable sticker prices. Median household earnings of $100,163 place the city among the better-paid Florida metros. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 1.7% — below most comparable cities in the state.

Located 35 miles south of Lehigh Acres, Lely Resort falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 128% higher than Lehigh Acres' $263,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 196
Rent 154

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

About the Cost of Living in Lely Resort

The median home value in Lely Resort is $599,000 — 96% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,028/month, 54% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $100,163/year is 34% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 1.7%, 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 84.1°F and lows of 67.0°F. Overall, Lely Resort has a cost of living index of 180 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 80% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$599,000
96% above avg
Median Rent
$2,028/mo
54% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
24.6x
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 59.3%
Renter-occupied 40.7%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$2,028
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,642/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
24.7 min
9% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
13.6%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
77.7%
Carpooled
6.5%
Work from home
13.6%

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
$100,163
34% above avg
Per Capita Income
$64,702
Unemployment Rate
1.7%
65% below avg
Poverty Rate
7.3%
Labor Force Participation
40.9%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 35.9%
Graduate degree 22.4%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 58.4
Male median age 57.7
Female median age 58.7

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
84.1°F
Avg Low
67.0°F
Annual Precip
49.5"
Annual Snowfall
0"
50° 63° 75° 88° 100° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 757780848890919190878177
Low °F 565861667074767675716359
Precip" 1.681.401.882.522.767.417.778.898.603.931.391.32

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 43 — Good
71.9%
Good air days/yr
144
Max AQI recorded
259
PM2.5 days
101
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Lely Resort, FL?

Lely Resort has a cost index of 180 (100 = national average). It is 80% above the national average.

What is average rent in Lely Resort, FL?

The median gross rent in Lely Resort is $2,028 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Lely Resort?

The median home value in Lely Resort is $599,000 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Lely Resort?

The median household income in Lely Resort is $100,163 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Lely Resort, FL?

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

Is Lely Resort, FL affordable?

Lely Resort is above average in cost of living, with an index of 180 — about 80% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Lely Resort?

Lely Resort has average high temperatures of 84.1°F and average lows of 67.0°F. Annual precipitation is 49.5". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Lely Resort at a Glance

Population
8,296
Median Income
$100,163
Home Value
$599,000
Median Rent
$2,028/mo
Unemployment
1.7%
Avg High Temp
84.1°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