Cost of Living in Daytona Beach
Florida · Population: 72,647
Cost Breakdown by Category
Index values. National average = 100. Lower is more affordable.
Detailed Cost Breakdown
Estimated specific prices in Daytona Beach (2026 values, USD).
💰 Purchasing Power
With a median income of $53,900 and a cost of living index of 101, the purchasing power-adjusted income in Daytona Beach is $53,366.
This means you need a lower income in Daytona Beach to match the purchasing power of an average US city.
Financial Reality in Daytona Beach
With a cost of living index of 101, Daytona Beach costs 1% more than the national average. Here is what that means in practical terms for your household budget.
Housing affordability: The median home price of $267,000 represents a 5.0x home-price-to-income ratio against the median household income of $53,900. This ratio falls within a manageable range for many households, though individual debt loads and savings goals affect actual affordability. Using the 28% rule, the median household can allocate $1,258/month to housing costs.
Rent burden: At $1,080/mo, rent consumes approximately 24% of the median gross household income. This is within the 30% guideline that financial advisors recommend.
Purchasing power: The median income of $53,900 has a purchasing power equivalent to $53,366 in an average-cost US city. That is close to the raw salary value, meaning costs are near average.
Common Questions About Living in Daytona Beach
How much do I need to earn to live comfortably in Daytona Beach? Based on local costs, a household income of at least $43,200.0 is needed to rent comfortably (using the 40x rent rule), or roughly $76,286+ to afford the median home. These are minimums — factor in your specific debt obligations, savings goals, and lifestyle expenses.
Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Daytona Beach? With median rent at $1,080/mo and median home prices at $267,000, the rent-to-buy ratio favors renting in the short term, as buying requires significant upfront capital. Run the numbers with a mortgage calculator using current rates for your specific situation.
How does Daytona Beach compare to similar cities? Use the comparison links below to see Daytona Beach side-by-side with other cities. The most meaningful comparisons are with cities in the same region, similar population size, or cities you are considering for a move. Pay attention to category-level differences, not just the overall index.
COMPARE WITH OTHER CITIES
OTHER CITIES IN FLORIDA
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