Destin, FL Utility & Living Guide

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Destin, FL Utility & Living Guide

Destin is a city located in Okaloosa County, Florida, United States. It is a principal city of the Crestview–Fort Walton Beach–Destin, Florida metropolitan statistical area.

Last updated: July 8, 2026
Total Utilities$295/mo
1BR Rent$1595/mo
Sales Tax7.5%
COL Index105 (+5% above national average)
Family Score6/10
Median Home$429,400
📷 Live Cameras — Destin
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🌤️ Live Weather — Destin
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Living in Destin, summers are hot, with Aug highs around 87.5°F, while winters stay mild, with Jan lows rarely below 46.1°F. At just 919 heating degree days per year, home heating costs are minimal. Annual rainfall reaches 65.2 inches, mostly summer thunderstorms. Within 5 miles: 10 parks and 18 dining spots. For hospital care, the nearest facility is in a neighboring city. Median household income: $86,777. With a 8.7% poverty rate and 66.3% homeownership, the community reflects a stable residential mix. Nearby cities: Fort Walton Beach (7mi W), Miramar Beach (8mi E), Niceville (9mi N). Air quality is Moderate — avg AQI 53 over the past week.
📍 City Briefing
Living in Destin, summers are hot, with Aug highs around 87.5°F, while winters stay mild, with Jan lows rarely below 46.1°F. At just 919 heating degree days per year, home heating costs are minimal. Annual rainfall reaches 65.2 inches, mostly summer thunderstorms. Within 5 miles: 10 parks and 18 dining spots. For hospital care, the nearest facility is in a neighboring city. Median household income: $86,777. With a 8.7% poverty rate and 66.3% homeownership, the community reflects a stable residential mix. Nearby cities: Fort Walton Beach (7mi W), Miramar Beach (8mi E), Niceville (9mi N). Air quality is Moderate — avg AQI 53 over the past week.
⚠️ 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$1595/mo
2 Bedrooms$1773/mo
3 Bedrooms$2216/mo
Median Home Price$429,400
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

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📊 Destin — Census & Demographic Data

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

💰 Median Household Income
$86,777
👤 Median Age
43.3
🏠 Homeownership Rate
66.3%
🔑 Renter Rate
33.7%
📉 Poverty Rate
8.7%
💼 Unemployment Rate
2.0%
📡 Internet Access
89.1%
🎓 College Educated
40.7%
📍 Destin City Stories
Jul 8, 2026

Destin, Florida — City Overview

Living in Destin, summers are hot, with Aug highs around 87.5°F, while winters stay mild, with Jan lows...

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Data sourced from BLS, HUD, Numbeo, SmartAsset, and local government sources. US Census Bureau ACS 2022, Wikipedia

Last verified: July 8, 2026 · For utility emergencies contact your provider directly.

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