Cost of Living in Santa Rosa County, Florida
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Santa Rosa County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Santa Rosa County ranks #1,790 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 43%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Santa Rosa County, Florida
Santa Rosa achieves rare affordability balance
Santa Rosa County renters spend just 19.5% of their income on rent—the lowest burden in this survey and well below national affordability stress thresholds. Combined with a median household income of $88,968, the highest in the group, Santa Rosa delivers exceptional housing value.
Florida's most affordable relative to income
Santa Rosa's rent-to-income ratio of 19.5% substantially undercuts Florida's state average of 22.5%, creating a 3 percentage-point affordability advantage. Median rent of $1,445 reflects reasonable coastal-area pricing balanced by strong local incomes.
Standout value in the panhandle
Santa Rosa renters pay $1,445 monthly while enjoying the highest median household income ($88,968) in this survey, producing the nation's best affordability ratio at 19.5%. As Pensacola's northern anchor, Santa Rosa combines military-fueled economic stability with measured housing growth.
Housing takes just one-fifth of income
Renters average $1,445 monthly while homeowners pay $1,354, combining for roughly 20% of the $88,968 median household income. This leaves Santa Rosa households approximately $6,100 monthly for all other expenses—the highest discretionary purchasing power in the survey.
Best overall value in Florida housing
Relocating to Santa Rosa means allocating just 19.5% of income to rent while earning the region's strongest median income of $88,968. If you seek affordability without sacrificing income opportunity, Santa Rosa delivers the optimal balance among surveyed counties.
Cost of Living Advisory: Santa Rosa County
Affordability Verdict
Santa Rosa County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $1,445/month representing approximately 19.5% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 27.0%.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Santa Rosa County is $1,445/month, while owner costs run $1,354/month. Owning saves approximately $91/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $57,800/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $58,029/year. With a median household income of $88,968, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Santa Rosa County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Florida, Santa Rosa County is less affordable than Martin County by roughly 4% ($1,445/mo vs $1,499/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Santa Rosa County
Rent Burden
19.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$2,076
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.3%
of gross income
The median home in Santa Rosa County may be a stretch
Median home value is $302,100. Estimated monthly cost: $2,412 vs. your max of $2,076.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
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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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