Known for its beautiful beaches, rich history, and vibrant community, Pensacola is an ideal place to live for anyone looking for peace and nature. Although it offers a blend of affordability and quality of life, you must know the living costs to avoid unexpected surprises. By understanding the costs associated with housing, utilities, transportation, and other essential aspects, you can better plan your budget and enjoy all that this beautiful city has to offer. So whether you’re considering a move here or curious about what it costs to live in this charming Florida city, this article will cover everything.
1. Housing Costs
If you are planning a move to Pensacola, housing would be one of the biggest factors contributing to the cost of living. The good thing is that you have different housing options, so you can choose as per your budget and lifestyle preferences. Here’s a detailed look at what you can expect in 2024.
Average Rent for Apartments
- 1 bedroom – Renting a one-bedroom apartment in Pensacola averages around $1,305/month, as per the Apartments report.
- 2 bedroom – Renting a two-bedroom apartment in Pensacola averages around $1,513/month, as per the Apartments report.
- 3 bedroom – Renting a three-bedroom apartment in Pensacola averages around $1,831/month, as per the Apartments report.
Median Home Prices
If you’re planning to buy a home, then you will get various options in Pensacola. According to Zillow, the average median home value in Pensacola is $266,546. This median price reflects various types of homes, from single-family houses to townhomes and condos, catering to different preferences and budgets.
Comparison of Different Neighborhoods
Downtown – Living in the downtown area will be fun as you will have proximity to entertainment, work, and cultural venues. However, it will come with a higher rental price. So if you want to live in areas like Belmont-DeVilliers, Downtown Core, and North Hill, expect to pay a premium for the central location and vibrant atmosphere.
Suburban Areas – Suburban neighborhoods like East Hill and Ferry Pass offer more affordable housing options. Since these areas are quieter and budget-friendly, it is occupied by families.
Coastal Areas – If you want to enjoy water activities and beachfront views, properties near Gulf Breeze or Pensacola Beach would be ideal for you. Although you get amazing views, these properties come at a higher price.
2. Utilities
Utility cost is another important factor that is essential for budgeting your monthly expenses. Although Pensacola is a budget-friendly area, these costs can vary depending on the size of your home, usage habits, and the time of year.
Here are basic utilities costs as per Numbeo’s reports:
- Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment – 249.03 $
- Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) – 66.14 $
- Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data – 39.00 $
3. Transportation
Transportation is a key aspect of daily living, so it’s important to understand its related costs and the options available. This will help you budget effectively and ensure you are not overspending.
Here are basic transportation costs as per Numbeo’s reports:
- One-way Ticket (Local Transport) – 1.75 $
- Monthly Pass (Regular Price) – 47.00 $
- Gasoline prices – 0.85 $
4. Food and Groceries
Food and groceries are some things that you would spend money on regularly. Knowing the average costs and options can help you choose better shops with better pricing. Along with this, Pensacola has amazing restaurants and cafes, so you should consider dining out expenses to budget effectively.
Here are basic groceries costs as per Numbeo’s reports:
- Milk (regular), (1 liter)Milk (regular), (1 liter) – 1.01 $
- Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) – 2.93 $
- Rice (white), (1kg) – 2.38 $
- Eggs (regular) (12) – 1.96 $
- Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant – 18.00 $
- Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course – 60.00 $
5. Healthcare
Family’s health is everyone’s main priority, which makes it a crucial aspect of living in any city. Healthcare costs can vary widely depending on the type of service and your insurance coverage. So it’s better to do proper research before opting for any health insurance policy.
Here are basic healthcare costs as per RentCafe’s reports:
- Doctor’s Visit – $109.14
- Dentist’s Visit – $103.29
- Optometrist’s Visit – $78.27
- Ibuprofen – $9.58
6. Education
Education is a significant consideration for families and individuals. The costs will mostly depend on how many kids you have and the type of schools you want them to attend. The public schools will be more economical. However, private schools will provide more physical and mental development opportunities.
Coming to the costs, parents can expect to spend around $100 to $200 per year on school supplies, including backpacks, notebooks, and writing materials. If you opt for tuition, then it can range from $5,000 to $15,000 per year, with some elite institutions charging even more. The community college is approximately $2,500 per year for in-state students. Out-of-state students can expect to pay higher rates, around $9,000 per year.
7. Entertainment and Recreation
A well-rounded lifestyle requires entertainment and recreation, that’s why you must consider these expenses while making your monthly budget. Pensacola offers various opportunities to relax, socialize, and stay active, so you should calculate the expenses depending on your lifestyle.
A standard movie ticket in Pensacola costs around $12. If you want to go to a concert or theatre show, then the smaller venues might cost around $20, while tickets for major acts at larger venues can range from $50 to $150. Coming to the gym memberships, a standard one in Pensacola costs around $40 to $60 per month. Higher-end gyms with more amenities may charge upwards of $100 per month.
If you want to visit local attractions, then you can go to Pensacola Lighthouse and Maritime Museum, which has an admission cost of $8 for adults and $4 for children. You can also visit the Historic Pensacola Village, which costs around $10 for adults and $5 for children.
8. Miscellaneous Expenses
Miscellaneous expenses encompass a variety of everyday costs that contribute to your overall cost of living. These include personal care, clothing, pet care, and other incidental expenses.
A standard haircut at a local barber shop typically costs around $20 to $30. If you visit a salon with extra services, then it can range from $70 to $150. If you have a pet, then expect to spend $20 to $60 per month on pet care. Regular purchases of pet supplies, such as toys, bedding, and litter, can add another $10 to $30 per month.
9. Comparison with Other Cities
Cost of Living Comparison with Other Major Cities in Florida
- Miami: According to BesPlaces, Miami’s cost of living score is118.9, which makes Pensacola 20% cheaper
- Orlando: According to BesPlaces, Orlando’s cost of living score is 106, which makes Pensacola 15% cheaper
- Tampa: According to BestPlaces, Tampa’s cost of living score is 104.2, which makes Pensacola 10% cheaper
As compared to the National Averages, Pensacola is generally lower than the national average, particularly in housing and transportation.
10. Tips for Budgeting in Pensacola
Money-saving tips for residents
- You should explore local markets for fresh and affordable produce.
- Public transportation is best to save on commuting costs.
- You should check for free outdoor activities and community events.
Best times to find deals and discounts
- Wait for sales seasons such as post-holiday sales, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday.
- You can get discounts on dining and entertainment during off-peak times.
Recommendations for affordable services and products
- You can participate in local community groups to get recommendations and shared resources.
- You can try exploring second-hand stores for affordable clothing and household items.
Conclusion
Pensacola is known for its quality and affordable living. From reasonably priced housing and utilities to diverse dining and entertainment options, this city provides a comfortable lifestyle without breaking the bank. However, if you’re planning to make a move, it’s better to research everything properly. Some expenses like transportation can still get higher if your work involves frequent traveling. Hope this guide has given you valuable insights into the cost of living in Pensacola in 2024.
Related:
Recent Comments