by Robert Borges on October 18, 2024
The cost of living in Ocala is lower than in other major cities in Florida, making it one of the most affordable places to stay. The city’s cost of living is 8% lower than the national average, with housing being 15% cheaper than the national average.
For those looking for affordable homes in gated communities, Ocala has a wide range of private communities that match different financial capabilities. In this article, we’ll explore the various common expenses and how they influence the cost of living in Ocala.
Common Expenses in Ocala
Utility Bills
The essential utilities you must pay for monthly include electricity, water, and garbage. The total cost ranges between $150 and $200, depending on the location of your house, the type of house you live in, and the number of people living in the home.
This cost might go up if you need heating, cooling, and internet services. Most internet plans cost between $50 and $100 per month, depending on the internet service provider and speed.
Housing
The average cost of buying a house in Ocala is between $270,000 and $300,000, but this price varies depending on the location and type of house. If you choose to rent a house, the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is between $1,000 and $1,200.
A two-bedroom apartment will set you back between $1,200 and $1,500 per month. Fortunately, Ocala offers a wide range of housing options, including master-planned communities, gated communities, and fifty-five-and-older communities for active adults who have just retired or are about to retire.
Transport Costs
If you have a car, you need to fuel it and get regular maintenance. A gallon of fuel costs between $3.50 and $4.00 in Ocala.
Your car insurance coverage in Ocala will cost you between $120 and $150 per month, depending on the insurance company and the type of car you drive. If owning and maintaining a car is a bit expensive for you, Ocala has plenty of reliable public transport that you can use to get around.
SunTran is a mass transportation system in Ocala that offers fixed-schedule transport services on several routes across the city. A daily pass costs $1.50, with students, veterans, older adults, and people with disabilities enjoying discounts.
A regular monthly pass costs $45. However, students pay $11 less, while senior citizens and disabled people can get a discount of $22.
Healthcare
It’s important to understand the kind of healthcare available in Ocala before you buy a home in the city. Access to quality healthcare is important, especially as you get older.
The cost of healthcare in Ocala is fairly reasonable compared to other cities in Florida and is lower than the national average. Various insurance premiums are available to help residents access medical services.
Groceries
The minimum amount you’re likely to spend on groceries in Ocala is around $14 per person each day. Therefore, your monthly budget for food comes to around $440, depending on how much food you consume.
Entertainment
Once in a while, you might want to dine out with your partner, family member, or friend. The amount of money you’ll spend on dining depends on the restaurant you go to and the food you eat. A typical dinner at a mid-range restaurant in Ocala will cost between $12 and $20 per person.
Entertainment also involves heading to a movie or a concert. Movie tickets in Ocala range between $10 and $12.
Taxes
Florida doesn’t charge personal income tax, which significantly lowers the total cost of living for working residents. However, you’re expected to pay sales, use, and corporate income taxes.
Final Thoughts
Ocala is a fairly affordable place to live in compared to many other cities in Florida. It’s particularly suitable for older people looking for a peaceful, low-maintenance neighborhood.
Finding the right community for your home in Ocala is easy thanks to the Private Communities Registry, which features master-planned lifestyle communities, as well as fifty-five-and-older active adult communities in Ocala and other parts of Florida!
