Cost Of Living In longboat key Florida

Introduction

Longboat Key sits right between Sarasota and Anna Maria Island, and it has a totally different feel from both. It’s quieter, more polished, and generally skews toward a full-time or seasonal crowd that’s a bit more established. It’s definitely not a budget beach town — everything from homes to groceries runs a little higher here — but for people who want a low-key, upscale place to live with easy access to the Gulf, Longboat has a lot going for it.

In this breakdown, we’ll go through what it actually costs to live on Longboat Key in 2025 — including housing, taxes, insurance, utilities, and everyday spending. We’ll keep it simple and casual, with a few comparisons to nearby spots like Siesta Key, Sarasota, and Anna Maria Island along the way.

Housing Costs

Housing is hands-down the biggest expense on Longboat Key. As of 2025, it’s not unusual to see homes in the $1M–$2M range, and waterfront properties easily stretch into the multi-millions. Condos tend to be a bit more attainable, with some older units starting in the $500K–$700K range, but the fancier buildings with water views or amenities still command a premium.

Renting isn’t much easier. Long-term rental inventory is limited because so many properties are used as seasonal homes. When you do find something annual, you’re usually looking at $3,000–$5,000 a month for a two-bedroom, and significantly more for something on the beach or with a dock. Compared to Sarasota or even Siesta Key, Longboat Key is on the higher end — both in purchase prices and monthly rent.

Property Taxes

Florida’s property tax rates aren’t bad on paper — usually hovering around 1% of assessed value — but because home prices are so high on Longboat Key, the tax bills add up quickly. A million-dollar home means around $10,000 per year in taxes, give or take, depending on whether you qualify for the Homestead Exemption.

One unique wrinkle is that Longboat Key is split between Sarasota and Manatee counties. It doesn’t make a huge difference, but it’s something buyers usually check on when figuring out their total carrying costs. Either way, taxes here are similar to what you’d see in other nearby waterfront towns — the big variable is just how expensive the property is to begin with.

Utilities

Utilities on Longboat Key are about what you’d expect for coastal Florida. Electricity is the main one — running the A/C for most of the year usually means $150–$250 per month depending on the size of your home. Water, sewer, and trash typically add another $75–$100 per month.



If you live in a condo, some of those costs might be wrapped into your HOA dues. Internet and cable bundle pricing runs similar to the rest of the Sarasota area. Overall, utilities are manageable, but they’re not where you’ll save big — especially when you consider some homes also need ongoing maintenance to handle the salt air and humidity.

Insurance Costs

Insurance is one of the sneakier high-cost items on Longboat Key. Homeowners insurance is steep in all of coastal Florida right now, and barrier islands like Longboat are especially pricey. Many residents pay $5,000 to $10,000 per year — and that’s before flood insurance, which is usually a separate policy.

Flood insurance is required if you have a mortgage and live in a flood zone (which is most of the island), and that can run anywhere from $1,000 to several thousand dollars annually depending on the elevation and the home’s history. Car insurance is also above average in Florida, so you’ll want to factor in $150–$200 per month per vehicle as part of your total budget.

Everyday Expenses (Groceries, Dining & Entertainment)

Groceries on Longboat Key aren’t outrageous, but they are a bit higher than what you’d pay inland. There’s a Publix right on the island that has everything you need, though you’ll pay slightly more for convenience. Most residents head into Sarasota or Bradenton for bulk shopping or specialty stores.

Dining out can add up fast. There are a lot of nice restaurants on the island — think fresh seafood and water views — and it’s easy to spend $100+ on dinner for two without trying too hard. That said, there are also casual cafes and happy hour spots where you can keep things more affordable. Entertainment is mostly outdoor-focused — beach time, boating, biking — which helps offset other costs. If you want big concerts, movies, or shopping, you’ll be heading into Sarasota.

Final Thoughts

Longboat Key isn’t cheap, but that’s part of the deal when you’re buying into a place that’s quiet, clean, and has direct access to the Gulf. Compared to Siesta Key or Anna Maria Island, it feels a little more residential and polished — fewer short-term rentals, more people staying for months or years at a time.

If you’re thinking about living here full-time, the main thing is to plan ahead. Between housing, insurance, and basic expenses, the monthly costs add up quickly. But for a lot of people, the trade-off is worth it: you get peace, privacy, and a really lovely place to call home. Just make sure your budget reflects the true cost of living here — and then go enjoy the beach.

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