A+
6%
Overall NAT. AVG.
7%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
11%
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 Palm River-Clair Mel Florida National
Cost of living9498100
Goods & Services9398100
Groceries10099100
Health care9296100
Housing8996100
Transportation10099100
Utilities9997100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Palm River-Clair Mel, FL

Knowing the cost of living in Palm River-Clair Mel allows individuals to create a realistic budget. This helps them understand how their income will cover expenses and whether they need to make financial adjustments. The cost of living in any region can fluctuate due to various factors. To assess the cost of living consistently across different areas, a national average of 100 serves as the basis for the cost of living index. The cost of living in Palm River-Clair Mel stands at 94, marking it 6% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in Palm River-Clair Mel aligns closely with the national average when compared to other cities across the nation. Everyday essentials such as groceries, goods and services, health care and utility bills are priced at a level consistent with the average in similar urban areas. Palm River-Clair Mel residents can anticipate that their daily expenses won't be significantly higher than those in an average city, ensuring that the cost of living remains manageable.

Is Palm River-Clair Mel Affordable?

Wondering if Palm River-Clair Mel 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 Palm River-Clair Mel, for example, the median home price is 18.2% lower than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 7.3% higher than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Palm River-Clair Mel boasting a median household income of $47,709, which is 13.8% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Palm River-Clair Mel?

Taxes: Areas with higher taxes, including sales taxes and income taxes, can contribute to a higher cost of living. Paying more tax for everyday goods and services like clothing and food will result in higher costs, as will paying a higher rate of income tax. The general sales tax rate in Palm River-Clair Mel starts at 6% and the income tax rates start at 0%.

Urbanization: Urban areas with a wealth of amenities and employment opportunities tend to come with a higher price tag for living. Why? Well, more people want to be there, which drives up home prices and rents. On the flip side, less densely populated rural areas or places where there's not as much demand usually mean fewer attractions, things to do and slower job growth. That often results in a lower cost of living.

Healthcare: The costs associated with healthcare and insurance premiums can exhibit notable disparities based on the city or state of residence. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for medical appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs and specialized medical care expenses all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Palm River-Clair Mel, healthcare costs are 8% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data in Palm River-Clair Mel 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 Palm River-Clair Mel is 4% lower than the Florida average
  • The cost of living in Palm River-Clair Mel is 6% lower than the national average
  • Palm River-Clair Mel housing is 11% lower 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 Palm River-Clair Mel

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Compare Palm River-Clair Mel, 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$55,031$4,586$1,284$1,651
      Renters$36,698$3,058$856$1,101
      The percent of monthly income spent on housing can be a good indicator of the affordability of housing in Palm River-Clair Mel, FL, as well as the overall cost of living. As a general rule of thumb, the debt-to-income ratio (DTI) for homeowners or renters should be not more than 28 percent of gross income to be spent on housing related costs and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses, including debts. The median income for Palm River-Clair Mel homeowners, is $55,031. This would allow for a maximum of $1,284 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $36,698 which would result in a maximum of $856 to be spent on rental costs.

      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 Palm River-Clair Mel 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 Palm River-Clair Mel 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 Palm River-Clair Mel 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 Palm River-Clair Mel National avg. Difference
      Home Price $151,000.00$184,700.0018.2%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $1,846.50$2,346.6921.3%
      Apartment Rent $1,018.00$949.007.3%

      Transportation

      Item Palm River-Clair Mel National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $3.42$3.461.0%
      Tire Balancing $57.28$59.924.4%

      Utilities

      Item Palm River-Clair Mel 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.
      Dover, FL3,0989010.4%
      University CDP (Orange County), FL34,379927.5%
      Mango, FL11,638936.9%
      East Lake-Orient Park, FL29,750945.5%
      Thonotosassa, FL14,493973.3%
      Palm River-Clair Mel, FL24,571945.8%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Marysville, OH24,569990.6%
      Pooler, GA24,5751066.3%
      Herndon, VA24,57714544.7%
      Foothills No. 31, AB24,563n/a 
      Norton Shores, MI24,557928.0%
      Palm River-Clair Mel, FL24,571945.8%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.