Cost of Living in St. Johns County, Florida
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How St. Johns County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
St. Johns County ranks #1,512 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 48%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in St. Johns County, Florida
St. Johns earners afford premium housing
St. Johns County's 20.1% rent-to-income ratio outperforms national affordability benchmarks, thanks largely to a median household income of $106,169—42% above the national median of $74,755. Residents here command wages that make even pricier housing manageable.
Florida's most affordable high-earning county
St. Johns ranks among Florida's most affordable counties by rent-to-income ratio at 20.1%, well below the statewide average of 22.5%. Despite median rents of $1,775—the highest among our comparison group—the county's wealth ensures housing remains a manageable budget item.
Priciest rents, but richest households
St. Johns' $1,775 median rent tops neighboring Seminole ($1,686) and Volusia ($1,368), reflecting its status as Northeast Florida's premier address. Yet with median household income of $106,169, St. Johns residents spend less of their earnings on housing than poorer neighbors.
Premium housing on premium incomes
Monthly rents average $1,775 and mortgages $1,715, yet neither exceeds 20% of the $106,169 median income—the healthiest ratio in our comparison. The median home value of $457,600 appeals primarily to upper-income households seeking St. Augustine's charm and Florida's top schools.
St. Johns rewards high earners handsomely
If your household income exceeds $100,000 and you value top-tier schools and historic character, St. Johns offers the best housing affordability-to-income ratio in the region. Those earning under $80,000 should explore Seminole or Sumter counties for better overall value.
Cost of Living Advisory: St. Johns County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in St. Johns County is affordable. The median rent is $1,775/month against a median household income of $106,169, putting rent at 20.1% of income.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in St. Johns County pay $1,775/month on average, compared to $1,715/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 3%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $71,000/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $73,500/year. With a median household income of $106,169, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 34.0% of renter households in St. Johns County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Florida, St. Johns County is more affordable than Sarasota County by roughly 3% ($1,775/mo vs $1,715/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in St. Johns County
Rent Burden
20.1%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$2,477
per month
Owner Cost Burden
19.4%
of gross income
The median home in St. Johns County may be a stretch
Median home value is $457,600. Estimated monthly cost: $3,653 vs. your max of $2,477.
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
What is the cost of living in St. Johns County, Florida?
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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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