Key West, FL Utility & Living Guide

Tier 3 Location

Key West, FL Utility & Living Guide

Living in Key West offers a laid-back island lifestyle with vibrant culture and stunning ocean views.

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 — Key West
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💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$120/mo

Keys Energy Services
🔥 Gas

$40/mo

N/A
💧 Water

$45/mo

Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority
🗑️ Garbage

$25/mo

City of Key West
📶 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

Key West has limited housing inventory, driving up prices. Many residents live in historic conch houses or modern condos.

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
+3% growing
Political Climate
Purple
Business Momentum
Moderate with tourism, fishing, and hospitality industries
Top Local Concerns
housing affordability, hurricane preparedness, traffic congestion
🚌 Transit for Families

Limited public transit; most families rely on cars or bikes.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Key West Aquarium
  • 🎯
    Fort Zachary Taylor State Park
  • 🎯
    The Turtle Hospital

Best Neighborhoods for Families

New Town offers more affordable family homes. The Meadows has parks and quieter streets.

Household Budget Calculator

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

Local Briefing & Neighborhood Pulse

Live Local News

Short-term rental restrictions apply in some neighborhoods. Historic district rules limit exterior modifications.

Tourism drives the local economy, with rising home prices due to limited inventory. Remote work is increasing demand for housing.

Financial Tools

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📊 Key West — Census & Demographic Data

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

💰 Median Household Income
$75,638
👤 Median Age
44.2
🏠 Homeownership Rate
45.8%
🔑 Renter Rate
54.2%
📉 Poverty Rate
11.6%
💼 Unemployment Rate
2.0%
📡 Internet Access
86.7%
🎓 College Educated
35.4%