Sarasota, FL, US
Cultural hub on the Gulf Coast with Siesta Key Beach, the Ringling Museum, and opera.
Overview
Sarasota is a city in FL with a population of 58,000. Cultural hub on the Gulf Coast with Siesta Key Beach, the Ringling Museum, and opera. Housing is notably more expensive than the national average. The overall cost of living is above the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 7a growing zone supports Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees. A large share of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The city enjoys abundant sunshine, with about 250 sunny days a year. The population skews older, with a median age of 49.3.
Last updated: September 12, 2026
Above Average vs US Avg (100)
Above Average
Household income
Job market health
Sarasota vs US Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: None
- Sales Tax: 7.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: $62,000
- Unemployment: 3.2%
- Population: 58,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 250/year
- Summer High: 90°F
- Winter Low: 55°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 7a
Housing
- Median Home: $450,000
- 1BR Rent: $1600/mo
Cost of Living
Sarasota's cost of living index is 115 (US average = 100).
| Category | Sarasota | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 115 | 100 | +15.0% |
| Housing | 130 | 100 | +30.0% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $450,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | $1600/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | $2,000/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | $300 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Sarasota:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | $113 | Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage |
| Heating & Cooling | N/A | Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric |
| Cooling (AC) | $17 | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | $55 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | $70 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | $30 | Private service |
| Total Utilities | $285 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Remote Work Score
Sarasota scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Sarasota has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 75°F | 55°F | 2.5" |
| April | 75°F | 70°F | 2.8" |
| July | 90°F | 65°F | 1.5" |
| October | 70°F | 73°F | 2.2" |
Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees
Natural Hazards
Sarasota faces the following natural hazards:
Frequently affected by hurricanes.
Extreme summer heat.
Coastal flooding.
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%
- Property Tax: ~0.91% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 3.2%.
Schools & Education
Data source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Demographics
The population of Sarasota is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
Data source: US Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) (2023)
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 Sarasota, FL, US?
The cost of living index in Sarasota is 115, which is Higher the US national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Sarasota?
The median home price in Sarasota is $450,000. The housing index is 130.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Sarasota is approximately $1600/mo.
Does Sarasota, FL have income tax?
Sarasota is in FL, which has no income tax.
What is the climate like in Sarasota?
Sarasota enjoys approximately 250 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 90°F, while winter lows can drop to around 55°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: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.