Cost of Living in Gulf County, Florida
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Gulf County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Gulf County ranks #1,119 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 36%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Gulf County, Florida
Gulf County balances affordability
Gulf County residents spend 20.7% of income on rent, comfortably below the national affordability standard and just below Florida's 22.5% state average. With a median household income of $67,361 and rent at $1,161, Gulf offers a moderate housing burden in a coastal setting.
Gulf near Florida average affordability
At 20.7%, Gulf's rent-to-income ratio sits just 1.8 percentage points below Florida's 22.5% state average, positioning it as an affordable coastal alternative. The $1,161 median rent falls $72 below the state median, reflecting Gulf's quieter, less-developed character compared to Florida's major markets.
Gulf's competitive rental market
Gulf's $1,161 rent undercuts Flagler ($1,687) by $526 but exceeds Franklin ($1,044) by $117, placing it in the middle tier of comparable counties. The $67,361 median income paired with moderate rent creates a balanced profile attractive to coastal relocators seeking affordability.
Gulf's sustainable housing balance
Renters spend $1,161 monthly from a $67,361 median income, consuming 20.7% of earnings and preserving substantial funds for other obligations. Homeowners encounter median monthly costs of $815 (14.5% of income), with median home values of $235,700 offering reasonable access to coastal property ownership.
Gulf County: coastal at a discount
Gulf County delivers Gulf Coast lifestyle at affordable rates, avoiding the premium pricing of Flagler while offering similar natural appeal. If you value coastal living without overextending your housing budget, Gulf County's modest rent and reasonable incomes make it a practical relocation target.
Cost of Living Advisory: Gulf County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Gulf County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $1,161/month in gross rent, with 40.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
At $1,161/month rent versus $815/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $346/month cheaper — a 30% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $46,440/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $34,929/year. With a median household income of $67,361, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 40.0% of renter households in Gulf County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Gulf County sits 5% less expensive than Sumter County ($1,225/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Gulf County
Rent Burden
20.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,572
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.5%
of gross income
The median home in Gulf County may be a stretch
Median home value is $235,700. Estimated monthly cost: $1,882 vs. your max of $1,572.
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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