Key West, FL Utility & Living Guide

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Key West, FL Utility & Living Guide

Key West is a coral cay island in the Straits of Florida, at the southernmost end of the U.S. state of Florida and its outlying Florida Keys archipelago.

Last updated: July 8, 2026
Total Utilities$295/mo
1BR Rent$1853/mo
Sales Tax7.5%
COL Index105 (+5% above national average)
Family Score6/10
Median Home$814,200
📷 Live Cameras — Key West
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🌤️ Live Weather — Key West
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Living in Key West, summers are hot, with Aug highs around 85.9°F, while winters stay mild, with Jan lows rarely below 68.7°F. At just 0 heating degree days per year, home heating costs are minimal. The area receives 43.2 inches of rainfall per year. Within 5 miles: 33 parks, 6 groceries, 99 dining spots and 1 school. For hospital care, the nearest facility is in a neighboring city. Median household income: $80,828. With a 13.2% poverty rate and 46.2% homeownership, the community reflects a stable residential mix. Air quality is Good — avg AQI 46 over the past week.
📍 City Briefing
Living in Key West, summers are hot, with Aug highs around 85.9°F, while winters stay mild, with Jan lows rarely below 68.7°F. At just 0 heating degree days per year, home heating costs are minimal. The area receives 43.2 inches of rainfall per year. Within 5 miles: 33 parks, 6 groceries, 99 dining spots and 1 school. For hospital care, the nearest facility is in a neighboring city. Median household income: $80,828. With a 13.2% poverty rate and 46.2% homeownership, the community reflects a stable residential mix. Air quality is Good — avg AQI 46 over the past week.
⚠️ 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$1853/mo
2 Bedrooms$2059/mo
3 Bedrooms$2573/mo
Median Home Price$814,200
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.

📰 Live Local News

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

Financial Tools

Calculators
Planning Tools

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📊 Key West — Census & Demographic Data

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

💰 Median Household Income
$80,828
👤 Median Age
44.2
🏠 Homeownership Rate
46.2%
🔑 Renter Rate
53.8%
📉 Poverty Rate
13.2%
💼 Unemployment Rate
1.8%
📡 Internet Access
86.7%
🎓 College Educated
35.4%
📍 Key West City Stories

Key West, Florida — City Overview

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