What Is the Real Cost of Living in Weston?

Before moving to a new location, it pays to research the local cost of living. Online resources like BankRate, NerdWallet, and Best Places can provide a snapshot of living costs in cities throughout the U.S. However, none of these aggregators include estimates for Weston, Fla. Prospective buyers will need to turn elsewhere for a detailed explanation of various expenses in Weston.

A trusted local agent like Teresa Santana can inform you of the latest housing prices, utilities, food, and all the expenses that comprise the cost of living in Weston. With an individualized approach, you will understand the area’s financial requirements and know how they apply to you. Read on for tips to help trim costs and save money in Weston.

Per ZeroDown, the cost of living in Weston is 17% higher than the national average. The area's home prices are the main contributing factor to the higher cost of living. Weston residents spend around 50% more on housing than you could expect to pay in other parts of the country.

Say you spend 28% of your pre-tax income on housing costs. ZeroDown estimates that a single resident would need to make about $65,000 per year before taxes to “live comfortably” in Weston. Meanwhile, couples with children would need to make $120,000 to clear the same hurdle.

People have different ideas of what constitutes a comfortable life, so take ZeroDown’s figures with a grain of salt. As a newcomer, Weston’s median household incomes for individuals (about $46,000) and households (about $108,000) are probably more realistic.

Depending on location and amenities, Westonites can expect to pay $2,000 to $3,000 and above in monthly rental. These figures are much higher than the average rent nationwide and statewide. Depending on your finances, you could save money long-term by purchasing a home. Otherwise, you will have to negotiate a lower deal with your landlord. Some landlords will be open to a lower rate if you agree to a longer contract.

Per Compass, Weston's average home sales price was about $800,000 as of March 2023. Like rent, housing costs in Weston outpace national and state averages. If your priority is a home with short-term affordability, Teresa may advise you to take your home search outside Weston.

There are ways to decrease your financial obligation in the Weston luxury market. One strategy is limiting how much interest you’ll accrue over time as you repay your loan. Consider putting down a larger down payment when you initially make your purchase. Doing so decreases the amount you have to borrow from a lender.

You can also save money by shopping around from different providers before deciding which lender you’ll work with. This is important because you’ll find that different lenders offer different interest rates, and a slightly lower interest rate can make a massive difference in the long run.

The average cost of utilities in Weston is slightly lower than the national average. We can infer that Weston residents pay relatively low utilities because of the pleasant year-round temperatures.

If you want to further cut back on your utility costs, there are many ways that you can improve your home’s energy efficiency. Consider replacing your older kitchen appliances with newer models that require less energy. Another option is to replace your windows or install a new garage door to insulate your home further. Not only will these upgrades help you save money on utilities, but they will also raise the value of your home.

Food costs in Weston are above the national average, but not by much. Most of Florida’s land isn’t well-suited for farming, which means that Florida has to import much of its food. Florida also isn’t close to the Midwest (where most agricultural production occurs), which impacts food costs.

One of the best ways to save on food costs is to prioritize making meals at home rather than dining out at restaurants. Some grocery stores also offer rewards programs that allow you to accrue points as you spend money at their store. Other stores have apps that you can download that include free sign-on bonuses and coupons that you can use on an ongoing basis.

Many Weston residents own cars and can drive from place to place. The average cost of gas throughout Florida is very close to the national average. Others will utilize public transportation, although options are limited in Weston.

You can reduce your transportation costs by carpooling with a friend or coworker, especially if you have a long commute back and forth from the office. Some employers may also consider a full-time or part-time remote working arrangement that prevents you from having to travel to the office daily.

The average professional in Weston makes around $80,000 per year. Across the country, the average salary is closer to $55,000 per year. The cost of living is higher in Weston, and the average salary accounts for this difference.

Teresa Santana understands how expensive it is to live right now and wants to help you find the best possible deal on a home in Weston that you love. She works hard to put her clients’ needs first in every transaction. Teresa is well aware of the cost of living in Weston and is fully qualified to answer any additional questions you might have after reading an article like this one.

Reach out to Teresa if you want to discuss the cost of living in Weston or if you’re considering buying or selling a home in the area.