Spring is a great time to make a move, and if Ormond Beach, Florida, is on your radar, you are asking the right questions. People are relocating here from New York, Miami, and Washington, D.C., drawn by quieter beaches, a genuine sense of community, and a cost of living that makes a lot more sense than most Florida coastal cities. Here is a grounded look at what life actually costs in Ormond Beach in 2026.
The Big Picture: Right Around Average (With Real Perks)
BestPlaces scores Ormond Beach at a cost of living index of 94.9, meaning the total cost of housing, food, childcare, transportation, healthcare, and everyday needs runs about 5% below the U.S. average and 8% below the Florida state average. For a coastal city with beach access, Atlantic breezes, and a genuine small-town feel, that is a solid deal going into 2026.
What You Will Pay for a Home or an Apartment
Housing is the biggest line in any budget, and Ormond Beach offers real options for both buyers and renters.
- Median home value: Around $364,209, with a median household income of $67,482
- Average rent: The typical apartment runs $1,680 per month. One-bedrooms average $1,433, and two-bedrooms come in around $1,776
- Ownership rate: About 77% of Ormond Beach households own their homes, which reflects strong long-term community stability
If you are thinking about buying this spring, I would love to help you figure out exactly what your budget gets you right now. Reach out to The Weller Team, and let’s look at what is on the market together.
Florida’s Tax Situation Works in Your Favor
One of the most underrated perks of living in Florida is what you do not owe at tax time.
- No state income tax on wages
- No taxes on retirement or pension income, a genuine draw for retirees
- 6% statewide sales tax, with everyday essentials like groceries and medical supplies exempt
- Property taxes are near the national average, especially compared to high-tax states up north
Monthly Bills: Budget for the Heat
Florida summers are no joke, and your electric bill will tell you that every August.
- Electricity: Ormond Beach residents average $224 per month, about 13% above the national average due to heavy air conditioning use
- Water and wastewater: The city recently kept utility rate increases modest. The average customer pays roughly $3.65 more per month following the latest adjustments
- Internet and phone: In line with other mid-size Florida communities, with fiber and 5G home internet available throughout the city
Groceries, Healthcare, and Everyday Spending
Day-to-day costs stay manageable for most households.
- Groceries: Food expenses run about 25% below the national average, around $298 per month for a single person
- Healthcare: Costs come in about 5.6% lower than the national average, a real advantage for retirees and anyone prioritizing access to quality care
- Transportation: Slightly above average since most residents drive. I-95 and U.S. Route 1 connect you quickly to Daytona Beach, St. Augustine, and Palm Coast
Who Thrives Here at Every Budget Level
Ormond Beach works well across a range of incomes and lifestyles:
- Retirees get zero taxes on pension income, lower healthcare costs, and beach access without resort-town pricing
- Families get good schools, wide open green space at Tomoka State Park, and homes priced well below the Florida state median of $410,600
- Remote workers get coastal living at a price that does not require a second job to maintain
- First-time buyers find more room to work with here than in most Florida beach markets
Spending Less Without Missing Out
Residents stretch their dollars by leaning into what Ormond Beach does naturally well: free beach access, the local dining scene along Granada Boulevard, weekend kayaking at Tomoka, and a walkable downtown that does not require a big-city budget to enjoy.
If you are ready to make Ormond Beach home, connect with me to help you find the right property at the right price. Let’s get started.
Sources: salary.com, bestplaces.net, rentcafe.com, homesnacks.com, energysage.com, observerlocalnews.com, areavibes.com, floridastateparks.org
Header Image Source: floridavacayrentals.com
