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When people think of Florida, images of high-rise condos, busy beaches, and upscale amenities in Miami or Tampa often come to mind. 

But tucked away from the hustle and bustle is Sebring, a city that’s quieter and significantly easier on your wallet. 

…and the good news is that the cost of living in Sebring is much lower than in other major cities — 17% lower than the national average.

Housing Costs

One of the biggest draws here is affordable housing — 8.9% lower than the national average, effectively reducing the living costs in Sebring. 

The median home price here is significantly lower than the $400,000 or more you might expect to pay in Miami or Orlando. 

Renters also benefit, as the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment goes for about $800 to $1,000 monthly — a respite from the costlier housing markets elsewhere in Florida.

 

Bedroom Type	Average Monthly Rent
Studio	$2,113
1 Bedroom	$965
2 Bedrooms	$1,424
3 Bedrooms	$1,854
4 Bedroom	$3,174

From cozy bungalows to spacious lakefront homes, condos to apartments, Sebring offers a wide range of options, all without breaking the bank.

• Average House Rent: $1,550
• Median Home Value: $266,500

Taxes

Florida is already known for being tax-friendly, especially since it has no state income tax. But in Sebring, you will also benefit from lower property taxes compared to bigger cities. 

The property tax rate in Sebring is fairly lower than the national average. This tax structure adds another layer of affordability to the cost of living in Sebring, FL, especially for homeowners who want to keep more money in their pockets.

Plus, Sebring’s general sales tax rate is 7.5%. It’s quite high compared to the state’s average, meaning you will pay higher taxes on everyday purchases. 

• Sales Tax Rate: 7.5%
• Property Tax Rate: 1.01%

Yet, when comparing this with other living costs obtainable in other parts of Florida, you understand why there’s a 5.4% net increase in inbound migration to the city.

Food and Groceries

Sebring’s grocery cost is fairly moderate as well. 

Food and groceries cost about 13.4% lower than the national average. In some cases, costs are lower than what you would pay in more populated areas. 

For instance, restaurants in Sebring are reasonably priced. A meal at an average diner costs about $22.50. At a mid-range restaurant, expect prices to hover around $65.

 

Grocery Item	Cost
Milk (1 gallon)	$4.0
Bread	$3.25
Local Cheese	$10.87
Chicken	$9.55
Eggs (1 dozen)	$3.37

Moreover, the city’s proximity to local farms also means residents can easily access fresh produce. These often come at lower prices, making cooking at home both affordable and delicious.

Utilities

Utilities in Sebring are another affordable aspect of living here, costing 12.9% less than the national average. 

On average, most residents and local movers in Sebring would advise newbies to set aside around $150 to $420 monthly for electricity, water, heating, cooling and garbage. 

Note: moving to Sebring means expecting a warmer climate. 

This means you will need air conditioning, which can raise summer bills a bit. But thanks to energy-efficient options and milder winters, overall utility expenses remain manageable.

Internet and cable services are also competitively priced, with basic monthly packages starting around $60.

• Phone Bill: $63.50 per month
• Energy Bill: $151.79 per month

Healthcare Costs

Sebring offers a good balance between access to quality healthcare and affordable costs. 

Healthcare costs in Sebring tend to be lower than in bigger Florida cities, with typical visits and procedures generally priced below the state average. However, you will pay 22.7% more for healthcare in Sebring than in most other parts of the country. 

Even though facilities like AdventHealth Sebring provide residents with access to excellent medical services at reasonable rates, healthcare access is a challenge here.

In Sebring, 166 physicians are available per 100,000 people. In comparison to the US average of 210 physicians per 100,000 people, this is less and can invariably add to the cost in some areas.

Nevertheless, Sebring’s affordable healthcare is a major benefit for retirees. It ensures that essential services are accessible without the high premium fees found in more metropolitan areas.

Education

Sebring is served by Highlands County Schools, providing public education at little to no extra cost beyond property taxes. 

For families, this makes Sebring a budget-friendly option with solid educational resources. The town is also within a reasonable drive to South Florida State College, another institution offering affordable higher education options close to home.

• Education expenditure (per student): $10,810
• Student-teacher Ratio: 20:1

However, if you prefer private school options, they are available. However, your cost of living in Sebring, FL, will increase significantly. 

The average tuition in private institutions here is about $10,617, with $10,592 for elementary schools and $11,829 for high schools. 

A private 4-year college costs around $45,156 per year, including room and board.

Note:

Private education is more affordable in Sebring than in larger Florida cities. You could call it a huge relief for parents who are focused on both education quality and budget.

Bottom Line — Why Sebring’s Low Cost of Living is a Winning Deal

Lower housing prices, manageable taxes, and affordable groceries; are just about enough to make Sebring an ideal place to settle down without the budgetary constraints of larger cities. 

With a friendly community atmosphere and rich cultural history, this affordability makes Sebring a standout choice for young families and retirees. 

Most other aspects of the cost of living in Sebring, FL, like healthcare costs, offer an advantage compared to that of other regions, even as they have their peculiar limitations. 

Pro Tip: if you’re ready for a laid-back lifestyle without the hefty price tag, Sebring could be just the perfect Florida city for you.