Key West, FL vs Port Charlotte, FL

The cost of living difference between Key West, FL and Port Charlotte, FL is dramatic. Port Charlotte is 73.5% cheaper than Key West, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Key West has a cost index of 166 while Port Charlotte sits at 96, 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 Key West is $2,075/month compared to $1,335/month in Port Charlotte — a 55% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Port Charlotte is more affordable at $249,400 median vs $816,300.

Median household income in Key West is $78,532 compared to $60,729 in Port Charlotte (+29.3%). Key West does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Key West spend roughly 31.7% of their income on rent, more than the 26.4% in Port Charlotte. The Port Charlotte 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 74.3°F in Port Charlotte. Port Charlotte receives more rainfall at 53" per year compared to 40.4" in Key West.