Retirement Lists

Cost of Living in St. Augustine, Florida

The oldest masonry fort in the Lower 48, built in the late 17th century, now a museum.
Photo by Schwerdf via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0

St. Augustine cost of living

A coastal retirement budget where housing, transport, insurance, cooling, and visitor season compete for room

The catalog estimates $3,344 per month for a local lifestyle, $4,862 for a couple, $4,777 for a traveler, and $3,117 for an expat proxy. One bedroom rent is $1,384 and two bedroom rent is $1,689. Groceries are $460, utilities are $229, transportation is $1,064, healthcare is $436, and internet is 373.22 Mbps. These are useful planning figures, but a coastal household should add insurance, parking, storm preparation, cooling, home maintenance, and the cost of visiting family or hosting visitors.

The prepared property fields show Low taxes, a 0.64 percent effective rate, median real estate taxes of $2,822, and a median home value of $439,800. Compare purchase price or rent with wind and flood insurance, association dues, taxes by exact jurisdiction, utilities, roof and exterior maintenance, cooling, parking, and a repair reserve. Historic or waterfront character can be appealing while still adding surface, access, moisture, or insurance questions.

Run a month with groceries, prescriptions, care travel, parking, beach or historic outings, family travel, airport trips, home service, storm supplies, and a cool indoor alternative. A budget that works only in a quiet visitor season or without insurance and maintenance reserves is not yet a retirement budget.

Planning a monthly budget

A local monthly estimate of $3,344 gives you the starting point, with housing taking the largest share.

Housing
$1,384
Utilities (in rent)
$229
Food
$460/mo
Transportation
$1,064/mo
Healthcare
$436

Utilities are included in housing so they are not added twice. The separate Utilities row is a reference estimate.

How the total can change

A traveler style stay, a couple household, and long term rent answer different planning questions.

Comfortable Living
$4,777

Moderate

Cost of Living for Couple
$4,862

Good

Typical 1BR Rent
$1,384

Very Good

Everyday expenses

Dining, transportation, taxes, and car needs can change how the monthly budget feels.

Dining Out
$232/mo

Excellent

Need for a Car
Recommended
Property Taxes
Low

Good

Overall Feel
Moderate
Residents 65+ Below Poverty Level
9.8%
65+ Householder — Renter Occupied
17.4%
65+ Households With High Housing Costs
34.0%
Median Household Income, Householder 65+
$58,406

Could St. Augustine fit your monthly retirement budget?

Compare your monthly budget with a city estimate. Add your expected housing amount when you have a more useful number.

Housing

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Starting renter estimates

Use these broad monthly estimates as a starting point, then replace them with costs you know.

One person
$3,344 per month
Two people
$4,862 per month

One-person estimate breakdown

Housing
$1,384
Food
$460
Transportation
$1,064
Healthcare
$436

Taxes, debt, insurance, out-of-pocket care, travel, and one-time moving costs may not be included.

St. Augustine in everyday life

Could St. Augustine work for you?

What may work well

  • The catalog lists Low property tax labeling, a 0.64 percent effective rate, and internet at 373.22 Mbps.
  • A historic core, city parks, beaches, library, local care, and airport access can keep the week varied without a long trip every day.

What to think about

  • Rent, home value, insurance, parking, cooling, storm repairs, and historic or coastal maintenance can change the real monthly total.
  • Transportation is $1,064 in the catalog and remains important for care, groceries, beaches, family, airport travel, and storm detours.
  • A zero pharmacy count in the prepared catalog is a data limitation. Confirm current pharmacies and medication delivery before moving.

Plan a St. Augustine retirement budget around the exact address

  1. Collect housing costs

    Record rent or purchase price, taxes, wind and flood insurance, association charges, utilities, cooling, parking, roof, exterior upkeep, drainage, and repair reserves.

  2. Price ordinary life

    Add groceries, prescriptions, primary care, specialists, hospital and rehabilitation travel, transportation, phone, internet, meals, library, parks, and historic outings.

  3. Add visitors and storms

    Include airport travel, family visits, parking, storm supplies, evacuation lodging, deductibles, power backup, mobility needs, and a reserve for weather delays.

Questions retirees ask

How much does it cost to retire in St. Augustine?

The catalog estimates $3,344 per month for a local lifestyle and $4,862 for a couple, with one bedroom rent at $1,384 and two bedroom rent at $1,689. Add insurance, cooling, parking, care, maintenance, visitors, and storm reserves.

Are St. Augustine property taxes low?

The prepared fields label property taxes Low, with a 0.64 percent effective rate, median real estate taxes of $2,822, and a median home value of $439,800. Verify the exact parcel, exemptions, insurance, and assessment before choosing a home.

What costs are easy to miss near the coast?

Wind and flood insurance, deductibles, cooling, parking, roof and exterior work, moisture control, salt air repairs, visitor travel, evacuation lodging, storm supplies, and care transportation can all affect the budget.

St. Augustine can fit a retirement budget when housing, insurance, cooling, transportation, care, visitors, and storm reserves are priced together. The catalog's monthly figures are a starting point. The exact coastal home determines whether the budget remains comfortable through a busy season, a repair, or a storm.

Sources

The budget value gives a starting point for everyday spending. Housing, healthcare, safety, and climate can change what feels comfortable for a household.

Housing mix, exchange rates, healthcare needs, car ownership, and travel style can move a real monthly budget materially.

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