Florida · 2026 Federal Benchmarks

Cost of Living in Cape Coral, FL

The median household in Cape Coral, FL earns $78,104 a year ($6,509/month) according to U.S. Census Bureau ACS data. Benchmark 2-bedroom rent is $1,961/month under HUD Fair Market Rents, requiring an annual income of at least $78,440 under the federal 30% housing rule, with overall consumer prices sitting 2.3% above the national baseline.

Key Economic Benchmarks

Median Household Income

$78,104$6,509 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year
2-Bedroom Rent$1,961HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent
Price Parity (RPP)102.3+2.3% vs national baseline
Electricity Rate15.1¢per kWh · EIA Residential FL
Census Population215,536Official resident count

Fair market rent & 30% rule in Cape Coral, FL

Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.

Moderate cost burden (30–50%)
HUD Fair Market Rent$1,961Monthly market rent
Share of gross income30.1%Recommended max: 30%
Annual income needed$78,440To meet the 30% standard
Max affordable rent$1,953At 30% of $78,104
0%30% (Affordability standard)100%
Compare against:

2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Cape Coral, FL

Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL MSA. Under the federal 30% housing affordability standard, housing costs are sustainable when they consume 30% or less of gross household income.

HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent Schedule for Cape Coral, FL
Unit SizeMonthly RentAnnual Rent30% Rule Min. Income% of Median Income
Studio / Efficiency$1,629$19,548$65,16025%
1-Bedroom Apartment$1,638$19,656$65,52025.2%
2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark$1,961$23,532$78,44030.1%
3-Bedroom Home$2,560$30,720$102,40039.3%
4-Bedroom Home$2,836$34,032$113,44043.6%

See dedicated rental breakdown for Cape Coral, FL →

50/30/20 Living Budget in Cape Coral, FL

Based on the local median household income of $78,104/year ($6,509/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:

Needs (50%)$3,254/moRent ($1,961 2-BR), utilities (~$136/mo), groceries, transit
Wants (30%)$1,953/moDiscretionary spending: dining, leisure, recreation at 102.3 RPP price level
Savings & Debt (20%)$1,302/moEmergency fund, 401(k), IRA retirement, student loan and debt reduction

Take-Home Pay & Tax Explorer in Florida

Explore net income after federal income tax, FICA, and Florida state income tax based on the local median baseline.

$78,104
$30,000$160,000
Filing status:
Gross salary breakdown$78,104
Net 82%
Fed 11%
FICA 8%
Annual take-home$63,776After all taxes
Monthly deposit$5,315Estimated per month
Biweekly paycheck$2,453Every 2 weeks (26/yr)
Effective tax rate18.3%Total tax burden
Federal income tax$8,353 / yr
Florida state income taxNo state wage tax$0
FICA (Social Security & Medicare)$5,975 / yr

Compare earnings and living costs across Florida with official federal datasets:

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Cape Coral, FL

What is the median household income in Cape Coral, FL?

According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Cape Coral, FL is $78,104 per year (approximately $6,509 per month).

What is the average rent in Cape Coral, FL?

According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Cape Coral, FL are $1,629 for a studio, $1,638 for 1 bedroom, $1,961 for 2 bedrooms, $2,560 for 3 bedrooms, and $2,836 for 4 bedrooms.

How does the cost of living in Cape Coral, FL compare to the national average?

Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Cape Coral, FL is 102.3 (2.3% higher than the U.S. national baseline of 100.0).

How much do you need to earn to comfortably afford rent in Cape Coral, FL?

Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($1,961/month) in Cape Coral, FL requires a minimum gross household income of $78,440 per year ($6,537 per month).

What is a balanced 50/30/20 monthly budget in Cape Coral, FL?

For a typical household earning the median income of $78,104/year ($6,509/month) in Cape Coral, FL, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $3,254/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $1,953/month to discretionary spending, and $1,302/month to savings and debt repayment.

What are typical electricity and utility costs in Cape Coral, FL?

Residential electricity rates in Florida average 15.1¢ per kWh according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). For an average home using 900 kWh per month, the estimated electric bill is approximately $136 per month.