Destin, FL Utility & Living Guide

Tier 3 Location

Destin, FL Utility & Living Guide

Living in Destin, FL offers a coastal paradise with stunning beaches and a relaxed lifestyle.

Last updated: June 5, 2026
Total Utilities$295/mo
1BR Rent$1400/mo
Sales Tax7.5%
COL Index105 (+5% above national average)
Family Score6/10
Median Home$380,000
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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Destin
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💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$120/mo

Gulf Power
🔥 Gas

$40/mo

N/A
💧 Water

$45/mo

City of Destin Water & Sewer
🗑️ Garbage

$25/mo

Waste Management
📶 Internet

$65/mo

Combined Average Overhead $295/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1400/mo
2 Bedrooms$1800/mo
3 Bedrooms$2400/mo
Median Home Price$380,000
Property Tax Rate1.1%
Avg Childcare/mo$1000

Housing in Destin is competitive due to high demand for vacation properties. Many residents opt for condos or single-family homes near the beach.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

105

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+5% above national average

Groceries

102

Transportation

98

Healthcare

100

Childcare/mo

$1000

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax7.5%
Property Tax Rate1.1%
<p>State 6% + County 1.5%</p>

Florida has no state income tax.

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
6/10
Safety Index

50

Higher = safer
School Rating

6.5/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$1000/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+12% growing
Political Climate
Red
Business Momentum
High with tourism, real estate, and hospitality industries
Top Local Concerns
traffic congestion, hurricane preparedness, affordable housing
🚌 Transit for Families

Limited public transit; most families rely on cars, but sidewalks are common in newer areas.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Big Kahuna's Water & Adventure Park
  • 🎯
    Destin Harbor Boardwalk
  • 🎯
    Henderson Beach State Park

Best Neighborhoods for Families

Crystal Beach is family-friendly with walkable streets. Kelly Plantation offers upscale homes and good schools.

Household Budget Calculator

Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Destin based on your household profile.

Local Briefing & Neighborhood Pulse

Live Local News

Short-term rental regulations apply; homeowners must register with the city. Beachfront properties may have additional zoning restrictions.

Tourism drives the local economy, with rising property values. Remote work is increasing demand for year-round housing.

Financial Tools

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📊 Destin — Census & Demographic Data

Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.

💰 Median Household Income
$81,827
👤 Median Age
43.3
🏠 Homeownership Rate
62.8%
🔑 Renter Rate
37.2%
📉 Poverty Rate
10.1%
💼 Unemployment Rate
2.3%
📡 Internet Access
89.1%
🎓 College Educated
40.7%