Cost of Living in West Palm Beach, FL
Population 119,508 · Florida · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
The West Palm Beach cost-of-living profile is closer to the US median than most headline-grabbing metros — typical homes around $370,000, rents near $1,709 a month.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in West Palm Beach
The median home value in West Palm Beach is $369,800 — 21% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,709/month, 30% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $69,261/year is 7% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.4%, above the national average of 4.8%. Florida charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. The climate averages highs of 83.0°F and lows of 68.6°F. Overall, West Palm Beach has a cost of living index of 125 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 25% 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 | 75 | 77 | 79 | 82 | 86 | 88 | 90 | 90 | 88 | 85 | 80 | 77 |
| Low °F | 58 | 60 | 63 | 68 | 72 | 75 | 76 | 77 | 76 | 73 | 66 | 62 |
| Precip" | 3.47 | 2.63 | 3.31 | 3.68 | 4.91 | 8.48 | 5.63 | 8.68 | 7.96 | 5.90 | 3.62 | 3.48 |
💨 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 West Palm Beach, FL?
West Palm Beach has a cost index of 125 (100 = national average). It is 25% above the national average.
What is average rent in West Palm Beach, FL?
The median gross rent in West Palm Beach is $1,709 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in West Palm Beach?
The median home value in West Palm Beach is $369,800 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in West Palm Beach?
The median household income in West Palm Beach is $69,261 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in West Palm Beach, FL?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in West Palm Beach is 7.0%. Florida has no state income tax.
Is West Palm Beach, FL affordable?
West Palm Beach is above average in cost of living, with an index of 125 — about 25% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in West Palm Beach?
West Palm Beach has average high temperatures of 83.0°F and average lows of 68.6°F. Annual precipitation is 61.8". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
West Palm Beach at a Glance
- Population
- 119,508
- Median Income
- $69,261
- Home Value
- $369,800
- Median Rent
- $1,709/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.4%
- Avg High Temp
- 83.0°F
- 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