Cost of Living in Bonita Springs, FL

Want to know the reality of the cost of living in Bonita Springs, FL? Let's take a look at the average cost of living, income, real estate, utilities, food transportation, taxes, and other expenses in Bonita Springs. 

Bonita Springs is a vibrant and welcoming city located in southwest Florida between Fort Myers and Naples. Known for its dazzling beaches, abundant wildlife, and natural areas, an exciting downtown, and affluent neighborhoods located on golf courses, lush landscapes, and within welcoming communities. 

Considered one of the best places to live in Lee County, Bonita Springs provides you with one of the best living experiences. Made up of four barrier islands, this city has something for everyone, from some of the best outdoor activities to choose from, such as kayaking at Lovers Key State Park with the manatees and dolphins, to enjoying a round of golf at some of the most recognized golf courses, complete with mouth-watering restaurants and hip bars or cafes to escape to afterward. 

With some of the best neighborhoods to choose from, a plethora of activities to choose from, and a warm and welcoming community full of families, young professionals, and retirees, it is no wonder Bonita Springs has become a very sought-after area to live. 

Before moving to Bonita Springs, make sure to know the realities of living there and what it will cost. The cost of living difference when making a move isn't just the housing, but multiple factors playing into what your monthly, daily, and yearly costs will look like. Let's take a look at the real cost of living in Bonita Springs, FL, below. 

Cost of Living 

According to PayScale, the cost of living in Bonita Springs, FL, is around 13% higher than the national average, with housing costs around 42% higher, utilities 3% higher, and public transportation expenses such as bus fares and gas prices 8% higher. Because of this, many of the individuals living here are upper-class, highly educated professionals, families, and retirees. 

The average resident spends around $2,014 per month, while an average family of four will spend up to $4,600 per month on rent, food, transportation, and other expenses. Being a very sought-after area with warm and wonderful weather all year round and spectacular scenery, and fun things to do, you are unfortunately going to have to spend more than others to live here. 

With a population of 53,017, Bonita Springs offers residents a dense suburban feel with beautiful homes located near many restaurants, cafes, bars, parks, and, best of all..beaches. Before moving to this tropical oasis, let's take a look at the cost of living items in Bonita Springs compared to the National Average. 

*Information from AAA, US Census Bureau, Uphomes, FRED, BLS

Real Estate 

The current median home listing in Bonita Springs is $852k, with variance depending on the size, location, neighborhood, and style. Along with many different housing options in Bonita Springs, there is also a variety of some of the best neighborhoods to choose from as well. 

If you are looking at a new home on a private golf course or a gated community with luxury amenities, there are multiple options to choose from here, such as gated communities, retirement communities, private club properties, and new construction properties.

But, if you are in the market for a more traditional home on your own property without any additional amenities or community involved, there are plenty of wonderful neighborhoods with townhomes, condos, and single-family homes to choose from in that style as well. 

The architecture in Bonita Springs is similar to many other Southeast Florida areas taking inspiration from coastal contemporary, Mediterranean, Spanish Style, Victorian, and ranch architecture. Many of the homes highlight their environment with large open spaces with large floor-to-ceiling windows allowing a lot of natural light to seep in, as well as stucco walls, low-pitched roofs, and balconies for talking to neighbors or enjoying the sunset. 

With a variety of housing options and different communities and neighborhoods, you are sure to find the perfect home for you in Bonita Springs, FL. 

Income

The average income of a Bonita Springs resident is around $78.3k per year, with the national average being around $69k. This means that, on average, people living in Bonita Springs are making more than the national average and can afford to live in this more expensive area in the U.S. 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the current unemployment rate for individuals above 16 years old in Bonita Springs is 2.8%. This is less than the national average of 3.6%, meaning that fewer people are unemployed here than in other areas. This makes sense with the cost of living being higher than the national average, causing people to have to be employed or well off in retirement to afford living here. 

Bonita Springs's low unemployment rate is also directly related to its lower poverty rate of 8.6% compared to the national average of 11.6%. This means that fewer people are living below the poverty rate here than in other spots around the U.S. 

Utilities & Insurance

When looking to move to a new state, city, or even neighborhood, sometimes the additional costs on top of housing can be overlooked, such as utilities. The average cost of utilities in Bonita Springs per month is around $180 on top of your rent, mortgage, and other housing costs. This is dependent upon what style of housing complex you live in as well, with some gated communities and retirement areas charging more on top of traditional utility costs for trash removal, gym and pool access, recycling, landscaping, and more. 

In Bonita Springs, the average cost of electricity (kWh) is $.173, and the average cost of natural gas (therm) is $2.861. Both of these expenses are over the national average, causing the overall costs of utilities to be driven up in cost. Depending upon house size, water and electric usage, and neighborhood, the overall cost of your monthly utility bill can also vary. 

