Is Living on 30a Florida Really Expensive

Have you ever dreamt of living in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida? The allure of pristine beaches, upscale dining, and unique artistic experiences in the 30A area is undeniable. But it's also common for people to wonder, "Is living in Santa Rosa Beach expensive?" In this comprehensive exploration, we aim to provide you with a detailed understanding of the cost of living in this beautiful coastal community.

Discovering Santa Rosa Beach

Location and Luxury

Santa Rosa Beach is nestled in the Destin-Miramar Beach area and sits just west of Panama City Beach. The area's distinctive charm is attributed to tourism and the presence of gulf-front communities, which contribute to its reputation for luxury and higher living costs. Let's delve deeper into what makes this region renowned.

• 30A and Beach Houses: Santa Rosa Beach, particularly the 30A region, is famous for its luxurious beachfront houses. The upscale dining options, vibrant artistic experiences, and the idyllic white sandy beaches flanked by lush forests all contribute to its allure.

Assessing the Cost of Living

Examining Key Expenses

To evaluate the cost of living in Santa Rosa Beach, we use an index system where the national average is set at 100. This index helps us determine how Santa Rosa Beach compares to the average cost of living in the continental United States. Let's break down the major expense categories:

• Groceries: With a score of 108.3, grocery costs in Santa Rosa Beach are 8.3% above the national average.

• Health: Health expenses are relatively lower, with a score of 98.7, indicating costs that are 1.3% below the national average.

• Housing: The housing category exhibits the most significant deviation, scoring a substantial 342.8, which means that housing costs in Santa Rosa Beach are approximately 242.8% above the national average.

• Utilities: At 102.5, utility costs are 2.5% above the national average.

• Transportation: Santa Rosa Beach's transportation expenses are more affordable, with a score of 93.7, meaning costs are 6.3% below the national average.

• Miscellaneous: Miscellaneous expenses are nearly in line with the national average, with a score of 99.9, indicating costs that are just 0.1% below the national average.

As expected, the most considerable expense contributing to the high cost of living is housing. Let's explore the median home prices and ranges across various communities in the area.

Real Estate Snapshot

Variability in Home Prices

Santa Rosa Beach encompasses diverse communities, each with its own unique character. To illustrate the disparity in median home prices, let's look at the housing markets across the area.

• Dune Allen: Median home price - $932,000; High - $8.9 million; Low - $302,000

• Gulf Place: Median home price - $919,000; High - $10.5 million; Low - $370,000

• Blue Mountain Beach: Median home price - $1.07 million; High - $13.2 million; Low - $400,000

• Grayton Beach: Median home price - $1.99 million; High - $5.5 million; Low - $650,000

• Watercolor: Median home price - $2 million; High - $6.8 million; Low - $1.3 million

• Seaside: Median home price - $3 million; High - $13 million; Low - $975,000

• Seagrove: Median home price - $990,000; High - $11.3 million; Low - $220,000

• Watersound: Median home price - $1.1 million; High - $11 million; Low - $650,000

• Alys Beach: Median home price - $3.7 million; High - $19.9 million; Low - $415,000

• Seacrest: Median home price - $1.39 million; High - $13 million; Low - $670,000

• Rosemary Beach: Median home price - $1.8 million; High - $24 million; Low - $279,000

• Inlet Beach: Median home price - $1.7 million; High - $14 million; Low - $460,000

The stark differences in median home prices across these communities highlight the considerable range of housing costs in Santa Rosa Beach.

Long-Term Rentals

Rental Market Insights

It's worth exploring the long-term rental market in Santa Rosa Beach, as it provides an alternative perspective on the cost of living. Rental data in the area reveals the following:

• South of Highway 98: Median rent - $2,800 per month; High - $7,000 per month; Low - $2,000 per month

• North of Highway 98: Median rent - $2,825 per month; High - $5,700 per month; Low - $1,400 per month

Rental prices tend to be higher north of Highway 98, but it's essential to remember that inventory can vary. Nonetheless, the housing component remains a significant factor in the overall cost of living.

Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, offers an idyllic coastal lifestyle that attracts people from around the world. While it is true that living in this area can be expensive, the cost of living varies significantly based on factors such as housing, location, and lifestyle choices. By examining the costs in each category, you can make informed decisions about whether Santa Rosa Beach is the right place for you.

If you have further questions or need assistance with your move to Santa Rosa Beach, please don't hesitate to reach out. Contact us at 850.204.4416 or via email at Admin@WhittemoreGroupRE.com. We're here to help you navigate the cost of living and real estate market in Santa Rosa Beach and ensure you have a smooth transition into this captivating community.