cost of living in englewood, florida | 2025

Introduction

Englewood, Florida is a friendly coastal town known for its laid-back, “Old Florida” vibe and beautiful beaches. If you’re considering a move here, you’ll find that Englewood offers a moderate cost of living that balances affordability with a relaxed lifestyle. Unlike big cities, this community is quieter and largely made up of retirees (the median age is in the late 60s), so life moves at a calmer pace – and your wallet will feel a little calmer, too. Overall, living in Englewood costs only a few percent above the U.S. average, meaning it’s not the cheapest spot in Florida, but it’s far from the most expensive. Let’s break down the major cost-of-living factors and how they might impact your daily life in Englewood.

Housing: Buying and Renting in Englewood

Housing will likely be your biggest expense in Englewood, but home prices here are reasonable for a Gulf Coast town. A typical single-family home in Englewood costs around $380,000–$400,000. In practical terms, that means you can find a modest three-bedroom house in the mid-$300k range, while updated homes or those near the water will trend higher. For context, this is less expensive than in Sarasota, where the median single-family home runs around $500,000, and roughly on par with nearby Venice (median list price about $430k). It’s higher than Port Charlotte, a larger inland town to the south, where typical homes average around $285,000. Englewood’s slightly lower prices (compared to Sarasota or Venice) reflect its quieter, small-town appeal – you’re paying for a peaceful neighborhood and beach proximity rather than big-city amenities.

If you plan to rent instead, Englewood offers relatively affordable options, though the rental market is smaller (about 87% of Englewood residents are homeowners). Apartments and homes for rent tend to cost around $1,300 to $1,600 per month for a typical unit. The median rent is about $1,269 per month, which likely reflects older, smaller units, while newer or larger rentals (like a 2-bedroom apartment) average closer to $1,600+ monthly. Compared to bigger cities, renting in Englewood is budget-friendly – in fact, a two-bedroom here costs about 10% less than the U.S. average rent for that size. Just keep in mind that rentals can be limited, so you may not see the variety of high-rise apartments or new complexes you’d find in a city like Sarasota. Many people moving to Englewood choose to buy homes (or even mobile homes) to settle in for the long term, given the high homeownership culture.

Helpful context: Property taxes and insurance in Englewood are relatively moderate. Property taxes on a median-priced home (mid-$300s) are roughly $2,500 per year. Florida famously has no state income tax (one less bill to worry about), though you’ll want to budget for homeowners insurance, especially because of the coastal hurricane risk. In Englewood’s area, home insurance might average around $1,300–$1,500 per year for a standard policy, but this can rise for larger or high-value homes (and if you opt for additional flood insurance). These costs are important to factor in if you become a homeowner, as they add to your monthly housing expense.

Utilities and Daily Expenses

Beyond housing, day-to-day expenses in Englewood tend to be in line with national averages, with a few Florida twists. Utilities (electricity, water, etc.) in Englewood are roughly average – about 97.5 on a cost index where 100 is the U.S. norm. In real terms, expect an electric bill in the ballpark of $200 a month for a typical home. The warm Florida climate means air conditioning will run much of the year, so electricity is a big part of that. (On the plus side, you won’t spend money on heating in winter, and being near the coast can bring breezes to help cool things off.) Water, sewage, and trash services are comparable to most U.S. towns – often these might total around $100 or less per month combined, depending on usage and local rates.

Groceries and household goods are just a tad more expensive in Englewood than the national average (about 4% higher overall). This slight bump is common in Florida’s coastal areas due to transportation costs and the fact that many goods are imported into the state. In practical terms, basic grocery prices might look like this: a loaf of bread around $4, a gallon of milk near $4.50–$5, and a dozen eggs roughly $3.50–$4. These prices can fluctuate, but they give you an idea that your grocery cart total will be similar to what you’d pay anywhere in the U.S., with maybe a few extra dollars added. Englewood has several supermarkets (Publix, Winn-Dixie, etc.), and for bigger shopping trips or warehouse clubs you might drive to nearby Port Charlotte or Venice. If you enjoy fresh produce and seafood, you’ll appreciate local farm stands and markets – you can buy Gulf-caught fish or in-season fruits/veggies, sometimes at good prices, which is both a lifestyle perk and a way to save on food.

