Cost of Living in Port St. Lucie, FL

How far does a $70,000 salary go in Port St. Lucie? Estimated income taxes on that gross salary total approximately $7,241 per year — Florida levies no state income tax, so that figure covers federal tax only. Subtract rent for a 2-bedroom apartment ($1,757/month based on HUD Fair Market Rents for the Port St. Lucie metro area) and the estimated annual take-home is $41,675, or roughly $3,473 per month for everything else: food, transportation, savings, and discretionary spending.

The Port St. Lucie metro has a cost of living index of 122.6 according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities (national average = 100). At 23% above average, Port St. Lucie is a noticeably expensive metro — groceries, services, and everyday purchases cost more than in most of the country.

At a $70,000 salary, the estimated 2-bedroom rent in Port St. Lucie represents approximately 30% of gross income. That exceeds the conventional 30% guideline, meaning housing takes a significant share of the budget at this income level. Florida's zero income tax helps offset the rent burden compared to otherwise similar cities that also levy state income tax.