Moving to Florida has become more appealing in recent years, and one city that stands out is Port St. Lucie. Located along the Treasure Coast, this city offers a slower pace of life than Miami or Orlando, but with plenty of amenities, job opportunities, and access to nature. Still, one of the main questions people ask before relocating is: What is the cost of living in Port St Lucie, FL?
This guide breaks down everything you need to know, from housing and utilities to healthcare and entertainment, so you’ll know exactly what to expect.
Overview of the Cost of Living in Port St Lucie, FL
When comparing Port St. Lucie to other parts of Florida and the U.S., it stands out as affordable yet growing. The cost of living in Port St Lucie, FL is slightly below the national average, making it an attractive option for retirees, families, and young professionals.
Housing plays the biggest role in affordability, with median home prices more reasonable compared to larger metro areas like Miami or Fort Lauderdale. Utilities, groceries, and healthcare costs also fall within or slightly below the national average. Altogether, this balance makes Port St. Lucie one of the best value cities in Florida.
Housing Costs in Port St Lucie
Housing is often the biggest monthly expense, so let’s start here.
Median Home Price (2025): Around $385,000
Average Rent for a One-Bedroom Apartment: $1,550/month
Average Rent for a Three-Bedroom House: $2,250/month
Compared to Miami, where the median home price is well above $500,000, the cost of living in Port St Lucie, FL is much more manageable for homeowners. Many neighborhoods feature single-family homes with large yards, while new developments are attracting buyers looking for modern builds at reasonable prices.
For renters, apartments and townhomes are available, though the market is competitive. Still, the lower housing costs compared to South Florida make this city very appealing.
Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs in Port St. Lucie are close to the national average, though air conditioning expenses during Florida’s hot summers can increase monthly bills.
Electricity: $150–$200/month for a mid-sized home
Water and Sewer: $80–$100/month
Internet (High-Speed): Around $65/month
Altogether, residents can expect to spend $250–$350/month on utilities, which is slightly less than in Miami or Tampa. This makes it easier for families to budget without surprises.
Food and Grocery Prices
Groceries in Port St. Lucie align closely with national averages. You’ll find a mix of major chains like Publix, Aldi, and Walmart, as well as farmer’s markets offering fresh local produce.
Gallon of Milk: $4.25
Loaf of Bread: $2.50
Dozen Eggs: $3.75
Chicken (per lb): $4.50
Apples (per lb): $1.75
For a family of four, monthly groceries typically run between $550–$750 depending on eating habits. Dining out is also affordable, with casual meals averaging $15 per person and nicer sit-down restaurants averaging $25–$35 per entrée.
Transportation Expenses
While Port St. Lucie is growing, it still lacks robust public transportation. Most residents rely on cars, which makes fuel, insurance, and maintenance key parts of the cost of living in Port St Lucie, FL.
Average Gas Price (2025): $3.60/gallon
Car Insurance Average: $2,200 annually ($183/month)
Public Transit (Limited Buses): $1.50 per ride
Overall, expect to spend around $500–$700/month on transportation for a two-car household.
Healthcare Costs
Florida’s healthcare costs can be higher than average, but in Port St. Lucie, they remain relatively affordable. The city is home to Cleveland Clinic Martin Health and other healthcare providers, giving residents access to good medical care.
Doctor Visit: $130
Dentist Visit: $110
Prescription Medication: $15–$75 depending on insurance
For a family, monthly healthcare expenses average $400–$600 with insurance. Retirees may spend more, but Medicare options are widely available.
Education and Childcare
For families with children, education and childcare costs are a big factor in the cost of living in Port St Lucie, FL.
Daycare/Preschool (Monthly): $950–$1,200 per child
Private Elementary School Tuition: $6,000–$9,000 per year
Public Schools: Free, with several highly rated schools in the district
Florida residents also benefit from in-state tuition rates for public universities like Florida Atlantic University or University of Florida, which helps keep higher education more affordable.
Taxes in Port St Lucie
One of Florida’s biggest financial perks is the lack of state income tax, which can save residents thousands each year compared to states like New York or California.
However, Port St. Lucie homeowners should budget for property taxes:
Average Property Tax Rate: 1.0% of assessed home value
On a $385,000 home: Around $3,850/year
Sales tax is 7%, which is in line with the Florida average.
Entertainment and Lifestyle Costs
Living in Port St. Lucie means enjoying Florida’s beautiful outdoors and plenty of community amenities without overspending.
Movie Ticket: $13.
Fitness Club Membership: $45/month.
Golf (18 Holes): $40–$60 depending on the course.
Beach Trips: Free, Jensen Beach and Hutchinson Island are just minutes away.
Compared to larger Florida cities, the entertainment cost here is lower, making it easier to enjoy a balanced lifestyle.
Retiree Considerations
Port St. Lucie has become a retirement hotspot thanks to affordable housing, good healthcare, and no state income tax. Retirees often find that their pensions and Social Security stretch further here compared to coastal cities.
The city is also home to many 55+ communities, offering affordable housing packages with community amenities like pools, fitness centers, and social clubs.
Cost of Living Comparison
Port St. Lucie vs Miami: About 15–20% cheaper overall, especially in housing.
Port St. Lucie vs Orlando: Slightly cheaper, with less congestion and lower insurance rates.
Port St. Lucie vs National Average: Roughly on par, with housing being more affordable than many parts of the U.S.
This makes the cost of living in Port St Lucie, FL especially attractive for those relocating from high-cost states.
Job Market and Income
The job market in Port St. Lucie is growing, particularly in healthcare, construction, education, and retail. The median household income is around $73,000, which aligns well with the cost of living.
While wages may be slightly lower than in Miami, the affordable housing and lower everyday expenses balance things out.
Is Port St Lucie Affordable for Families?
Yes, families find Port St. Lucie very livable. With safe neighborhoods, good schools, and affordable housing, many families relocating to Florida choose this city over more crowded metro areas. Childcare costs can add up, but the overall affordability makes it easier to manage household budgets.
Is Port St Lucie Right for You?
The cost of living in Port St Lucie, FL strikes a great balance, affordable housing, manageable utility costs, and access to healthcare without the overwhelming expenses of South Florida. For families, retirees, and young professionals, it’s a city that delivers value while offering a high quality of life.
Whether you’re drawn by the slower pace, the proximity to beaches, or the opportunity to stretch your budget further, Port St. Lucie is worth considering. And when you’re ready to make the move, working with a trusted moving company in Port St Lucie can help you settle into your new community with ease.
With expertise in handling long-distance, interstate, and local moves, we emphasize safe, efficient transportation of goods, particularly for fragile or large items. Our team is trained in proper packing, loading, and transport techniques to minimize damage and stress.
