Cost of Living in South Sarasota, FL

Population 4,905 · Florida · Data vintage 2023

178
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Housing in South Sarasota sits 106% above the national median — $629,000 for the typical home — but median household incomes near $93,958 (26% above the US figure) soften the blow that similar pricing creates in lower-wage metros.

South Sarasota is about 35 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 90% higher than St. Petersburg's $332,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 206
Rent 135

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

About the Cost of Living in South Sarasota

The median home value in South Sarasota is $629,400 — 106% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,776/month, 35% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $93,958/year is 26% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.5%, below the national average of 4.8%. Florida charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. Overall, South Sarasota has a cost of living index of 178 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 78% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$629,400
106% above avg
Median Rent
$1,776/mo
35% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
29.5x
Favors renting
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 68.7%
Renter-occupied 31.3%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,776
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,390/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
23.6 min
13% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
20.4%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
73.5%
Carpooled
4.7%
Public transit
0.3%
Walked
0.5%
Work from home
20.4%

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
$93,958
26% above avg
Per Capita Income
$81,831
Unemployment Rate
4.5%
7% below avg
Poverty Rate
9.3%
Labor Force Participation
48.5%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 28.9%
Graduate degree 21.8%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 54.3
Male median age 54.2
Female median age 54.4

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 47 — Good
63.6%
Good air days/yr
143
Max AQI recorded
224
PM2.5 days
141
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in South Sarasota, FL?

South Sarasota has a cost index of 178 (100 = national average). It is 78% above the national average.

What is average rent in South Sarasota, FL?

The median gross rent in South Sarasota is $1,776 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in South Sarasota?

The median home value in South Sarasota is $629,400 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in South Sarasota?

The median household income in South Sarasota is $93,958 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in South Sarasota, FL?

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

Is South Sarasota, FL affordable?

South Sarasota is above average in cost of living, with an index of 178 — about 78% higher than the national average.

South Sarasota at a Glance

Population
4,905
Median Income
$93,958
Home Value
$629,400
Median Rent
$1,776/mo
Unemployment
4.5%
Sales Tax
7.0%
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