Cost of Living in Winter Haven, FL
Population 52,846 · Florida · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
The Winter Haven cost-of-living profile is closer to the US median than most headline-grabbing metros — typical homes around $248,000, rents near $1,200 a month.
Located 14 miles east of Lakeland, Winter Haven falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 8% higher than Lakeland's $229,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Winter Haven
The median home value in Winter Haven is $248,200 — 19% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,200/month, 9% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $59,604/year is 20% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.4%, below the national average of 4.8%. Florida charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. The climate averages highs of 84.2°F and lows of 64.9°F. Overall, Winter Haven has a cost of living index of 85 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 15% 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
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 73 | 76 | 80 | 85 | 90 | 92 | 93 | 93 | 91 | 86 | 80 | 74 |
| Low °F | 52 | 55 | 59 | 63 | 69 | 74 | 75 | 76 | 74 | 68 | 60 | 55 |
| Precip" | 2.49 | 2.44 | 3.04 | 2.50 | 2.67 | 7.36 | 7.44 | 6.52 | 5.31 | 2.22 | 1.45 | 2.68 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Winter Haven, FL?
Winter Haven has a cost index of 85 (100 = national average). It is 15% below the national average.
What is average rent in Winter Haven, FL?
The median gross rent in Winter Haven is $1,200 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Winter Haven?
The median home value in Winter Haven is $248,200 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Winter Haven?
The median household income in Winter Haven is $59,604 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Winter Haven, FL?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Winter Haven is 7.0%. Florida has no state income tax.
Is Winter Haven, FL affordable?
Yes, Winter Haven is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 85 — about 15% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Winter Haven?
Winter Haven has average high temperatures of 84.2°F and average lows of 64.9°F. Annual precipitation is 46.1". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Winter Haven at a Glance
- Population
- 52,846
- Median Income
- $59,604
- Home Value
- $248,200
- Median Rent
- $1,200/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.4%
- Avg High Temp
- 84.2°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.0%
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Florida Rankings
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