Lawtey, FL vs Madeira Beach, FL

The cost of living difference between Lawtey, FL and Madeira Beach, FL is dramatic. Lawtey is 56.2% cheaper than Madeira Beach, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Lawtey has a cost index of 68 while Madeira Beach sits at 156, 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 Lawtey is $670/month compared to $2,080/month in Madeira Beach — a 68% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Lawtey is more affordable at $160,900 median vs $696,400.

Median household income in Lawtey is $55,000 compared to $79,798 in Madeira Beach (-31.1%). The higher salaries in Madeira Beach partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Lawtey spend roughly 14.6% of their income on rent, less than the 31.3% in Madeira Beach. The Lawtey ratio exceeds the commonly recommended 30% threshold, which can put pressure on household budgets.

Climate-wise, Madeira Beach is notably warmer with an average of 73.9°F compared to 68.6°F in Lawtey. Madeira Beach receives more rainfall at 53.6" per year compared to 50.8" in Lawtey.