Cost of Living in Lely, FL

Population 3,770 · Florida · Data vintage 2023

113
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 66, Lely functions largely as a retirement market. Housing costs — $290,000 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. An unemployment rate of 2.5% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.

Located 35 miles south of Lehigh Acres, Lely falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 10% higher than Lehigh Acres' $263,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 95
Rent 139

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

About the Cost of Living in Lely

The median home value in Lely is $290,400 — 5% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,826/month, 39% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $65,029/year is 13% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.5%, 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 has a cost of living index of 113 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 13% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$290,400
5% below avg
Median Rent
$1,826/mo
39% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
13.3x
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 81.2%
Renter-occupied 18.8%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,826
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,440/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
22.7 min
16% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
10.9%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
69.2%
Carpooled
16.1%
Walked
0.7%
Bicycle
0.5%
Work from home
10.9%

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
$65,029
13% below avg
Per Capita Income
$44,288
Unemployment Rate
2.5%
48% below avg
Poverty Rate
8.7%
Labor Force Participation
43.9%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 20.3%
Graduate degree 11.4%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 65.7
Male median age 65.2
Female median age 66.7

🌤 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, FL?

Lely has a cost index of 113 (100 = national average). It is 13% above the national average.

What is average rent in Lely, FL?

The median gross rent in Lely is $1,826 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Lely?

The median home value in Lely is $290,400 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Lely?

The median household income in Lely is $65,029 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Lely, FL?

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

Is Lely, FL affordable?

Lely is above average in cost of living, with an index of 113 — about 13% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Lely?

Lely 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 at a Glance

Population
3,770
Median Income
$65,029
Home Value
$290,400
Median Rent
$1,826/mo
Unemployment
2.5%
Avg High Temp
84.1°F
Sales Tax
7.0%
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Explore county-level cost of living data

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