B-
13%
Overall NAT. AVG.
7%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
53%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Search Homes for Sale
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 Safety Harbor Florida National
Cost of living11398100
Goods & Services9398100
Groceries10099100
Health care9296100
Housing15396100
Transportation10099100
Utilities9997100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Safety Harbor, FL

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Safety Harbor 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 Safety Harbor is 113, which is 13% higher than 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.

When it comes to the cost of living in Safety Harbor, housing costs are a real heavyweight, often hogging a significant chunk of your earnings. Sadly, in this area, housing expenses for both buying and renting were 52.6% more expensive compared to your average city. That means you'll be shelling out more for homes, rents, mortgage rates and insurance.

Is Safety Harbor Affordable?

Is Safety Harbor an affordable place to live? It's a good question and one that you might want to ask when considering any new city, as affordability can play a huge role in the decision making process. The cost of living index (which we covered above), as well as housing costs and income levels play a vital role in determining the affordability of an area. The median home price in Safety Harbor is 58.6% higher than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 38.4% higher than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Safety Harbor has a median household income of $83,116, which is 50.2% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Safety Harbor?

Transportation: If public transportation is limited or not available, residents may need to own and maintain vehicles, which can add to the cost of living. Gas, insurance, regular maintenance and potentially lease or finance payments will all need to be paid on a monthly basis. In Safety Harbor, the transportation index is 0.4% higher than the national average.

Subsidies: Certain regions may provide government subsidies or assistance initiatives designed to alleviate the cost of living burden on their residents. These programs encompass a wide range of support mechanisms, such as Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and farming subsidies. Areas with fewer subsidy offerings might experience an elevation in their cost of living.

Housing: When there's a high demand for housing in trendy places, it can cause property prices and rental rates to soar, leading to a significantly higher cost of living. Conversely, in less desirable locations, where demand is low, prices tend to decrease, resulting in a more budget-friendly cost of living. In Safety Harbor, the housing index is 52.6% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Safety Harbor cost of living data you see above is sourced from the C2ER cost of living index, providing a practical and accurate means of comparing living expenses in urban areas. Updated quarterly, this index gathers data from over 300 independent researchers, covering more than 60 goods and services, in 6 different categories. These selections are made meticulously to represent a wide range of consumer expenditure categories. The weightings applied to cost differences are based on government survey data that tracks spending patterns among professional and executive households. It's important to note that while the C2ER index excludes data on sales or income tax rates, AreaVibes factors tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each region.

New Real Estate Listings in Safety Harbor Area
Search Homes for Sale in Safety Harbor, FL

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Safety Harbor is 16% higher than the Florida average
  • The cost of living in Safety Harbor is 13% higher than the national average
  • Safety Harbor housing is 53% 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 Safety Harbor

See all the best places to live around Safety Harbor

Compare Safety Harbor, FL Cost of Living

      vs
      How would you rate the cost of living in Safety Harbor?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      Is the cost of living increasing or decreasing in Safety Harbor?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      See all Safety Harbor poll results

      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$95,863$7,989$2,237$2,876
      Renters$52,405$4,367$1,223$1,572
      The percent of monthly income spent on housing can be a good indicator of the affordability of housing in Safety Harbor, 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 Safety Harbor homeowners, is $95,863. This would allow for a maximum of $2,237 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $52,405 which would result in a maximum of $1,223 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 Safety Harbor 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 Safety Harbor 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 Safety Harbor 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 Safety Harbor National avg. Difference
      Home Price $293,000.00$184,700.0058.6%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $1,846.50$2,346.6921.3%
      Apartment Rent $1,313.00$949.0038.4%

      Transportation

      Item Safety Harbor National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $3.42$3.461.0%
      Tire Balancing $57.28$59.924.4%

      Utilities

      Item Safety Harbor 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.
      Holiday, FL21,0068713.2%
      Beacon Square, FL7,0318712.7%
      South Highpoint, FL5,8448812.5%
      Elfers, FL12,9158811.7%
      Lealman, FL21,621909.6%
      Safety Harbor, FL17,89311313.1%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Scarsdale, NY17,890279179.4%
      Fayetteville, GA17,9021087.5%
      Steubenville, OH17,8828712.6%
      Palestine, TX17,9068911.0%
      Lenoir, NC17,9098514.9%
      Safety Harbor, FL17,89311313.1%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.