Cost of Living in Stuart, FL
Population 18,058 · Florida · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Stuart 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.
Stuart sits roughly 11 miles southeast of Port St. Lucie — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 11% lower than Port St. Lucie's $328,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Stuart
The median home value in Stuart is $291,300 — 4% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,540/month, 17% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $64,409/year is 14% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.1%, above the national average of 4.8%. Florida charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. Overall, Stuart has a cost of living index of 104 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 4% 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
💨 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 Stuart, FL?
Stuart has a cost index of 104 (100 = national average). It is 4% above the national average.
What is average rent in Stuart, FL?
The median gross rent in Stuart is $1,540 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Stuart?
The median home value in Stuart is $291,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Stuart?
The median household income in Stuart is $64,409 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Stuart, FL?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Stuart is 7.0%. Florida has no state income tax.
Is Stuart, FL affordable?
Stuart is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 104 (100 = US average).
Stuart at a Glance
- Population
- 18,058
- Median Income
- $64,409
- Home Value
- $291,300
- Median Rent
- $1,540/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.1%
- Sales Tax
- 7.0%
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Explore county-level cost of living data
Florida Rankings
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