Living in Boca Raton on a Budget – Is It Possible?
Boca Raton is one of the wealthiest towns in Florida. Affluence and luxury surround the residents of this beautiful coastal town. The sights of fancy mansions and huge yachts may discourage people with average salaries from moving to this amazing place. Therefore, it is recommended to check whether living in Boca Raton on a budget is possible before moving there. One of the best moving companies in Florida can help you figure out the costs of daily life. With proper guidance, you can decide whether you should start a new life in this Florida gem.
Living in Boca Raton on a Budget
Boca Raton boasts a very high quality of life. With an outstanding school system, a multitude of options for outdoor activities, and amazing beaches, it is truly a great place for family life. Before hiring one of the best local movers in Florida to help you relocate, check if your budget can cover the costs of living in this town. There are a few major aspects of living to pay attention to in terms of prices and costs:
- Housing
- Healthcare
- Groceries
- Taxes
How Much Does Housing Really Cost in Boca Raton?
When it comes to living in Boca Raton on a budget, housing is the biggest challenge. Rents here are consistently higher than the national average. Most listings for one-bedroom apartments sit between $1,800 and $2,900 per month, depending on the neighborhood. The average rent hovers around $2,899, while other sources estimate it closer to $2,283. Zillow reports $3,009 as the current average as of May 2025, with a 2.2% increase over the past year. For buyers, the median home price is now $635,111 and expected to rise by about 3.7% throughout 2025.
Moving companies in Boca Raton are seeing families settle into more affordable areas that still offer access to schools, parks, and shopping. Neighborhoods like The Sanctuary and Old Floresta are popular among renters keeping costs down. Meanwhile, Boca Del Mar and Los Paseos attract those with a bit more flexibility, offering newer units without breaking the bank. For those with higher budgets, Por la Mar and Boca Raton Villas top the local rent scale. To give you an idea of what to expect, here are average monthly rents by neighborhood:
- The Sanctuary – $1,829
- Old Floresta – $1,914
- Boca Raton Square/Camino Gardens – $2,155
- Los Paseos – $2,449
- Boca Del Mar – $2,476
- Harbour East – $2,583
- Broken Sound – $3,152
- Por la Mar – $3,935
- Boca Raton Villas – $3,958
Is Healthcare Affordable in Boca Raton?
Healthcare in Boca Raton is known for its quality, but it does come at a cost. The city is home to well-regarded facilities like Boca Raton Regional Hospital, which offers comprehensive services and draws patients from across South Florida. Many families relocating with the help of moving companies in Palm Beach County ask about medical care costs right away—and for good reason. While insured patients typically rely on their provider networks, those paying out of pocket should know what to expect. Direct primary care visits average around $185, with annual physicals including an EKG costing about $450.
Urgent care pricing usually starts at $180 and goes up to $350 depending on the level of care. Even procedures like a colonoscopy tend to run lower than the national average, often priced around $1,550 in this area. Those seeking a more personalized experience might explore concierge medical services, which range from $2,500 to $5,000 per year for enhanced access and same-day appointments. Overall, the region offers excellent healthcare, but budgeting is essential if you’re trying to keep costs down. Here are some typical healthcare costs in Boca Raton:
- $185 for a direct primary care visit
- $450 for an annual exam with EKG
- $180–$350 for urgent care visits
- $1,550 for a routine colonoscopy
- $2,500–$5,000 per year for concierge care
How Much Do Groceries Cost in Boca Raton?
Grocery prices in Boca Raton tend to run higher than the national average, especially if you stick to upscale stores like Whole Foods or Fresh Market. A gallon of milk usually costs around $4.70, and a dozen eggs comes in at about $4.20. Ground beef is close to $6.30 per pound, and chicken breasts hover near $5.50. Produce also adds up quickly—expect to pay $1.50 per apple and around $3 for a head of lettuce. Still, with a bit of planning, it’s possible to keep your grocery bill under $500 per month for a single person or around $1,000 for a family of four, especially if you rely on stores like ALDI, Costco, or local discount grocers.
Many new residents find themselves shopping in bulk to save money—especially families trying to stretch their food budgets. If you’re short on pantry or freezer space, storage units in Miami can be a practical option for keeping extra supplies or seldom-used appliances out of the way. This is especially useful if you’re in a smaller apartment or sharing a home while adjusting to Boca’s high cost of living. Buying in bulk helps, but only if you’ve got room to store it.
How Tax-Friendly Is Boca Raton for Those Living in Boca Raton on a Budget or Moving to Boca Raton?
Boca Raton and the state of Florida offer a relatively tax-friendly environment, especially for those living in Boca Raton on a budget or moving to Boca Raton from higher-tax regions. There is no state income tax, which means paychecks don’t shrink from local deductions. However, residents still face a 7 % combined sales tax—6 % state plus 1 % Palm Beach County—and must pay it on most purchases, though groceries and medicines are exempt. Property taxes in Boca Raton tend to be higher than the national average. With a typical effective rate of 1.23 % and a median home valuation around $393,000, homeowners often see annual bills of approximately $4,367, compared to the U.S. median of $2,400.
These costs reflect local levies that fund schools, public safety, and services. For families moving to Boca Raton with the help of moving companies in Palm Beach County, these property costs are important to plan for. On the positive side, Florida’s lack of income tax can free up more personal income for essentials like housing, healthcare, or groceries. Still, property taxes are sizable and must be accounted for early in your budget. To sum up, here’s a breakdown of key tax considerations:
- No state income tax
- 7 % combined sales tax (6 % state + 1 % county)
- Grocery and prescription purchase exemptions from sales tax
- Effective property tax rate ~1.23 % on average
- Approximate annual property tax bill: $4,367
- Local one-time fees for businesses or property use (e.g., inspection, certificates)
Options for Saving Up
To balance out the expensive living standard in Boca Raton, you may rely on cheaper healthcare. Insurance, healthcare, and education will take less than 10% of the average Boca Raton resident’s income. The fact that there is no income tax can help your budget a lot. Also, electricity bills are almost 9% cheaper than in the rest of the state. Even though the town is famous for its luxurious and rich lifestyle, there are plenty of affordable aspects of life that enable living in Boca Raton on a budget. Do the research and the math, and prepare to move to one of the top places in Florida.