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Cost of Living in Key West

Is it better to rent or buy in Key West? Explore median costs, utility estimates, and run the numbers on your own budget to see how far your income goes.

Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

Adjust the sliders to match your scenario. We recommend keeping total housing costs under 40% of your gross income.

$97,126
$2,236/mo

Median in area: $2,236

$948,508

Median in area: $948,508

$189,702

If you Rent

$2,464 /mo
Base Rent$2,236
Est. Utilities$228
% of Income30.4%
Pre-tax Residual$5,630

If you Buy

$6,990 /mo
P&I (6.816%)$4,955
Taxes & Ins$1,807
Est. Utilities$228
% of Income86.4%
Pre-tax Residual$1,104

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Key West?

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Key West. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $2,464, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $6,990 per month (a difference of $4,526).

How much do utilities cost in Key West?

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Key West is approximately $228. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Key West?

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Key West without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $98,560 per year.