What It Really Costs to Live in Pinellas County in 2025

Thinking about moving to Pinellas County, Florida? Get the real numbers on housing, utilities, insurance, and lifestyle costs in 2025—plus expert insights from local agent Todd Howard.

I get this question almost every week from future buyers across the country: “Is it still affordable to live in Pinellas County?”

They’ve seen the photos of sugar-sand beaches. They’ve heard about Florida’s no state income tax. And they’ve read the headlines about rising home prices across the state.

Some expect a bargain beach town. Others brace for South Florida price tags.

The truth is, Pinellas County isn’t the cheapest place to live in Florida—but it’s still one of the best values. Especially if you’re looking for that year-round coastal lifestyle without the chaos (or cost) of Miami or Naples.

A couple I recently worked with from Minnesota put it best: “We weren’t looking for cheap—we were looking for a place where our money actually gave us a better life.” Here’s what that looks like in 2025.

What You Can Expect to Pay for Housing

Housing will be your biggest expense here — no surprise. But you’ll also find more variety per square mile than most Florida counties.

In 2025, the average home price in Pinellas County is around $420,000. That number can swing significantly depending on where and what you’re buying.

You can still find modest homes in Pinellas Park or Kenneth City for just above $300,000. At the same time, a fully updated home near downtown Dunedin or Safety Harbor can easily push past $550,000. And if you’re dreaming of water views or walking to the beach? Be ready to see prices starting around $800,000 and up.

Renters face a similarly wide range.

A two-bedroom apartment in areas like Largo or Clearwater runs around $2,000 to $2,400/month. In high-demand locations like downtown St. Pete or the beaches, you’ll find similar units renting for $2,800 to $3,500/month, especially if amenities or views are involved.

Many newcomers choose to rent first before buying—and that’s smart. Just keep in mind that rents have outpaced inflation, and it’s not unusual to see annual increases of 8–12%.

The Insurance Reality: Don’t Overlook This

When I helped Jack and Meredith (a couple relocating from New Jersey) buy their home in Clearwater, they nailed their mortgage budget—but got blindsided by the insurance quote.

“We didn’t even think about flood zones or roof age,” Jack admitted.

They’re not alone. Insurance surprises more people than any other cost.

In 2025:

• Homeowners insurance for a $450,000 home typically falls between $4,000 and $6,500/year, depending on location, roof, and storm protections.
• Flood insurance (required in FEMA flood zones) runs between $800 and $2,500/year. Properties in X zones? You can often skip it—or pay minimal for peace of mind.
• Windstorm coverage is often separate if you’re near the water, adding more to your premium.

If you’re buying a condo, some insurance may be bundled into HOA fees, but always verify coverage details. This is one of the first things I review with clients, especially if you’re unfamiliar with Florida’s storm-related insurance structure.

Utilities: Manageable, If You Plan for Summer

Here’s where Florida gives a little back—our mild winters mean no heating bills. But in summer, air conditioning takes center stage.

• Electricity for a 2,000 sq ft home ranges from $150 to $250/month in peak cooling season (June–September).
• Water, sewer, and trash run between $90 and $130/month, depending on usage and irrigation.
• Internet and cable plans average $65 to $140/month, based on speed and provider.

One client told me their utility bills were higher than expected, but they were saving on gas, winter clothing, and indoor entertainment. “We’re outside all the time now—it evens out,” they said.

Groceries and Food Pricing: What to Expect at the Checkout

Florida’s sunshine might be free—but groceries? Not so much.

In 2025, the average monthly grocery bill in Florida sits around $1,248, with residents spending roughly 14.5% of their monthly income on food—a bit higher than the national average of 12.6%.

Pinellas County isn’t the most expensive area in the state (Miami and Naples take that title), but costs are still higher than many newcomers expect—especially if you eat out often or shop at premium stores.

Here’s a look at current grocery pricing in Pinellas County:

• Gallon of milk: $3.47
• Loaf of bread: $3.07
• Dozen eggs: $6.34
• Bananas (per lb): $0.75–$0.89
• Chicken breast (per lb): $4.99
• Bag of standard groceries: Around $50–$75

Dining out will push your monthly food costs even higher:

• Casual meal for one: $15–$20
• Mid-range dinner for two: $50–$75
• Fast food combo: $10–$12

Want to keep costs down?
Shopping at stores like Aldi or Walmart helps stretch your budget further. And if you enjoy cooking, local farmers markets in Dunedin, Largo, and St. Pete offer great deals on fresh produce—and support small businesses too.

