Cost of Living in Jekyll Island, GA

With a cost of living index of 119, Jekyll Island, GA is a notably expensive place to live. Living here is 19% more expensive than the national average and 36% above the Georgia state average of 82. Jekyll Island is a small community of 1,078 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Jekyll Island's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,467 (11% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $522,100 (71% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 6.8x the median household income — a challenging ratio that puts homeownership out of reach for many residents.

The median household income in Jekyll Island is $76,445, which is 2% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 23% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Jekyll Island. The area sees an average annual temperature of 69.2°F, with summers averaging 82°F and winters around 55°F. Annual rainfall totals 45.4 inches spread over roughly 105 days. The mild climate is a draw for many residents and keeps utility costs moderate year-round.

Everyday prices in the Brunswick-St. Simons, GA (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area are generally below the national average. Out of 6 common items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 6 are priced lower 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.