Is Daytona Beach, FL Expensive to Live In?
Daytona Beach has a cost of living index of 89 — 11% below the US average of 100 and 16 points below the Florida state average of 105. Famous for NASCAR and its wide Atlantic beach, Daytona Beach offers some of Florida's most affordable oceanfront and beach-area properties.
Florida's zero state income tax adds meaningful take-home purchasing power compared to most US states. A household earning $40,000 in Daytona Beach pays no state income tax — a significant advantage when evaluating affordability.
Home Prices in Daytona Beach, Florida
The median home price in Daytona Beach is $265,000 — $163,900 below the Florida median of $428,900. At today's 6.23% rate, buyers putting 20% down face a monthly principal & interest payment of $1,303. With 10% down, that rises to $1,465/mo.
Cost of Living by Category
Index scores relative to US average (100). Above 100 = more expensive than average.
Should You Rent or Buy in Daytona Beach?
Daytona Beach's price-to-rent ratio of 15.2x indicates buying is generally financially advantageous compared to renting, especially for buyers planning to stay 5+ years. At $1,450/mo in rent vs. a $1,303/mo mortgage (with equity building), ownership makes financial sense for most buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Daytona Beach, Florida?
Daytona Beach's cost of living index is 89 — 11% below the US average of 100. Housing is the primary driver (index: 89), along with groceries (96), healthcare (95), transportation (97), and utilities (95).
What is the median home price in Daytona Beach, FL?
The median home price in Daytona Beach is $265,000 as of 2026. At the current 6.23% 30-year mortgage rate, a buyer with 20% down ($53,000) would pay approximately $1,303/month in principal and interest.
What is the average rent in Daytona Beach?
The median rent in Daytona Beach, Florida is $1,450 per month. The price-to-rent ratio of 15.2x favors buying for most residents.
Is Daytona Beach, Florida affordable in 2026?
Daytona Beach is very affordable with a COL index of 89. The median household income is $40,000, giving a price-to-income ratio of 6.6x. Florida's zero state income tax effectively increases take-home pay, improving affordability relative to states like New York or California.
How does Daytona Beach compare to the rest of Florida?
Daytona Beach's COL index of 89 is 16 points below the Florida average of 105. The median home price ($265,000) is below the Florida median of $428,900.