Cost of Living in Lee County, Florida
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Lee County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Lee County ranks #2,798 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 11%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Lee County, Florida
Southwest Florida's affordability challenge
Lee County renters spend 26.2% of their income on rent, noticeably higher than the nation's typical ratio and straining household budgets. At $1,597 monthly rent against median income of $73,099, Lee's cost of living rivals many major metropolitan areas outside Florida.
Among Florida's pricier counties
Lee County's 26.2% rent-to-income ratio ranks above Florida's average of 22.5%, placing it among the state's costlier housing markets. This reflects Lee's popularity as a residential and tourism destination, driving up demand and prices across the region.
Premium pricing in Southwest Florida
Lee County's $1,597 median rent significantly outpaces nearby inland counties but runs nearly even with neighboring Manatee County ($1,549). Both coastal and near-coastal Southwest Florida counties command a premium over rural interior regions, reflecting proximity to amenities and employment centers.
Renters and owners both invest heavily
Lee County renters dedicate $1,597 monthly (26.2% of income) to housing, while owners spend $1,229 on mortgages for homes valued at $326,300. Even homeowners with established equity face substantial monthly costs, and renters must carefully budget to manage housing expenses while covering other necessities.
Lee County: premium for coastal lifestyle
Lee County's higher housing costs—26.2% rent burden and $326,300 median home values—reflect its popularity and access to Gulf Coast amenities. If you're relocating for retirement or lifestyle, compare Lee's expenses to more affordable rural or inland alternatives; the premium buys you waterfront proximity and year-round recreation.
Cost of Living Advisory: Lee County
Affordability Verdict
Lee County offers moderately affordable rental housing at a median of $1,597/month — about 26.2% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
At $1,597/month rent versus $1,229/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $368/month cheaper — a 23% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $63,880/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $52,671/year. With a median household income of $73,099, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 34.0% of renter households in Lee County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Florida, Lee County is more affordable than Hillsborough County by roughly 3% ($1,597/mo vs $1,543/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Lee County
Rent Burden
26.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,706
per month
Owner Cost Burden
20.2%
of gross income
The median home in Lee County may be a stretch
Median home value is $326,300. Estimated monthly cost: $2,605 vs. your max of $1,706.
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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