Cost of Living in Palm Beach County, Florida
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Palm Beach County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Palm Beach County ranks #2,720 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 13%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Palm Beach County, Florida
Palm Beach housing costs bite 27% of income
Palm Beach County renters dedicate 26.9% of their income to rent, exceeding the national stress threshold for housing affordability. Despite a median household income of $81,115—well above the national average of $74,755—residents still feel significant affordability pressure from median rents of $1,818 monthly.
Among Florida's costliest counties
Palm Beach's rent-to-income ratio of 26.9% significantly outpaces Florida's state average of 22.5%, making it one of the least affordable counties in the state. Median rent of $1,818 exceeds the state average by $585, reflecting the county's high-demand coastal premium.
Sarasota rivals it; Osceola trails behind
Palm Beach renters pay $1,818 monthly, just $103 more than neighboring Sarasota County, though Sarasota has slightly better affordability at 25.5% of income. Both counties represent the premium end of Florida's housing market compared to inland peers like Polk at $1,272.
Renters and owners face twin challenges
Median rent reaches $1,818 while homeowners pay $1,512 monthly, combining for nearly 28% of the $81,115 median household income. The county's median home value of $407,300 means ownership requires substantial down payment capital and ongoing affordability discipline.
Premium location, premium prices—plan accordingly
Moving to Palm Beach means budgeting 27% of income for rent alone—the second-highest burden among surveyed counties. If you prioritize coastal living and strong incomes, the trade-off may be worth it; for budget-conscious relocators, inland alternatives offer 4–9 percentage points of relief.
Cost of Living Advisory: Palm Beach County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Palm Beach County is moderately affordable. The median rent is $1,818/month against a median household income of $81,115, putting rent at 26.9% of income.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Palm Beach County pay $1,818/month on average, compared to $1,512/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 17%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $72,720/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $64,800/year. With a median household income of $81,115, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 36.0% of renter households in Palm Beach County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Collier County where rent averages $1,752/month, Palm Beach County is approximately 4% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Palm Beach County
Rent Burden
26.9%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,893
per month
Owner Cost Burden
22.4%
of gross income
The median home in Palm Beach County may be a stretch
Median home value is $407,300. Estimated monthly cost: $3,252 vs. your max of $1,893.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
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
What is the cost of living in Palm Beach County, Florida?
What is the median rent in Palm Beach County?
Is Palm Beach County affordable?
How does Palm Beach County's rent compare to the state average?
What is the median home value in Palm Beach County?
Counties with Similar Housing Costs
Planning a Move?
Researching the cost of living in Palm Beach County, Florida? Compare moving quotes from top providers and save on your relocation.
Compare Moving QuotesCompare Mortgage Rates in Palm Beach County
Whether you're buying your first home or refinancing, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.
See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
CostByCounty participates in affiliate programs. We may earn a commission when you use our links, at no extra cost to you.