Cost of Living in Sebastian, FL
Population 25,759 · Florida · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
The median resident in Sebastian is 58 years old, well past the national midpoint, giving the city the retail and service mix of a retirement-dominant market. Household-income figures here read differently than in working-age cities: retirement and investment income weigh heavily in the totals. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 8.5% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Sebastian sits roughly 15 miles southeast of Palm Bay — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 14% higher than Palm Bay's $248,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Sebastian
The median home value in Sebastian is $281,700 — 8% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,414/month, 8% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $68,863/year is 8% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.5%, above the national average of 4.8%. Florida charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. Overall, Sebastian has a cost of living index of 98 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 2% 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
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Sebastian, FL?
Sebastian has a cost index of 98 (100 = national average). It is 2% below the national average.
What is average rent in Sebastian, FL?
The median gross rent in Sebastian is $1,414 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Sebastian?
The median home value in Sebastian is $281,700 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Sebastian?
The median household income in Sebastian is $68,863 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Sebastian, FL?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Sebastian is 7.0%. Florida has no state income tax.
Is Sebastian, FL affordable?
Sebastian is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 98 (100 = US average).
Sebastian at a Glance
- Population
- 25,759
- Median Income
- $68,863
- Home Value
- $281,700
- Median Rent
- $1,414/mo
- Unemployment
- 8.5%
- Sales Tax
- 7.0%
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Explore county-level cost of living data
Florida Rankings
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