Living in Florida near the ocean definitely has its perks. But, the cost of living from not only housing costs and utilities is high, but you will also have to pay more to protect your property. On average, Florida residents spend around $2k in home insurance and coverage to protect their homes and properties from hurricane and flood damage that the area is threatened with. Some residents also go to more extreme measures to protect their homes by building stilts underneath the home to raise it or putting in hurricane-proof doors and windows. 

Overall, the costs on top of your average rent or mortgage for your home can add up quickly. So, ensure to know or ask how much additional utilities, amenities, and protection are going to cost you before purchasing your home to be able to better budget. 

Food 

Located right off the ocean, Bonita Springs has a mouth-watering assortment of food stores and resturants to choose from. Scattered throughout the city, resturants range in style and type of food from island-style seafood to Peruvian dishes, new American, and sushi bars. Although the downtown area has the largest selection of resturants close together with a large variety to choose from, the options are endless in all neighborhoods and areas of the city, including some of the country clubs and private communities. 

The average Bonita Spring resident spends around $549 per month on food, with a family of four spends around $1400. This high cost comes from a combination of higher grocery costs as well as the high cost of dining outside of the home.

Although there is a variety of different grocery stores, markets, and other great spots to get good quality groceries, people living in Bonita Springs are more likely to dine outside of their homes due to much of the population being wealthy or retired. An average meal for two when dining out is around $60, depending upon if you order an alcoholic beverage or more than just an entree. 

With a large selection of resturants to choose from and easy access to grocery stores and other food shops, Bonita Springs has a lot to offer, but at a higher price. 

Transportation

Getting around Bonita Springs is easy and convenient, but unfortunately, more expensive than in other areas. On average, transportation in Bonita Springs is 8% more expensive than the national average, according to the cost of gas, fares, and public transportation. 

The bus system in Bonita Springs is comprehensive and provides more than 3 million rides to residents and visitors each year. The cost of a single ride fare for the bus is $2.00. But there are other options, such as an all-day pass for $4.50 and a 30-day pass for $50. Although most residents own their own vehicles, this is a great way to get around. 

When driving to, from, and around Bonita Springs, multiple highways, interstates, and state roads can assist in getting you to wherever you need quickly and safely. Although gas prices are relatively the same as the national average here, you do have to consider additional driving costs such as toll roads. These roads are often the easiest and fastest way to get around but come at a higher cost.

So, before moving to Bonita Springs, make sure to factor in the cost of your commutes and consider purchasing the E-ZPass that helps charge you as you drive through the tolls instead of stopping and paying each time or looking into the public transportation routes. 

Taxes

When moving to a new state or area, one of the cost aspects that many individuals overlook is different tax laws and percentages. This affects not only the individual cost of items but also what you will be taxed on at the end of the year. 

If you are making a move to Bonita Springs, FL: 

• The average property tax rate in Bonita Springs, FL, is 1%
• Florida's corporate income tax is 5.5% 
• Florida does not tax capital gains as income 
• Florida does not charge inheritance tax 
• You must file a Florida estate tax return if the combined gross assets and prior taxable gifts exceed $11.4 million.

FAQ

Is Bonita Springs a good place to live? 

Bonita Springs is a wonderful place to live, with a ton of outdoor activities, a vibrant downtown with an exciting nightlife scene, charming and safe neighborhoods, and a welcoming community. 

What salary do I need to live in Bonita Springs?

The average salary of residents in Bonita Springs is around $78,347 , with a variance depending on age, job title, and location. But the average cost of living per month in Bonita Springs is $2,014, so make sure to have a salary that ensures you can afford your monthly costs. 

Is Bonita Springs expensive? 

The cost of living in Bonita Springs is 13% higher than the national average. Before moving to Bonita Springs, make sure you know what all of your costs are going to look like, including food, transportation, taxes, utilities, and real estate. 

Is Bonita Springs a good place to retire?

Bonita Spring is considered not only one of the best places to live but also a wonderful place to retiree. With multiple retirement communities, country clubs, and things to do in your retirement, this warm and stunning location attracts numerous retirees each year. 

Cost of Living in Bonita Springs-Final Thoughts 

Bonita Springs, FL, is an absolutely gorgeous location to live, with stunning beaches and parks full of various outdoor activities and wildlife. With the perfect mix of quiet suburban living paired with a vibrant downtown full of restaurants, cafes, bars, and local art culture, this is the perfect spot for anyone. If you can afford to live in this tropical paradise, you are sure to never get bored, and if you do, some of the biggest cities in Florida are only a short drive away. 

If you or anyone you may know is moving to Bonita Springs, FL, make sure to contact us here so that we can get you connected with one of our Realty Specialists. Whether you want to live in the city's heart or in a calm and charming private oasis, we will work with you to find the perfect home. No matter your budget, style preferences, or needs, we will be with you every step of the way.