When you think of Florida, the first thing that comes to mind is probably palm trees, the Mediterranean climate, and the cost of living. While these factors play a part in what it costs to live in Florida, they’re not the only ones. Living in Pasco County can be pretty expensive, depending on where you live and how much you make. But with the proper knowledge and information, you can decrease your expenses while increasing your income by figuring out where you stand based on the cost of living in Pasco County.
Let’s look at some significant costs associated with living in Pasco county so that you can make the right decision about where to live in this area.
Housing
Housing is one of the most significant expenses associated with living in Pasco County. Depending on where you live, it can range as well. Regarding what types of accommodation to look for in Pasco County, most people are familiar with the 4-5BR units popular in Port Richey. These homes are often too expensive for people making a single income, so they tend to be limited to high-net-worth individuals. Single-level homes are perfect if you’re willing to sacrifice space and ample living space for affordability.
Utilities
The cost of utilities in Pasco County is about average for the country. That said, it’s also higher than cities like Jacksonville and Tallahassee. Generally, electricity costs about $80 per month, while gas costs $40. These costs are significantly higher than the $32 per month average American household spends on utilities. That said, you shouldn’t rely on utilities as the biggest expense in your monthly budget because they’re only part of your monthly bill. Other costs such as maintenance and repairs, maintenance-related fees and taxes, and property taxes all play a role in how much your monthly bill is.
Food
Depending on where you live in Pasco County, you’ll likely spend between $100 and $200 per month on groceries. That said, costs will increase the farther you live from the city. Agriculture is the main source of food for most Americans, and in Pasco County, that means corn. As you head further out into the country, grain and soybeans are the primary crops. The average price of a ton of corn in Florida is $3.85, which makes it one of the most expensive commodities on the market. To keep your costs down, look for energy-rich foods like bananas, avocados, potatoes, sweet potatoes, guavas, and winter squash.
Transportation
Transportation costs in Pasco County are on the lower end of the spectrum compared to the country as a whole. According to studies, the average monthly price of operating a car in Pasco County is $147. If you don’t drive, it’s cheaper to park a car in Pasco than in most cities.
Entertainment
Entertainment costs in Pasco County are a bit on the high side compared to the rest of the country. It is also one of the more affordable regions in the country.
Healthcare
Depending on your location and the doctor you choose, you’ll likely spend a few hundred dollars each month on this. The average cost of a visit to a doctor in Pasco is $194, which is lower than the country average of $233. You should budget for at least two visits per month, especially if you have chronic health problems. However, if you have good insurance coverage, you may be able to pay less.
Make the Right Choice
Now that you’ve better understood what costs to expect in Pasco County, it’s time to decide where to live. There’s no perfect solution to the cost-of-living issue. The key is shopping around and finding a place that works best with your lifestyle. If you’re willing to sacrifice some luxuries to save money. Make sure that the place you choose has similar characteristics to what you’re looking for.