Cost of Living in Martin County, Florida
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Martin County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Martin County ranks #2,423 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 23%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Martin County, Florida
Martin County is right on national affordability
Martin County residents spend 22.3% of their income on rent, just below the national average for renters, despite median home values exceeding $386,000. The median household income of $80,701 outpaces the national figure of $74,755, providing residents breathing room in their housing costs.
Martin ranks among Florida's most affordable
At 22.3% of income spent on rent, Martin County performs better than Florida's state average of 22.5%, placing it in the upper tier of the state's 67 counties for housing affordability. This strength stems from both competitive rent levels ($1,499) and above-average household incomes.
More expensive than Marion, cheaper than Monroe
Martin's median rent of $1,499 runs higher than Marion County ($1,174) and Okeechobee ($974), but well below Monroe County's $1,959. The county's strong household income of $80,701 allows residents to absorb these costs more comfortably than lower-income neighbors.
Higher earnings offset Martin's premium rents
Martin County renters spend $1,499 monthly on a median income of $80,701—a 22.3% ratio that's sustainable compared to national norms. Homeowners face steeper costs at $1,200 monthly, or about 17.8% of income, reflecting median home values of $386,500.
Martin works for well-compensated relocators
If you earn above Florida's median household income, Martin County delivers strong affordability ratios and access to the Treasure Coast lifestyle. Test your budget here against Miami-Dade's 30.2% rent burden or Monroe's ultra-premium market to see your true cost-of-living advantage.
Cost of Living Advisory: Martin County
Affordability Verdict
Martin County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $1,499/month representing approximately 22.3% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 34.0%.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Martin County is $1,499/month, while owner costs run $1,200/month. Owning saves approximately $299/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $59,960/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $51,429/year. With a median household income of $80,701, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 34.0% of renter households in Martin County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Florida, Martin County is more affordable than Santa Rosa County by roughly 4% ($1,499/mo vs $1,445/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Martin County
Rent Burden
22.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,883
per month
Owner Cost Burden
17.8%
of gross income
The median home in Martin County may be a stretch
Median home value is $386,500. Estimated monthly cost: $3,086 vs. your max of $1,883.
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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