When it comes to transportation costs, living in Englewood almost certainly means relying on a car. The town doesn’t have robust public transit, so you’ll be driving to run errands or commute. Gasoline prices in Florida hover around the national average; recently about $3.40 per gallon in the Englewood area. Gas prices do swing with market conditions, but Florida typically stays close to the U.S. average. One thing to note is that car insurance in Florida can be higher than in many states (Florida’s insurance rates are notorious), and Englewood is no exception. This is due to statewide factors, so factor in a bit more for auto insurance than you might be used to elsewhere. Overall, transportation (gas, car maintenance, insurance) might run slightly above national norms (Englewood’s transportation cost index is about 112, ~12% higher than average). The good news is that traffic in Englewood is light – you won’t spend much time stuck in jams, and everything in town is a short drive away, which helps keep gas usage reasonable. Also, if you’re retired or work from home (common here), your commuting costs could be minimal.

Groceries, Dining, and Entertainment

Dining out in Englewood is not only enjoyable but also easy on the budget. This town isn’t filled with high-end, high-cost restaurants; instead, you’ll find plenty of casual eateries, beach pubs, local seafood joints, and family-owned restaurants. A dinner at a local café or grill might cost around $15–$20 per person for a meal with a drink – quite affordable. In fact, Englewood has a reputation for “flavors without breaking the bank,” with many cheap-eats spots and happy hour specials around town. You can grab fresh fish tacos or a burger in a laid-back beach setting without feeling guilty about the price. Of course, if you crave a fancy night out, you might head to Sarasota for a broader selection of upscale dining (just expect to pay more there). But day-to-day, Englewood’s restaurant scene is wallet-friendly, which means you can enjoy a social life – morning coffee at a café, the occasional lunch out, or a weekly date night – without straining your budget too much.

For entertainment and recreation, Englewood shines in low-cost outdoor activities. The beaches and parks are essentially free, aside from maybe a parking fee. This is a huge lifestyle bonus: you can watch sunsets on Englewood Beach, go fishing, or kayak in Lemon Bay without needing a big entertainment budget. Many locals enjoy simple pleasures like community festivals, farmers markets, or live music at local bars – most of which are inexpensive or free to attend. If you have kids, there are playgrounds, nature trails, and sports leagues that don’t cost much. For movies, mall shopping, or bigger attractions, you’d drive into Port Charlotte or Sarasota, where you’ll find prices similar to any mid-size American city. Overall, Englewood lets you have a good time without spending a fortune, especially if you love the outdoors and community events.

Lifestyle and Value for Money in Englewood

In summary, Englewood offers a balance of affordability and quality of life that’s hard to beat if you’re drawn to a peaceful coastal town. Your biggest expenses – housing and transportation – will be manageable with a proper budget (buying a home in the $300s or renting around $1,500, and owning a car to get around). Other living costs like groceries, utilities, and healthcare are around the national average, so you won’t face surprises there. Importantly, Englewood lets you enjoy a casual, beach-oriented lifestyle without needing a high income. Many retirees and families live comfortably on moderate budgets, supplementing their days with simple low-cost pleasures like beach trips, backyard barbecues, and community events.

Think of Englewood as a place where your dollar stretches a bit further in exchange for a slower pace of life. You may not have upscale shopping malls or a bustling nightlife at your doorstep, but what you do have is a friendly community, gorgeous natural surroundings, and the ability to live near the beach without paying luxury prices. A median household income here is about $66,000, and with that many residents manage to own a home and enjoy a comfortable routine. If you’re coming from a high-cost area, you might be pleasantly surprised that in Englewood you can afford a spacious home, dine out a few times a week, and enjoy recreational activities without maxing out your budget.

Finally, it’s worth noting the intangibles: Englewood’s cost of living isn’t just about dollars – it’s also about the value you get. The town’s easy-going, friendly vibe means you’ll likely spend less on “stress-relief” expenses that come with hectic city life. Here, traffic jams and long lines aren’t much of an issue, and a beautiful sunset on the beach is free entertainment. That peace of mind and enjoyment is part of the real-life insight of living in Englewood: you’re investing in a relaxed, family-friendly environment. In that sense, Englewood is truly “affordable” in lifestyle terms – it offers a rich quality of life for the money you spend.

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