Living in St. Augustine and St. Johns County is typically more expensive than many inland U.S. cities, but often less costly than major coastal metros. Housing and insurance drive most of the difference,
while Florida’s lack of state income tax helps offset higher property and insurance costs.

How expensive is it to live in St. Augustine Florida?

• Housing: Higher near the beach and historic areas, more moderate in suburban St. Johns County.
• Rent: Often higher than expected due to demand and limited inventory.
• Utilities: Moderate, with higher electric bills in summer months.
• Insurance: One of the biggest cost differences, especially for homeowners.
• Taxes: No state income tax, but property taxes vary by home value and location.

Housing Costs: Buying in St. Augustine vs. St. Johns County

Housing is usually the biggest adjustment for relocating buyers. In St. Augustine proper, prices tend to be highest near Historic Downtown, Anastasia Island, and the beaches.
These areas trade square footage for walkability, charm, and proximity to the ocean.

In contrast, St. Johns County offers more suburban-style neighborhoods with newer construction, larger homes, and community amenities. While prices can still be high, buyers often get more space
for their money compared to historic or coastal areas.

The key takeaway: you’re not just paying for a house—you’re paying for lifestyle. Two homes with the same price tag can feel dramatically different depending on location.

"Kim has been awesome! We have worked with her and her team for over a year in finding a home. She is extremely responsive, informative, and truly cares about what her clients want. Kim has become family to us throughout this whole process and I cannot thank her and her team enough. Even after we closed on our home, Kim checks in on us which goes to show that she truly cares about her clients beyond the home. She is bubbly, always a great spirit and a pleasure to have truly worked with her. She’s driven all over St. Augustine, Orange Park, and Jacksonville to help us find our dream home. We were constantly getting home suggestions from her which I loved. On a scale of 10, Kim is definitely a 100000/10. I would definitely recommend her if you are looking for a home, looking to sell a home, or gather information. Her knowledge is extensive and Kim definitely knows what she’s doing. Thank you so much for everything Kim!!" -Tristen I.

Renting in St. Augustine: What Relocating Buyers Should Know

Rent catches many newcomers off guard. Because St. Augustine is both a tourist destination and a popular relocation market, long-term rental inventory can be tight.

Beachside and downtown rentals often command premium pricing, while suburban rentals in St. Johns County may offer better value but still exceed national averages.

For many relocating buyers, renting temporarily makes sense—but it’s important to compare rent against potential mortgage payments. In many cases, buying sooner can reduce monthly housing costs and provide stability.

Utilities and Everyday Living Expenses

Utility costs in Northeast Florida are generally reasonable, but seasonal changes matter. Summer electric bills are higher due to air conditioning, while winter costs remain low compared to colder climates.

Water, trash, and internet costs are typically in line with national averages. Newer homes in St. Johns County are often more energy-efficient, which can help keep monthly expenses predictable.

Day-to-day expenses like groceries, dining, and entertainment vary widely based on lifestyle, but most relocating buyers find them manageable compared to larger metro areas.

“Our experience with Kim was excellent. She listened to our needs and did her best to accommodate what we were looking for. Over the years, I have dealt with my share of realtors and can definitely say that Kim is in the top tier of that group. Highly recommend her services." -Robert W.

Insurance: The Biggest Adjustment for Many Buyers

Insurance is often the most surprising cost for people moving to St. Augustine. Homeowners insurance, wind coverage, and flood insurance (depending on location)
can significantly impact monthly budgets.

Coastal and older homes typically carry higher premiums, while newer construction inland may qualify for insurance discounts due to modern building codes.

This is where local knowledge matters most. Two homes at the same price can have dramatically different insurance costs depending on age, elevation, and distance from water.

Taxes: The Florida Trade-Off

Florida’s lack of state income tax is a major advantage for many relocating buyers, especially those moving from high-tax states.

Property taxes in St. Johns County are generally higher on newer homes and new construction, while older homes may benefit from lower assessed values. Homestead exemptions can also reduce taxes for primary residents.

When comparing overall cost of living, many buyers find that higher housing and insurance costs are partially—or fully—offset by tax savings.

Common Cost-of-Living Misconceptions

• “Florida is always cheap.” Coastal lifestyle markets like St. Augustine are not bargain destinations.
• “Rent will be temporary and affordable.” Rental costs often rival mortgage payments.
• “Insurance will be similar to where I live now.” This is rarely true for coastal Florida.

Important Budget Considerations Before You Move

• Compare housing and insurance together—not separately.
• Factor seasonal utility fluctuations into your budget.
• Understand property taxes and homestead exemptions early.
• Decide which lifestyle features are worth paying for.

Final Thoughts

Living in St. Augustine and St. Johns County can cost more than where you live now—but for many buyers, the lifestyle, tax benefits, and long-term stability make it worthwhile. The key is understanding where your money goes and how different neighborhoods change the equation.

If you’re trying to compare your current cost of living with what life in St. Augustine would really look like, you can contact me to get a  personalized breakdown to make your decision much clearer. Exploring local housing options and true ownership costs is often the most helpful next step.