Cost of Living in South Bay, FL
Population 4,828 · Florida · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
South Bay sits on the smaller end of the Florida city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 8.1% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Located 40 miles west of West Palm Beach, South Bay falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 66% lower than West Palm Beach's $370,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in South Bay
The median home value in South Bay is $125,000 — 59% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,067/month, 19% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $51,827/year is 31% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.1%, above the national average of 4.8%. Florida charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. Overall, South Bay has a cost of living index of 57 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 43% less expensive.
South Bay has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 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 South Bay, FL?
South Bay has a cost index of 57 (100 = national average). It is 43% below the national average.
What is average rent in South Bay, FL?
The median gross rent in South Bay is $1,067 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in South Bay?
The median home value in South Bay is $125,000 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in South Bay?
The median household income in South Bay is $51,827 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in South Bay, FL?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in South Bay is 7.0%. Florida has no state income tax.
Is South Bay, FL affordable?
Yes, South Bay is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 57 — about 43% below the US national average of 100.
South Bay at a Glance
- Population
- 4,828
- Median Income
- $51,827
- Home Value
- $125,000
- Median Rent
- $1,067/mo
- Unemployment
- 8.1%
- Sales Tax
- 7.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Florida Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs