Key West, FL, US
Southernmost Point with conch culture, sunsets, and no state income tax in paradise.
Very High vs US Avg (100)
Very Expensive
Household income
Job market health
Key West vs US Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: None
- Sales Tax: 7.5%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: $72,000
- Unemployment: 2.5%
- Population: 26,444
Climate
- Sunny Days: 260/year
- Summer High: 89°F
- Winter Low: 65°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 7b
Housing
- Median Home: $850,000
- 1BR Rent: $2800/mo
Cost of Living
Key West's cost of living index is 158.5 (US average = 100).
| Category | Key West | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 158.5 | 100 | +58.5% |
| Housing | 228.4 | 100 | +128.4% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $850,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | $2800/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | $3,500/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | $566 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Key West:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | $170 | Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage |
| Heating & Cooling | N/A | Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric |
| Cooling (AC) | $27 | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | $85 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | $80 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | $40 | Private service |
| Total Utilities | $402 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Remote Work Score
Key West scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Key West has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 85°F | 65°F | 2.5" |
| April | 74°F | 80°F | 2.8" |
| July | 89°F | 64°F | 1.5" |
| October | 69°F | 83°F | 2.2" |
Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees
Natural Hazards
Key West faces the following natural hazards:
Frequently affected by hurricanes.
Extreme flood risk from hurricanes and sea level rise.
Extreme summer heat.
Wildfire risk in dry season.
Tornado risk from hurricanes.
Periodic drought conditions.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 0% (None)
- Sales Tax: 7.5%
- Property Tax: ~0.91% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 2.5%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Key West per 100,000 residents:
Data source: FBI Uniform Crime Reporting
Schools & Education
Data source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Key West, FL, US?
The cost of living index in Key West is 158.5, which is Higher the US national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Key West?
The median home price in Key West is $850,000. The housing index is 228.4.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Key West is approximately $2800/mo.
Does Key West, FL have income tax?
Key West is in FL, which has no income tax.
What is the climate like in Key West?
Key West enjoys approximately 260 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 89°F, while winter lows can drop to around 65°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
- Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
- Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
- Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Data last updated: August 12, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.