Inflation across Florida is stretching us all thin. From rent to groceries, everything is a lot more expensive than it was. But a new study shows that those of us in Fort Myers have it a lot easier than other places across the state. The brand-new index study released by FloridaRentals.com reveals the cheapest and most expensive cities to live in Florida. By there accounts Fort Myers is pretty cheap. We're only behind Hollywood, which they have as the cheapest city in Florida. Cape Coral is all the way back in number 11.
The research reveals Hollywood is the cheapest. They barely edged out Fort Myers in achieving an index score of 61.29 out of 100.
The study delves into Numbeo cost of living data, highlighting the cost of several factors. These include eggs and bread, to gym memberships, taxi costs and internet bills. All 29 cities in Florida were ranked against 8 determining factors to receive a score out of 100.
Cheapest city in Florida rankings are based on cost-of-living factors including accommodation, leisure, groceries, clothing, transport and utilities and bills.
These factors were weighted against the average annual personal income in each city to create an index of the cheapest cities to live in Florida. So although Cape Coral has a similar income to Fort Myers, other factors such as rent make Fort Myers a cheaper option.
In second is Fort Myers, with an index score of 60.19 out of 100. Fort Myers’ scored highest for utilities and bills and clothing. In Fort Myers, the average monthly cost of basic utilities for an 300 foot-squared apartment is $129.28. (that's an apartment about the size of a garage). A 2,000 sq foot house has an FPL bill of around $300 this month. The average cost price of a summer dress in a high street retailer is $25.
The most expensive Florida city is Tampa, with a low score of 36.07 out of 100, the most expensive metrics are leisure and transportation. In Tampa, the average cost of a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is $2,091.89, whilst the renting of a tennis court for one hour at the weekend costs around $20.99.
Reports state Fort Myers is the warmest city in Florida, closely followed by Miami. However, despite the need for air conditioning, interestingly Fort Myers still has an inexpensive utilities and bills score of 81.11 out of 100. Tampa is the most expensive city in the index, with the annual personal income per capita at $58,315, leisure, transport and accommodation are the costliest amenities across the city.”
Finally, Cheapest City in Florida rankings are based on:
Cost-of-living factors including accommodation, leisure, groceries, clothing, transport and utilities & bills. These factors were weighted against the average annual personal income per capita to create an index of the cheapest cities to live in Florida.
What’s One Restaurant Every Fort Myers Resident Needs To Try To Call Themselves a Local?
Most of us here in Fort Myers, Naples, and in general, Southwest Florida, are all from somewhere else. I moved here from Ohio 18 years ago and I guess I consider myself to be 'from here'. So, don't think you need to be "FloGrown" to be a local. I do think you need to fully experience everything in town before you be considered local, however. So we took to Reddit to see what other Fort Myers resident think of the criteria needed to be a local.
According to Ok_Acanthocephala914 one thing you need to experience in this town to be a local is a hurricane. Well, with Hurricane Ian hitting last year, a lot of people can now check that box. I was at a St. John Neumann football game when Hurricane Katrina passed over Florida. Was without power after Wilma for 2 weeks +. Irma destroyed my roof. I can check that box several times.
Another Redditor, Apexblackout7, thinks you need to be here 20 years before you're really a local. That's a nice round number. But since going out to eat is such an integral part of Southwest Florida let's take a different route. So I asked Reddit.
What's One Restaurant Every Fort Myers Resident Needs To Try To Call Themselves a Local?
Sadly, last year's hurricane wrecked some of our favorites. COVID took some, too. Remember Island Cow? That was amazing. And then there's others that only long time residents remember. Neon_1984 reminded us of Downtown Fort Myer's French Connection that closed back in 2016. Others are coming back. Bubble Room's restaurant is closed but has plans to reopen early next year.
But there's still a lot of great places out there. So if you're a permanent resident of Lee County, these are the restaurants that you have to try at least once. I've been to some of these so often I've lost count. Here's the 11 that Reddit considers a must.
Cibo
Family owned Italian restaurant on McGregor in Fort Myers. They've been there about 20 years so if you haven't been, you need to.
Taqueria San Julian
Authentic tacos. It's as real as you can get. If it's your first time and you're unsure, go with the Al pastor.
The Mucky Duck
This gem on Captiva was closed for a bit after the hurricane but is back now. A beachfront English Pub. An absolute must visit. Lee County is doing a thing right now where there's no bridge tolls on Sunday so that might be the thing to do.
Haneys Cafe
Haney's Cafe is in San Carlos Park and has been open since 1995. This is my parent's favorite spot when they come to visit. My dad doesn't ask about going to the beach. My dad wants to know when we're going to Haney's.
Farmers Market Restaurant
Southern food located on Edison Avenue. This place has been there since the 1960's. You want some old Florida? This is the place.
Osaka Japanese Steak House
Many people have remarked that this is the best sushi they've ever had.
The Dixie Fish Co.
The hurricane really battered this place. Even left a boat at their front door. But Dixie Fish Co. is back. 100% worth the trip to Fort Myers Beach.
Lobster Lady Seafood Market & Bistro
Don't miss out on this absolute gem in Cape Coral. Even when we talk about other lobster places, we end up talking about Lobster Lady.
Bimini Bait Shack
Live music and that aquarium bar. I was worried about this place after the hurricane but they are back and better than ever.
Skip One Seafoods
Many snowbirds make this their first stop off the plane. Some of the best fried fish you'll ever have.
Nevermind Awesome Bar & Eatery
Shannon was amazing and everything on the menu is a tribute to him. If you're going to be in Cape Coral, this place is a must.
