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Sebring, FL

Cost of living in Highlands County, FL

Part of the Sebring Metro Area

Estimated monthly cost
$2,780/mo
for a single person, all categories combined

Population 103,808 · Last updated May 21, 2026

Cost breakdown

Single person, by category, per month.

Rent $951 34%
Healthcare $480 17%
Federal tax $425 15%
Groceries $352 13%
Transport $320 12%
Energy $197 7%
Water $55 2%
State tax $0 0%

Rent in Highlands County

Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.

Studio
$850
per month
1 bedroom
$951
per month
2 bedroom
$1,240
per month
3 bedroom
$1,525
per month
4 bedroom
$1,987
per month

Source: HUD FMR FY2025

Income and earnings in Highlands County

Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.

Household income
$55,581
per year
Individual earnings
$36,067
per year
Per capita
$32,982
per year

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.

Home values in Highlands County

Average values reported by homeowners.

Average home value
$177,900
Annual property tax
$1,295

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year

Energy costs in Highlands County

Estimated monthly electricity and gas costs.

Electricity
$176
per month · 16¢/kWh
Natural gas
$21
per month
Annual total
$2,364
per year

Source: EIA

Healthcare in Highlands County

Insurance premiums and coverage rates.

Individual premium
$480
per month
Family premium
$1,350
per month
Uninsured rate
12.7%

Source: ACS + national avg. Marketplace benchmark premiums are second-lowest Silver plan estimates and do not reflect employer plans, subsidies, or out-of-pocket costs. This is not healthcare advice.

Taxes in Highlands County

State and local tax rates for Florida.

No state income tax
Florida does not levy a personal income tax.
State sales tax
6.0%
Combined sales tax
7.0%
incl. average local

Tax rates change. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice on your specific situation. This is not tax advice.

Transportation in Highlands County

Commute patterns and estimated costs.

Average commute
23.1 min
Drive alone
75.9%
Public transit
0.2%
Work from home
7.6%

Source: ACS

Monthly cost estimates for Highlands County

What it costs to live in Highlands County each month.

Single person
$2,780
per month
  • Rent $951
  • Energy $197
  • Water $55
  • Groceries $352
  • Transport $320
  • Healthcare $480
  • Federal tax $425
  • State tax $0
Couple
$3,987
per month
  • Rent $1,240
  • Energy $236
  • Water $65
  • Groceries $583
  • Transport $420
  • Healthcare $864
  • Federal tax $579
  • State tax $0
Family
$6,430
per month
  • Rent $1,525
  • Energy $296
  • Water $75
  • Groceries $885
  • Transport $520
  • Healthcare $1,350
  • Childcare $1,200
  • Federal tax $579
  • State tax $0

Frequently asked questions about Highlands County

Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.

What is the average rent in Highlands County?

In Highlands County, FL, a one-bedroom apartment averages $951 per month, a two-bedroom averages $1,240 per month, a three-bedroom averages $1,525 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.

What is the average salary in Highlands County?

In Highlands County, FL, the average household income is $55,581 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $36,067 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

What is the cost of living in Highlands County?

The estimated cost of living in Highlands County, FL is approximately $2,780 per month for a single person, $3,987 for a couple, $6,430 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.

What is the sales tax rate in Highlands County?

The combined sales tax rate in Highlands County, FL is 7.01%, which includes the Florida state rate of 6.00% plus an average local rate of 1.01%.

Is Highlands County an affordable place to live?

Based on the data, a single person in Highlands County, FL would need approximately $2,780 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $55,581 per year ($4,632 per month). Highlands County has a moderate cost of living relative to local earnings.

How much does healthcare cost in Highlands County?

The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Highlands County, FL is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 12.7% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.

What are house prices in Highlands County?

The average home value in Highlands County, FL is $177,900, with average annual property taxes of $1,295, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

How does Highlands County compare to other areas?

You can compare Highlands County, FL with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. Highlands County is in the Sebring, FL metro area.

Other counties in Florida

Browse the full list of counties in Florida, ranked by cost of living.

See all counties in Florida

Compare Highlands County with another area

Put two counties side by side to see how rent, taxes and everyday costs stack up.

About this data

All figures on this page come from official U.S. government sources, listed below.

  • HUD FMR FY2025
  • ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
  • EIA
  • ACS + national avg
  • ACS
  • USDA + BEA RPP
Methodology All data sources