On average, Pinellas residents spend about $350–$400/month per person on food, depending on habits and household size. Families or foodies who dine out regularly can expect higher.

Transportation: Cars Still Reign (With a Few Exceptions)

While walkability is growing in spots like downtown St. Pete, Gulfport, and Dunedin, most of Pinellas County still requires a car.

• Gas in early 2025 averages around $3.40 per gallon.
• Car insurance in Florida is on the higher end. Expect $150 to $200/month, depending on age and driving history.
• Registration fees are reasonable, and there’s no emissions testing required.

That said, I’ve had more clients lately opt for smaller cars or hybrids and cut driving by choosing walkable neighborhoods close to restaurants, shops, and the water. It’s not just about saving gas—it’s about lifestyle.

Florida’s Tax Advantage

This is the part that catches a lot of out-of-state buyers by surprise—in a good way.

Florida has no state income tax. That alone can save households thousands each year, especially retirees, remote workers, or business owners.

At the county level, property taxes in Pinellas average between 0.8% and 1.3% of a home’s assessed value. If you make the property your primary residence, you can claim Homestead Exemption, which lowers your taxable value and caps annual increases.

One couple from Illinois recently told me their savings on taxes alone made the move worth it—even before factoring in the beach.

Lifestyle Costs: Where You Might Actually Save

Here’s where Pinellas County quietly beats expectations.

Because when the weather’s beautiful, the beach is free, and the community calendar is packed with free events… you just don’t spend as much on entertainment.

Residents regularly take advantage of:

• 35+ miles of public beaches
• The Pinellas Trail for biking, running, or walking
• Weekly art walks, markets, and music festivals
• Easy access to kayaking, paddleboarding, or fishing

Sure, there’s plenty of opportunity to splurge—boutique shopping, boat ownership, waterfront dining—but if you’re more of a flip-flops-and-sunset person than a luxury lifestyle chaser, your money goes surprisingly far here.

What You’ll Need to Live Comfortably

Every household is different, but based on what I see every day, here’s what it takes to live well in Pinellas County in 2025:

• A couple living modestly in a central area: $65,000–$75,000/year
• A family of four in a mid-range neighborhood: $90,000–$120,000/year
• Coastal or luxury lifestyle (beach access, walkable areas): $150,000+/year

These numbers include housing, utilities, insurance, transportation, groceries, basic healthcare, and moderate leisure spending—not private chefs or weekend yacht trips.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

Yes.

Pinellas County isn’t a secret anymore. But it’s also not overpriced hype. It’s a place where people come for sunshine, community, and balance—and stay because it actually delivers.

You’re not just buying a home here. You’re buying:

• Access to beaches in minutes, not hours
• A more relaxed pace of life
• A better return on your time, energy, and money
• And a lifestyle people save decades to enjoy

FAQs

1. Is Pinellas County expensive to live in compared to other parts of Florida?

While Pinellas County isn’t the cheapest place in Florida, it offers one of the best values for coastal living. With no state income tax, moderate property taxes, and free access to beaches and outdoor activities, many residents find that their money goes further here than in cities like Miami or Naples.

2. What is the average cost of housing in Pinellas County in 2025?

As of 2025, the average home price in Pinellas County is approximately $420,000. Entry-level homes start in the low $300,000s, while properties near the water or in walkable downtown areas like Dunedin or St. Pete can exceed $600,000 to $800,000.

3. How much does flood and homeowners insurance cost in Pinellas County?

In 2025, homeowners insurance typically ranges from $4,000 to $6,500/year, depending on the property’s location, age, and wind mitigation features. Flood insurance, if required, can cost between $800 and $2,500/year, depending on FEMA zone and elevation.

4. What’s a comfortable income to live in Pinellas County, Florida?

A modest lifestyle for a couple typically requires $65,000–$75,000/year, while a family of four may need $90,000–$120,000/year. For a coastal or luxury lifestyle with upgraded features, aim for $150,000+ annually to comfortably cover housing, insurance, utilities, and lifestyle expenses.