Cost of Living in Collier County, Florida
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Collier County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Collier County ranks #2,016 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 36%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Collier County, Florida
Collier's housing demands premium income levels
Collier County's 24.4% rent-to-income ratio pushes toward the ceiling of affordability, despite median household income of $86,173—15% above the national average. The county's median rent of $1,752 and median home value of $486,800 reflect premium coastal positioning that requires above-average earnings to access comfortably.
Collier ranks among Florida's priciest markets
At 24.4%, Collier's rent-to-income ratio exceeds Florida's state average of 22.5%, placing it among the state's least affordable counties. The $1,752 median rent runs $519 above the state average of $1,233, signaling Collier's status as a premium destination that commands above-average prices.
Collier commands significantly higher prices
Collier County's median home value of $486,800 towers over most neighbors: DeSoto County at $151,500, Dixie County at $96,900, and even Columbia County at $186,400. Renters face $1,752 monthly rents—the highest among comparable counties—reflecting the region's desirability and limited affordable stock.
Housing eats a larger slice of income here
Collier renters spend 24.4% of their $86,173 income on housing, while homeowners dedicate approximately 21.2% to monthly ownership costs on properties worth $486,800 median. These percentages leave less discretionary income than neighboring counties, requiring higher earnings to maintain comparable quality of life elsewhere.
Collier suits high-income professionals and retirees
Consider Collier if you're relocating with strong income or assets—the premium prices reflect desirable amenities, coastal access, and strong property values. For middle-income households, neighboring Clay or Columbia counties offer superior affordability without sacrificing Florida's lifestyle appeal.
Cost of Living Advisory: Collier County
Affordability Verdict
Collier County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $1,752/month — about 24.4% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Collier County pay $1,752/month on average, compared to $1,525/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 13%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $70,080/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $65,357/year. With a median household income of $86,173, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 36.0% of renter households in Collier County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Broward County where rent averages $1,804/month, Collier County is approximately 3% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Collier County
Rent Burden
24.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$2,011
per month
Owner Cost Burden
21.2%
of gross income
The median home in Collier County may be a stretch
Median home value is $486,800. Estimated monthly cost: $3,886 vs. your max of $2,011.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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