Oak Ridge, FL vs Port Charlotte, FL

Oak Ridge, FL and Port Charlotte, FL have a very similar cost of living, with only a 2% difference in their overall index. Oak Ridge scores 97 while Port Charlotte scores 96 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 Oak Ridge is $1,404/month compared to $1,335/month in Port Charlotte — a 5% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Port Charlotte has cheaper rent, Oak Ridge actually has lower median home values ($235,500 vs $249,400).

Median household income in Oak Ridge is $53,389 compared to $60,729 in Port Charlotte (-12.1%). Port Charlotte offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Oak Ridge spend roughly 31.6% 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, both cities share similar average temperatures (73°F vs 74.3°F). Port Charlotte receives more rainfall at 53" per year compared to 51.4" in Oak Ridge.