Do you dream of living in a stunning coastal city? Look no further than beautiful Naples, which is situated on Florida's southwestern side and borders the Gulf of Mexico. With its crystal clear blue waters, charming European-style architecture, and abundant shopping options, Naples truly has it all. Plus, stunning new construction homes await your arrival.

However, before relocating to Naples, it’s wise to research the cost of living in the area and understand all the factors contributing to that bottom line. In this guide, we’ve done some of that work for you. You’ll discover the average cost of living in Naples, Florida, as well as home prices in Naples’ neighborhoods and several Pulte communities.

Summary:

• Cost of Living in Naples
• Naples vs. Sarasota Cost of Living
• Average Cost to Build a New Home in Naples by Neighborhood
  • Naples
  • North Naples
  • Ave Maria
  • Estero
• Average Cost of Groceries/Utilities in Naples
• Average Salary in Naples

Cost of Living in Naples

Much like any coastal city, the closer you live to water, the more expensive the lifestyle price tag becomes, from the home purchase to the cost of everyday conveniences. The same is true in Florida; if you live more inland, you lower your cost of living.

The Naples, Florida, cost of living index is higher than the national average, though sources vary when citing exact numbers. However, the state of Florida has a lower cost of living index than the rest of the country at 101.9, according to 2023 data from the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center.  

Florida also has several tax-related perks, contributing to Naples’ cost of living. One of the more well-known facts is that residents don’t have to pay state income tax. The state also offers numerous property-specific tax benefits, such as the homestead exemption for residents who make their Florida home their primary residency.

Whatever your lifestyle, needs, and budget, Pulte has a variety of new construction homes to choose from within the best neighborhoods in Naples. 

Naples vs. Sarasota Cost of Living

If you're looking to settle down in Florida, you might wonder which city has the lower cost of living: Naples or Sarasota. According to Salary.com, in 2023, the cost of living in Sarasota is higher than in Naples, with Naples’ cost of living 2% higher than the national average and Sarasota around 8.1% higher than the national average.

Factors like housing, transportation, and healthcare contribute to these numbers, and this Naples, FL, cost of living comparison from Salary.com reflects that. However, Naples does have a reputation for being more upscale than Sarasota, with a greater concentration of luxury real estate and high-end dining options.

Choosing which Florida city to call home ultimately depends on your lifestyle and preferences. Whether you're seeking the excitement of a bustling city or the charm of a coastal town, both Naples and Sarasota offer appealing qualities and comparable living costs. Explore the best neighborhoods in Naples and the best neighborhoods in Sarasota to determine which city suits your lifestyle.

Average Cost to Build a New Home in Naples by Neighborhood

Plenty of things affect the price of a home, not just its location. The cost of materials, how the supply chain impacts availability (like if a builder has to put in a rush order for something or buy from a different company with different prices), the cost of the land, labor, and contractor fees, and even the state you're in all play a role in how much a home might cost.

Below are the starting costs for a home in a few Naples neighborhoods based on housing prices as of November 2023.

Naples

Find your dream home in the center of all the city has to offer in Caymas. These new construction homes in Naples, Florida, have lakefront views and start in the upper $900Ks.

North Naples

The North Naples community has a townhome option, which can be a budget-friendly first home or a perfect match for individuals, couples, families, and retirees alike. The townhomes in Sonoma Oaks start in the low $500Ks.

Ave Maria

Experience a peaceful suburban getaway near Naples called Ave Maria. Just a short 37-mile distance from Naples, this inland neighborhood offers the perfect balance of easy access to the city and the beach without the congestion and crowds that come with peak tourist season. If you're in the market for a new home, check out Pulte's Avalon Park at Ave Maria. With single-family houses starting in the low $400Ks, you can find your dream home in this tranquil community.

Estero

Just up the coast from Naples and Fort Myers is Estero, Florida. This charming village is right next to Florida's first aquatic nature preserve, the Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve. If you'd like to make Estero your home, choose from two great options based on your budget. Corkscrew Estates offers luxury homes in the upper $800,000 range (with no Community Development District, or CDD, fees), while Verdana Village has lovely homes available in the low $400,000 range.

Average Cost of Groceries/Utilities in Naples

The recurring monthly bills homeowners are responsible for usually include electricity, groceries, water, and sewer. According to 2023 data from a bill pay service called Doxo®, Naples ranks 62 out of 200 Florida towns and cities for household expenses (the lower the ranking, the higher the average monthly bills cost). The state average is $2,112 for the most common household bills, whereas Naples’ average is $2,178, according to the same Doxo® data from 2023.

Here’s a more detailed breakdown of utilities and their associated costs in Naples:

• The city government of Naples has a 2022 water and sewer breakdown for residents to reference, which is current as of November 2023. The document includes helpful information, such as the base cost of both services and the cost of trash and recycling pickup.
• Though the cost of natural gas is more expensive in Florida, the cost of electricity is less than the national average, according to data by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (last updated on September 21, 2023).
• According to Energy Sage, a solar energy company, as of October 29, 2023, the average monthly electric bill for Naples’ residents is $216.
• Groceries are another component in the cost of living index. Since Naples’ cost of living index is higher than the national average, food prices reflect that increase, too.

Average Salary in Naples

The average salary in Naples, Florida, can be hard to pin down for two reasons. First, the population fluctuates heavily during the winter, when tourists and temporary residents travel south for the warm weather. Second, the city is traditionally known as an ideal place for retirees. U.S. Census Bureau data estimates from July 2022 claim that Naples’ 65-and-older population represents 52 percent of the city’s population. Those estimates also place the median household income in Naples at $125,306 (in 2021 dollars).

Naples Cost of Living Conclusion

Knowing the average cost of living in Naples, Florida, beforehand can make all the difference in planning a move to this dynamic city. In the greater Naples area, you'll find a variety of neighborhoods to choose from, and there are stunning Pulte communities in each one. No matter your budget or lifestyle, there’s a beautiful home waiting for you.

Explore new construction homes in Naples, Florida, today or browse more Pulte blogs.

Written By: Alexandra Shimalla, a freelance journalist

Last Updated: 5/28/24