A+
0%
Overall NAT. AVG.
7%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
7%
Housing NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living is 90, then it is 10% lower than average. If the cost of living is 110, then it is 10% higher than average. The breakdown for each index is as follows: goods & services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%) and utilities (10%). If the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used.
Index Highland City Florida National
Cost of living10098100
Goods & Services9398100
Groceries10099100
Health care9296100
Housing10796100
Transportation10099100
Utilities9997100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Highland City, FL

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Highland City is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Highland City is 100, which is 0% equal to the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.

The cost of living in Highland City closely mirrors the national average in comparison to other cities nationwide. Essential items such as groceries, goods and services, health care and utilities are priced at a level consistent with similar urban areas. This means that residents of Highland City can anticipate that their daily expenses will remain reasonably in line with those of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

Is Highland City Affordable?

Wondering if Highland City is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Highland City, for example, the median home price is 0.1% lower than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 24.4% higher than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Highland City boasting a median household income of $68,555, which is 23.9% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Highland City?

Transportation: In areas where public transportation is scarce or unavailable, residents often find themselves compelled to own and upkeep vehicles, thereby increasing the overall cost of living. Monthly expenses encompass fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potentially lease or financing payments. In Highland City, the transportation index is 0.4% higher than the national average.

Housing: Elevated demand for housing within coveted locales has the propensity to escalate both property values and rental rates, thereby serving as a primary catalyst for an augmented cost of living. Conversely, areas witnessing diminished housing demand, particularly within less desirable environs, often experience an inversely proportional effect, leading to price reductions and subsequently contributing to a more modest cost of living. In Highland City, the housing index is 7.3% higher than the national average.

Taxes: Regions that impose higher taxes, including sales and income taxes, can contribute to an increased cost of living. Higher taxes for everyday necessities such as clothing, utilities and food inevitably leads to higher expenditures. Additionally, a higher income tax rate can also play a role in elevating the overall cost of living. In Highland City, the prevailing sales tax rate starts at 6%, and income tax rates kick off at 0%.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data in Highland City displayed above is sourced from the C2ER cost of living index, which serves as a practical tool for comparing living expenses across urban areas. Published on a quarterly basis, this index aggregates data from over 300 independent researchers, encompassing more than 60 goods and services, in 6 different categories. The weightings assigned to cost differences rely on government survey data that tracks the spending habits of professional and executive households. It's worth noting that the C2ER index excludes data on sales or income tax rates, while AreaVibes integrates tax rates into the overall cost of living evaluation for each region.

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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Highland City is 2% higher than the Florida average
  • The cost of living in Highland City is equal to the national average
  • Highland City housing is 7% higher than the national average
  • Florida general sales tax is 18% higher than the national average
  • Florida state income tax is 100% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Highland City

See all the best places to live around Highland City

Compare Highland City, FL Cost of Living

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      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Goods & Services index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$78,068$6,506$1,821$2,342
      Renters$53,333$4,444$1,244$1,600
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in Highland City is by simply calculating the maximum that should be spent on housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The plan is to avoid spending more than 28 percent of the gross income on costs that pertain to housing and no more than 36 percent on all expenses and debts. Highland City has a median income of about $78,068 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $1,821 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $53,333. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $1,244 on all rental costs if they want to maintain a non-impoverished standard of living.

      Florida Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Florida 6% 7.5%

      Florida Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Florida 0% 0%

      Goods & Services

      Item Highland City National avg. Difference
      Haircut $15.67$24.2635.4%
      Beauty Salon $54.72$45.5620.1%
      Toothpaste $3.67$3.700.8%
      Shampoo $1.48$1.2815.3%
      Movie $8.61$12.1329.1%
      Bowling $19.67$18.009.3%

      Groceries

      Item Highland City National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $6.06$5.843.8%
      Fried Chicken $1.48$1.575.7%
      Milk $4.56$4.672.3%
      Potatoes $5.34$4.938.1%
      Pizza $8.38$12.0930.6%
      Beer $10.69$10.412.6%

      Health Care

      Item Highland City National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $146.67$125.6816.7%
      Doctor $122.32$135.789.9%
      Dentist $103.33$113.298.8%
      Ibuprofen $10.74$10.650.8%
      Lipitor $523.90$468.6011.8%

      Housing

      Item Highland City National avg. Difference
      Home Price $184,500.00$184,700.000.1%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $1,846.50$2,346.6921.3%
      Apartment Rent $1,181.00$949.0024.4%

      Transportation

      Item Highland City National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $3.42$3.461.0%
      Tire Balancing $57.28$59.924.4%

      Utilities

      Item Highland City National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $219.66$193.9913.2%
      Phone $194.37$192.251.1%
      Although the cost of living data is updated regularly, this cost of living information is to be used as estimates only as prices can change on an ongoing basis.

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Fussels Corner, FL4,7807920.5%
      Wahneta, FL3,9888218.1%
      Bradley Junction, FL7028217.9%
      Mulberry, FL4,1348217.8%
      Inwood, FL7,1968614.4%
      Highland City, FL11,3921000.5%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Tarrytown, NY11,39416261.8%
      Endwell, NY11,396928.1%
      Minnehaha, WA11,38712424.5%
      Williams Lake, BC11,397n/a 
      Martinsville, NJ11,38415958.8%
      Highland City, FL11,3921000.5%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.