Cost of Living in Sarasota, FL
Population 56,218 · Florida · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
The Sarasota cost-of-living profile is closer to the US median than most headline-grabbing metros — typical homes around $410,000, rents near $1,514 a month.
Sarasota is about 30 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 24% higher than St. Petersburg's $332,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Sarasota
The median home value in Sarasota is $409,700 — 34% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,514/month, 15% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $70,065/year is 6% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.6%, 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 83.3°F and lows of 64.8°F. Overall, Sarasota has a cost of living index of 127 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 27% 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
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 73 | 75 | 78 | 83 | 88 | 90 | 91 | 92 | 90 | 86 | 80 | 75 |
| Low °F | 52 | 55 | 58 | 63 | 68 | 74 | 75 | 75 | 74 | 68 | 60 | 55 |
| Precip" | 2.79 | 1.92 | 2.85 | 2.46 | 2.58 | 7.05 | 7.39 | 9.11 | 6.00 | 2.76 | 1.81 | 2.33 |
💨 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 Sarasota, FL?
Sarasota has a cost index of 127 (100 = national average). It is 27% above the national average.
What is average rent in Sarasota, FL?
The median gross rent in Sarasota is $1,514 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Sarasota?
The median home value in Sarasota is $409,700 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Sarasota?
The median household income in Sarasota is $70,065 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Sarasota, FL?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Sarasota is 7.0%. Florida has no state income tax.
Is Sarasota, FL affordable?
Sarasota is above average in cost of living, with an index of 127 — about 27% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Sarasota?
Sarasota has average high temperatures of 83.3°F and average lows of 64.8°F. Annual precipitation is 49". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Sarasota at a Glance
- Population
- 56,218
- Median Income
- $70,065
- Home Value
- $409,700
- Median Rent
- $1,514/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.6%
- Avg High Temp
- 83.3°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.0%
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Explore county-level cost of living data
Florida Rankings
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