New Smyrna Beach, FL vs Westwood Lakes, FL

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. New Smyrna Beach is 21.3% cheaper than Westwood Lakes. With a cost index of 114 vs 145, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from New Smyrna Beach to Westwood Lakes should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in New Smyrna Beach is $1,638/month compared to $2,243/month in Westwood Lakes — a 27% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: New Smyrna Beach is more affordable at $365,900 median vs $465,000.

Median household income in New Smyrna Beach is $78,373 compared to $87,341 in Westwood Lakes (-10.3%). Westwood Lakes 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 New Smyrna Beach spend roughly 25.1% of their income on rent, less than the 30.8% in Westwood Lakes. The New Smyrna Beach ratio exceeds the commonly recommended 30% threshold, which can put pressure on household budgets.

Climate-wise, Westwood Lakes is notably warmer with an average of 77.4°F compared to 71.5°F in New Smyrna Beach. New Smyrna Beach receives more rainfall at 51.3" per year compared to 51" in Westwood Lakes.