Cost of Living in Pensacola, FL
Population 54,011 · Florida · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Most of Pensacola's cost indicators track within a reasonable band of national figures, with median household incomes near $72,699 — a more representative starting point for relocation math than the headline-expensive or headline-cheap cities on either tail.
Pensacola 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 62% higher than Mobile's $170,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Pensacola
The median home value in Pensacola is $276,500 — 9% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,209/month, 8% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $72,699/year is 3% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.5%, above the national average of 4.8%. Florida charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. Overall, Pensacola has a cost of living index of 91 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 9% less 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
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Pensacola, FL?
Pensacola has a cost index of 91 (100 = national average). It is 9% below the national average.
What is average rent in Pensacola, FL?
The median gross rent in Pensacola is $1,209 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Pensacola?
The median home value in Pensacola is $276,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Pensacola?
The median household income in Pensacola is $72,699 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Pensacola, FL?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Pensacola is 7.0%. Florida has no state income tax.
Is Pensacola, FL affordable?
Pensacola is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 91 (100 = US average).
Pensacola at a Glance
- Population
- 54,011
- Median Income
- $72,699
- Home Value
- $276,500
- Median Rent
- $1,209/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.5%
- Sales Tax
- 7.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Florida Rankings
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