Florida · 2026 Federal Benchmarks

Cost of Living in Punta Gorda, FL

The median household in Punta Gorda, FL earns $85,779 a year ($7,148/month) according to U.S. Census Bureau ACS data. Benchmark 2-bedroom rent is $1,470/month under HUD Fair Market Rents, requiring an annual income of at least $58,800 under the federal 30% housing rule, with overall consumer prices sitting 0.5% above the national baseline.

Key Economic Benchmarks

Median Household Income

$85,779$7,148 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year
2-Bedroom Rent$1,470HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent
Price Parity (RPP)100.5+0.5% vs national baseline
Electricity Rate15.1¢per kWh · EIA Residential FL
Census Population20,278Official resident count

Fair market rent & 30% rule in Punta Gorda, FL

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

Affordable (< 30% of income)
HUD Fair Market Rent$1,470Monthly market rent
Share of gross income20.6%Recommended max: 30%
Annual income needed$58,800To meet the 30% standard
Max affordable rent$2,144At 30% of $85,779
0%30% (Affordability standard)100%
Compare against:

2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Punta Gorda, FL

Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Punta Gorda, 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 Punta Gorda, FL
Unit SizeMonthly RentAnnual Rent30% Rule Min. Income% of Median Income
Studio / Efficiency$1,159$13,908$46,36016.2%
1-Bedroom Apartment$1,167$14,004$46,68016.3%
2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark$1,470$17,640$58,80020.6%
3-Bedroom Home$2,041$24,492$81,64028.6%
4-Bedroom Home$2,326$27,912$93,04032.5%

See dedicated rental breakdown for Punta Gorda, FL →

50/30/20 Living Budget in Punta Gorda, FL

Based on the local median household income of $85,779/year ($7,148/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:

Needs (50%)$3,574/moRent ($1,470 2-BR), utilities (~$136/mo), groceries, transit
Wants (30%)$2,144/moDiscretionary spending: dining, leisure, recreation at 100.5 RPP price level
Savings & Debt (20%)$1,430/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.

$85,779
$30,000$175,000
Filing status:
Gross salary breakdown$85,779
Net 81%
Fed 12%
FICA 8%
Annual take-home$69,176After all taxes
Monthly deposit$5,765Estimated per month
Biweekly paycheck$2,661Every 2 weeks (26/yr)
Effective tax rate19.4%Total tax burden
Federal income tax$10,041 / yr
Florida state income taxNo state wage tax$0
FICA (Social Security & Medicare)$6,562 / yr

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Punta Gorda, FL

What is the median household income in Punta Gorda, FL?

According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Punta Gorda, FL is $85,779 per year (approximately $7,148 per month).

What is the average rent in Punta Gorda, FL?

According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Punta Gorda, FL are $1,159 for a studio, $1,167 for 1 bedroom, $1,470 for 2 bedrooms, $2,041 for 3 bedrooms, and $2,326 for 4 bedrooms.

How does the cost of living in Punta Gorda, FL compare to the national average?

Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Punta Gorda, FL is 100.5 (0.5% higher than the U.S. national baseline of 100.0).

How much do you need to earn to comfortably afford rent in Punta Gorda, FL?

Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($1,470/month) in Punta Gorda, FL requires a minimum gross household income of $58,800 per year ($4,900 per month).

What is a balanced 50/30/20 monthly budget in Punta Gorda, FL?

For a typical household earning the median income of $85,779/year ($7,148/month) in Punta Gorda, FL, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $3,574/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $2,144/month to discretionary spending, and $1,430/month to savings and debt repayment.

What are typical electricity and utility costs in Punta Gorda, 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.