Hernando, FL vs Key West, FL

The cost of living difference between Hernando, FL and Key West, FL is dramatic. Hernando is 53.5% cheaper than Key West, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Hernando has a cost index of 77 while Key West sits at 166, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Hernando is $922/month compared to $2,075/month in Key West — a 56% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Hernando is more affordable at $189,200 median vs $816,300.

Median household income in Hernando is $41,564 compared to $78,532 in Key West (-47.1%). The higher salaries in Key West partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Hernando spend roughly 26.6% of their income on rent, less than the 31.7% in Key West. The Hernando ratio exceeds the commonly recommended 30% threshold, which can put pressure on household budgets.

Climate-wise, Key West is notably warmer with an average of 78.9°F compared to 70.7°F in Hernando. Hernando receives more rainfall at 51.9" per year compared to 40.4" in Key West.