Moving to Key West Florida and the Cost of Living

Moving To Key West & The Cost Of Living In Key West

2022 Update: This Key West article was written in 2018. Costs have changed drastically since then and even more scrutiny needs to be giving when considering a move to Key West

Just about anyone who loves the Island & Beach Life has thought about moving to Key West in Florida at one point in their life. However, very few consider the cost of living before actually moving.

Assuming of course you do not already live in Key West, it can seem a bit challenging to get there. Just like any other move, you need to take into consideration your typical moving expenses, housing, and perhaps a new career. But moving to Key West is not really the tough part. Residing there with an unexpected increased of living expenses can be the real challenge.

Unlike any other town in the USA, the mention of "Key West" brings to mind a lazy carefree life.

Relaxing ocean side or bar hopping on Duval Street or visiting The Green Parrot is a daily experience for anyone that wants to live it, right? Suddenly you start to think of selling your house in Massachusetts, quitting your job, piling everything into a U Haul, and taking the trek.

Slow down there! 
The reality is the streets of Key West are not lined with gold. Even though Route 1 will bring you right to the island, you are still living on an island. That means everything will start to get more expensive. Gas, food, and housing are much more that on the main land. Because Key West is 3 hours from Miami, the expense of getting goods and supplies to the island will hit your wallet a bit harder. Living in Key West is also very desirable, thus driving up the costs due to basic supply and demand economics. You need to take all of this into consideration before moving to Key West.

Here are some things top to consider before moving to Key West:

  • Get a job lined up. This is probably the most challenging thing to have ready. Unemployment is high and job competition is fierce. Unless you have a specialized skill that is in demand and limited, you will likely be landing a tourist related job. Food service workers and gift shop cashier positions are going to be the most common and tough to get. You may want to consider going to the island first and meeting potential employers instead of trying to get a job over the phone.
  • Find Housing. A 1-2 bed room cottage or apartment could easily cost $1200-$1800 a month. In many cases it will be much more. A 2-3 Bedroom home could be in the $300-500k range. That is for something that needs a LOT of TLC. Something decent and ready to move into is much closer to the $1,000,000 mark. Condo's of course will be much cheaper.
  • Food. You will find a few common big box grocery stores with prices a bit more than on the main land. However, your local restaurants and sub shops are operating on island time too, and have a budget to match. Expect to pay resort prices for your prepared meals and cocktails.
  • Gas. 87 Octane will run about 10% more than on the main land.
  • Family. It's a great place to visit, but Key West is not always family friendly. An excessive amount of locals and tourist are in party mode and tend to be more adult themed. Also, the low rated public schools are common and a turn off as well for parents.

  • Key West Famous Beach Direction Sign

    So how can you justify moving to Key West on a budget? There are a few options.

    • Prepare. Make a trip to the mainland for visits to your local Costco or BJ's and stock up.
    • Get a roommate. Two roommates could be even better. Cut your rent and utility bills in half or more.
    • Get a bike. Driving in Key West can be a nightmare. You will find it much easier to ride a bike as the island is small enough. You will save not only time, but gas.
    • When you need supplies locally, avoid Duval Street. Duval Street is the main tourist area so everything will be more pricey.
    • Don't live in Key West. Many people that work in Key West do not live there. They will find a place to stay a few keys up and drive to work. Sure, you may not be living next to Mallory Square, but you are very close and the sunsets are still the same.

    If you plan accordingly, there will be little surprises. If visiting Smathers Beach, going snorkeling, people watching, biking, boating, and kayaking (to name a few) are worth it when you are not working, then the decision is easy to make. Move to Key West and be the envy of your friends. Be smart and live the Island & Beach life that many of us want to be a part of.

    Do you need some resources for moving to Key West?

    Moving To Key West & The Cost Of Living In Key West  Southernmost Buoy

     


    72 comments


    • Dina

      Do your research. Our high school has good graduation rates, lots of advance placement options, and extensive sports and student activities programs.


    • Monica

      I am relocating to Key West after almost 20 years away from it. I am sure it has changed a lot, but I have been visiting regularly because my parents never left. I have to disagree to some extent in regards to the “family friendly” point. I raised my kids there until they were of school age, and during those years, no place could have compared to KW in regards to safety, access to nature and the most healthy and simple lifestyle for a child. It was perfect. My kids teethed on mangoes and picked shells off the ocean every morning as we did our beach walks…..my son learned how to free dive and catch fish by the time he was 4. Both my kids were able to swim without fear by the time they were 1-1/2. They knew more about fish and wildlife than the average American child before they even got to go to school, and developed a love for nature they carry to this day. MY kids are college age now, and they cannot wait for a break to get to the keys,….it is their hometown and love it as such. So yes, it is expensive, and the housing is actually a lot more expensive then you describe it. Many locals have to have 2 jobs to survive it, however, I would not have exchanged those first few years of lifestyle my kids experienced with any other place in the world. I look forward getting back to my island.


    • Chris Barth

      I have lived in the keys since 1991. A equal split between the upper keys and Key West. We are back in Key west with our two boys. Best move we could have done for them. Schools are no different them the upper keys. Still all are grade a schools. What you have to remember is the island is 50% military. So there are many military kids that attend our schools. The sports programs are very insanely good for the kids. Top notch programs! Always something to do for the kids every weekend.. So I totally disagree with not living ion the island or living here with a family.
      Are there drunks in this town, yes! It’s a party town. We live in a area called New Town and its away from all the craziness of duval and down town. No matter where you live, you will find drunks and drugs.
      Cost of living is high. To buy a house starts at $500,000 and rent is very high. There is price to pay for living here. I have found that you don’t drive very far here. So your fuel bill will be cut in half. It’s only a 2/4 mile island.
      Plenty of job oppertunities here in Key West. If your in the hospitality business you’ll find multiple jobs the pay. If it’s a gratuity based job then your sitting better than most people. Key West is a high volume tourist town. It stays busy almost year around.
      The article mentioned some good facts, but I had to disagree with some of its misleading points.


    • Neil Chamberlain

      Most of this is very good advice but Babs is correct about the housing costs.

      Unemployment isn’t very high right now but the pay scale is a bit low for the cost of living. Expect to make sacrifices to live here such as working more than 1 job, getting a roommate (or more), or getting rid of the car altogether!


    • Jason Guarino

      Wendy, very true. The brand was born in FL and we just moved to NH. But the FL address will be coming back very soon. Stay tuned!


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