17 Most Expensive Cities to Live in Florida

Written By Jill Taylor

Florida is known for being a state of beauty and that means many cities can cost a lot of money to live in. But with picturesque beaches, incredible wildlife, and warm sunshine, it’s easy to see why the state is so popular. Here are 17 Florida cities where living costs a fortune.

Palm Beach

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Best Places writes, “To live comfortably in Palm Beach, Florida, a minimum annual income of $346,320 for a family, and $74,000 for a single person is recommended.” This is because Palm Beach is home to some of the most expensive real estate in Florida. The average home is likely to cost several million dollars.

Bal Harbour

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The average home in Bal Harbour costs around $3.3 million. The city is situated just a short drive from Miami, which makes it such a popular place for the wealthy to live. It’s seen as an exclusive area that offers beautiful beaches and plenty of luxury places to eat.

Key Largo

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The cost of living in Key Largo is significantly higher than the rest of Florida. For example, 24/7 Wall St writes, “The total cost of housing, food, child care, transportation, health care, taxes, and other necessities for a single adult in Key Largo is $46,025 a year—greater than the annual cost of living for Florida of $36,375.”

Pinecrest

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Pinecrest is one of the top cities to live in for families thanks to its prestigious schools and large homes. It’s also known for its many community events and has lots of parks for its residents to relax in. Pinecrest has high safety standards for a city, which is another reason why it appeals to families.

Key Biscayne

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Just a short drive from Miami, Key Biscayne’s own little island has incredible ocean views. Because of the limited land available, house prices are extremely high. The average price of a house here will be around $1.6 million. Expect white sand beaches, lots of palm trees, and turquoise waters.

Doral

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Zero Down writes, “The median household income in Doral is $77,774, which is 25% more than that of the state. The median income for an individual is $35,737, which is 3% more than that of the state.” The city is close to Miami Airport, making it convenient for travel. It’s also seen as more of a business community.

Surfside

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Surfside is close to Bal Harbour, which means its cost of living is similar. It’s a popular spot for celebrities as it has many luxury beaches and recreational activities. The average price of a Surfside home will be $1.5 million. It’s also close to bigger cities, such as Miami.

Southwest Ranches

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Southwest Ranches is close to Fort Lauderdale and has a strong equestrian community. You can expect to find many horse farms dotted around Southwest Ranches, along with many riding and walking trails. The average home in this town sells for $3.3 million.

Brickell

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According to Zumper, the average price for rent in Brickell is $4,420. This is considered incredibly high and not something the average person can afford. It’s often referred to as the “Manhattan of the South,” not just for its high rental prices but also for being a financial hub.

Highland Beach

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Situated right on the beach, Highland Beach is known for its white sand and high-end properties. The average property in Highland Beach sells for $900,000. This town is popular for watersports, with many opportunities for snorkeling and scuba diving. It’s close to the major cities of Miami and Fort Lauderdale.

Sunny Isles Beach

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The average price of a home in Sunny Isles Beach is $1.1 million. It’s a luxurious area to live in, with many high-end hotels, dining, and shopping opportunities available. It also has some beautiful scenery, such as its ocean views and long beaches.

Miami Beach

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Thanks to being such a busy city and a hot spot for tourists, Miami Beach has very expensive real estate. It’s famous for its nightlife and beaches, and it’s not somewhere you want to live if you’re looking for a quiet life. The average home price is $699,000, and most are apartment options.

West Miami

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Being close to central Miami, this area has the ease of commuting for work or heading into the city for recreational reasons. It has a high cost of living and is also known for its lively community. The median house price is $490,000 in this area.

Aventura

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Featuring the largest mall in Florida, Aventura is known for attracting a huge number of shoppers. Because of this, it has a strong economy, which has bumped up its cost of living. The average house is on the real estate market for $515,000.

Coral Gables

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Coral Gables is close to Miami, which is what makes it such a desirable place to live. It also has elements of historical charm with its Mediterrean-style houses, appealing to those who want to live somewhere with character. The average house price in Coral Gables is $1.6 million.

Naples

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Located on the west side of Florida, Naples has unique architecture, attracting many home buyers. The average price for a home is $611,000, and it also has a high cost of living thanks to being a major city on the west side. It’s known as a great place to retire, thanks to its number of golf courses and natural attractions.

Fort Lauderdale

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This city is seen as being the boating capital in the U.S. and has even been nicknamed the “Venice of America” thanks to its many canals. It has some of the most expensive waterfront properties and attracts many tourists, making it a desired place to live.

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