Hollywood, FL vs Sarasota, FL

Hollywood, FL and Sarasota, FL have a very similar cost of living, with only a 0.9% difference in their overall index. Hollywood scores 117 while Sarasota scores 116 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Hollywood is $1,555/month compared to $1,514/month in Sarasota — a 3% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Sarasota has cheaper rent, Hollywood actually has lower median home values ($374,200 vs $409,700).

Median household income in Hollywood is $65,359 compared to $70,065 in Sarasota (-6.7%). Sarasota offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Hollywood spend roughly 28.6% of their income on rent, more than the 25.9% in Sarasota.

Climate-wise, Hollywood is notably warmer with an average of 77.2°F compared to 74.1°F in Sarasota. Hollywood receives more rainfall at 60.9" per year compared to 49.1" in Sarasota.