Cost of Living in Gulf Stream, FL

With a cost of living index of 264, Gulf Stream, FL is one of the most expensive cities in the United States. Living here is 164% more expensive than the national average and 154% above the Florida state average of 110. Gulf Stream is a small community of 766 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Gulf Stream's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $2,019 (53% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $2,000,001 (556% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 10.2x the median household income — a challenging ratio that puts homeownership out of reach for many residents.

The median household income in Gulf Stream is $196,806, which is 162% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 12% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum. While incomes are above average, they do not fully offset the higher cost of living.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Gulf Stream. The area sees an average annual temperature of 75.8°F, with summers averaging 83°F and winters around 68°F. Annual rainfall totals 61.7 inches spread over roughly 137 days.

Everyday prices in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area tend to run above the national average. Out of 6 common grocery and utility items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 5 are priced higher than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.