Cost of Living in Pinellas County, Florida
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Pinellas County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Pinellas County ranks #2,804 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 11%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Pinellas County, Florida
Pinellas rents consume one-quarter of income
Pinellas County renters dedicate 26.0% of their income to rent, landing squarely in the affordability stress zone relative to national benchmarks. With a median household income of $70,293 just below the national average of $74,755, residents carry a heavier housing burden than peers nationwide.
Above Florida's median affordability
At 26.0%, Pinellas's rent-to-income ratio exceeds Florida's state average of 22.5%, placing it among the costlier counties in the state. Median rent of $1,525 runs $292 higher than Florida's state average, driven by the St. Petersburg–Tampa coastal demand.
Pricier than Pasco, cheaper than Osceola
Pinellas renters pay $1,525 monthly—$153 more than Pasco County but $126 less than Osceola—positioning it in the mid-tier of Tampa Bay affordability. The county's coastal and urban attractions justify somewhat higher costs than inland Pasco alternatives.
Combined housing claims 27% of income
Renters pay $1,525 while homeowners carry $1,201 monthly, combining for roughly 27% of the $70,293 median household income. This allocation leaves Pinellas households about $4,200 monthly for all non-housing expenses.
Urban amenities come with a cost
Moving to Pinellas means budgeting 26% of income for rent—notably higher than inland Pasco but lower than Osceola. If you value beach access and urban energy, the premium is competitive; for maximum affordability within the region, Pasco offers 2 percentage points of relief.
Cost of Living Advisory: Pinellas County
Affordability Verdict
Pinellas County is moderately affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $1,525/month representing approximately 26.0% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 34.0%.
Rent vs. Own
At $1,525/month rent versus $1,201/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $324/month cheaper — a 21% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $61,000/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $51,471/year. With a median household income of $70,293, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 34.0% of renter households in Pinellas County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Lake County where rent averages $1,468/month, Pinellas County is approximately 4% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Pinellas County
Rent Burden
26.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,640
per month
Owner Cost Burden
20.5%
of gross income
The median home in Pinellas County may be a stretch
Median home value is $319,000. Estimated monthly cost: $2,547 vs. your max of $1,640.
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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