Boca Raton is often associated with luxury—high-end shopping, fine dining, and pristine beaches—but what does that actually mean for your wallet? The cost of living in Boca Raton, Florida is considerably higher than the national average and even surrounding cities in South Florida. Whether you’re considering making the move to Boca Raton or just curious about how far your money would go there, let’s break down what living in Boca Raton really costs.
Table of Contents
Housing
As of 2025, the median home sale price in Boca Raton is $725,000. Depending on the neighborhood, there’s a good amount of variance. If you’re lucky, you might be able to snap up a modest townhome or condo for around $500,000, but many of the more desirable areas are waterfront property or in gated communities, and those will cost significantly more.
If you’re not planning on buying, renting can also be pricey. The average rent in Boca Raton is over $2,000/mo, even for a studio. For a larger family home in a nice neighborhood, rent can easily run you over $5,000/mo.
What will really make your wallet hurt are the additional fees. Because of hurricane risk and Florida’s climate, homeowners pay more for insurance than they would elsewhere. Annual homeowner’s insurance for an average home will be in the thousands, and many communities charge exorbitant HOA and country-club initiation fees. Of course, location is key, and renters may be able to skirt a lot of these costs, but at the end of the day, it’s a luxury city, so expect luxury housing prices.
“Boca Raton is an earthly paradise, but real estate is almost unaffordable, especially within a close radius of Mizner Park and the ocean. Many of the social events seem to be monopolized by gated neighborhoods and country clubs, and if you just moved in, it is expensive and may come off as somewhat elitist.”
Jeremy Golan, HR Manager, Virtual HR Hub
Utilities
Utilities in Boca Raton are a bit more expensive than the national average, mostly because of Florida’s subtropical climate. Electricity will be the biggest expense, as you’ll need your AC running year-round. While the rates aren’t especially high, averaging $0.16/kWh, you can expect to pay over $250/mo and won’t see much reprieve over the winter. Water and sewer expenses are standard, unless you have a large lawn, use sprinklers, or maintain a pool, which many properties in Boca Raton do.
It’s also worth noting that if you live outside the main city limits, certain utility services can come with extra surcharges. Trash collection, for example, may or may not be bundled together with other property taxes.
“When I stayed in Boca Raton for a project, the first shock was rent, but what pushed costs up most were little things—parking fees, utilities, and insurance. I’d budgeted coming from Shenzhen. Boca isn’t unlivable, but it rewards planning.”
Mike Qu, CEO & Founder, SourcingXpro
Food & Groceries
A single person can expect to pay over $400/mo on groceries in Boca Raton, more if you prefer organic, imported, or specialty items, which many grocery chains in Boca Raton carry. Fresh produce is plentiful but often marked up compared to what you’d find in less affluent areas. If you do your shopping at standard retail chains like Publix, Target, and Walmart, basic items will be about in line with the national average.
Dining out is another consideration. Boca Raton has a large selection of fine dining options catering to its large population of wealthy retirees. Cheaper fast food options are available, but dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant often lands in the $80–$100 range before tip. If you’re interested in waterfront steakhouses or upscale restaurants, you’re looking at well over $100 per person. Essentially, routine purchases won’t break the bank, but indulging in Boca Raton’s premium options can get expensive.
Healthcare
The quality of home care in Boca Raton is well-regarded and generally more affordable than it is in neighboring cities. This is because a large portion of Boca Raton’s citizens are retirees over the age of 65.
However, Forbes ranks Florida as one of the top six most expensive states for healthcare, especially for family coverage. A basic doctor’s visit can run you between $111 and $270, depending on the nature of the visit and your insurance’s copay. An uninsured annual doctor’s visit is over $400 on average, whereas neighboring states like Georgia and Alabama are comfortably under $400. If you’re uninsured or your insurance has a high deductible, costs can quickly add up, so it’s smart to plan around healthcare expenses and monitor your coverage carefully.
Many residents use private insurance options like membership-based clinics or home health services, which provide faster or more personalized care but can come with their own costs. Overall, Boca offers excellent medical services, and you should get your money’s worth.
Transportation
In general, Boca Raton is very car-dependent. Gas prices in Florida are below the national average at $2.97/gallon, but gas prices in Boca Raton are above Florida’s state average at $3.16/gallon. You can expect to pay a few hundred dollars a month on gas, plus maintenance and parking fees.
Public transportation exists, but it’s limited. Odds are, if you live deep in the suburbs, the buses and rail system won’t be able to accommodate your daily commute. If you don’t drive, you may get more mileage out of rideshare services like Uber and Lyft, but the prices quickly add up!
Education
Boca Raton is home to a variety of prestigious private schools, offering families numerous educational options. Of course, these can be a notable financial commitment. Boca Raton’s tuition costs average over $20,000, not counting extracurriculars or financial aid opportunities. Across all of Florida, private school tuition only averages around $14,000.
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Income
Boca Raton hosts a notably affluent population. The median household income in Boca Raton is over $100,000/yr. Many residents work in professional, managerial, or executive positions, while others earn from entrepreneurial ventures or investments.
If you’re working in Boca Raton, salaries are fairly high, but don’t always keep up with the cost of living. For example, a living wage for Palm Beach County would be considered $24.74/hr, whereas the state’s minimum is only $13.00/hr. For those moving to Boca Raton, it’s important to consider how your own income compares to local standards to understand what lifestyle is realistic. Do you have a large nest egg in savings? Do you have a decent passive income from investments or lucrative side gigs?
Conclusion
So, how expensive is Boca Raton, really? The cost of living in Boca Raton, Florida is definitely higher than the national average, especially when it comes to housing, private schools, and the upscale shopping and dining options. That said, many everyday expenses—like groceries, standard retail shopping, and basic utilities—remain fairly typical for the state.
Depending on your choices, Boca Raton can be expensive. If you stick to standard stores, use public services wisely, and plan carefully, you can manage your budget without paying exorbitant prices. But if you indulge in the luxury the city is famous for, costs can and will add up quickly.
FAQs
Boca Raton has a selection of parks, pools, and golf courses. There are also cultural and art museums. It is good for families, but young, single adults might find it lacking compared to other cities in South Florida.
Boca Raton’s economy is fairly diverse, with many opportunities in finance, healthcare, tech, and tourism. There are also many opportunities for entrepreneurship.
While the cost of living in Boca Raton, Florida is notably high, smart budgeting can go a long way. If you budget carefully and live within your means, you can get by without being exorbitantly wealthy.
J. Dailey has an English degree with a focus in technical writing. When not busy blogging, find J. Dailey hiking, playing tabletop games, or spending time with cats.
