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Lee County · FL

Cost of living in Fort Myers

By Mariela Lovo Ol, REALTOR® · Updated

The cost of living in Fort Myers depends most on housing, insurance and property taxes. It also depends on whether the home is inside the city or in unincorporated Lee County. Florida has no state personal income tax.

How much does housing cost in Fort Myers?

Prices change weekly, so this page shows live figures from the MLS rather than a written median. Use the market panel and the listings to see current prices. Then run a payment in the mortgage calculator with taxes and insurance included.

Condos downtown, older homes near McGregor Boulevard and newer homes in planned communities can differ a lot in price, fees and insurance, so compare like with like.

What will property taxes add?

Property taxes depend on the assessed value and your exemptions. They also depend on the combined rates of the local government, county, school board and special districts. A homestead exemption removes $25,000 of assessed value from all taxes. It removes up to $26,411 more from non-school taxes. The Save Our Homes cap then limits yearly increases to 3%.

The Fort Myers property taxes page walks through the bill, deadlines and the tax amendment on the November 2026 ballot.

How much should I plan for insurance in Fort Myers?

Insurance is the line to price first. You will likely need a homeowners policy with wind coverage. You will also need a separate flood policy, since most homeowners policies exclude flood. A new federal flood policy often has a 30-day wait.

Premiums depend on the exact house. Construction after March 1, 2002, a newer roof and opening protection can help. A wind mitigation inspection on form OIR-B1-1802 documents features that insurers must offer discounts for.

Who provides utilities in Fort Myers?

Inside city limits, the City of Fort Myers provides water and sewer. Trash pickup is required there with an active water or sewer account. In unincorporated areas, water comes from other providers and trash from county-franchised haulers. Some rural homes use wells and septic.

Electric service in Lee County comes from either Florida Power & Light or LCEC, depending on the address. Confirm the provider before move-in.

What do transportation and everyday purchases cost?

Plan on a car. The Midpoint Memorial Bridge and the Cape Coral Bridge each charge $2 for a two-axle car with a transponder. There is a $3 fee on top if billed by plate. The Sanibel Causeway toll is $6. The Census Bureau puts the average commute for city workers at 25.2 minutes.

Florida's state sales tax is 6%, and Lee County adds a 0.5% discretionary surtax, for 6.5% on most purchases. Florida does not impose a personal income tax.

How can I compare Fort Myers with nearby cities?

Read the pros and cons of living in Fort Myers and the Fort Myers community guide. First-time buyers can start with first-time buyer help in Florida.

Common questions

Does Fort Myers have a local income tax?

No. Florida does not impose a personal income tax, and Fort Myers does not add one. Your main local costs are property taxes, insurance and utilities.

What is the sales tax rate in Fort Myers?

It is 6.5% on most taxable purchases. That is Florida's 6% state rate plus Lee County's 0.5% discretionary surtax. The Department of Revenue lists that surtax through 2028.

Do I need flood insurance in Fort Myers?

A lender requires it only in a mapped high-risk zone, but flooding can happen outside those zones. Most homeowners policies exclude flood. Get a flood quote for any home you are serious about.

Who provides water in Fort Myers?

Inside city limits, the City of Fort Myers provides water and sewer. Unincorporated areas with Fort Myers addresses are served by other providers, and some rural homes use wells. Confirm the utility for each address.

Sources

  1. QuickFacts: Cape Coral city; Fort Myers city; Lehigh Acres CDP; North Fort Myers CDP; Lee County, Florida, U.S. Census Bureau (read 2026-09-24)
  2. QuickFacts: Fort Myers Shores CDP; San Carlos Park CDP; Three Oaks CDP; Gateway CDP, Florida, U.S. Census Bureau (read 2026-09-24)
  3. Utilities, City of Fort Myers (read 2026-09-24)
  4. Solid Waste, City of Fort Myers (read 2026-09-24)
  5. Parks (Royal Palm Preservation Program), City of Fort Myers (read 2026-09-24)
  6. Edison and Ford Winter Estates, Edison and Ford Winter Estates (read 2026-09-24)
  7. Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center (read 2026-09-24)
  8. Florida Repertory Theatre, Florida Repertory Theatre (read 2026-09-24)
  9. Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW, Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall (read 2026-09-24)
  10. Florida Gulf Coast University, FGCU (read 2026-09-24)
  11. Florida SouthWestern State College, FSW (read 2026-09-24)
  12. Sports Development (Lee Health Sports Complex, JetBlue Park), Lee County Government (read 2026-09-24)
  13. Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, Lee County Parks & Recreation (read 2026-09-24)
  14. Lakes Park, Lee County Parks & Recreation (read 2026-09-24)
  15. Manatee Park, Lee County Parks & Recreation (read 2026-09-24)
  16. Student Enrollment Plan 2026-2027 (Board approved December 1, 2025), The School District of Lee County (read 2026-09-24)
  17. School Zones, The School District of Lee County (read 2026-09-24)
  18. Hurricane Season, City of Fort Myers (read 2026-09-24)
  19. Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Ian (AL092022), NOAA National Hurricane Center (read 2026-09-24)
  20. Flood Insurance, FEMA (read 2026-09-24)
  21. Wind Mitigation Resources, Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (read 2026-09-24)
  22. Florida Statutes 689.302 (flood disclosure in sale of real property), The Florida Senate (read 2026-09-24)
  23. Florida Case Study, International Code Council (read 2026-09-24)
  24. Substantial Improvement/Substantial Damage, Lee County Government (read 2026-09-24)
  25. Southwest Florida International Airport, Lee County Port Authority (read 2026-09-24)
  26. Lee County Tolls - LeeWay, Lee County Government (read 2026-09-24)
  27. Lee Health Fast Facts, Lee Health (read 2026-09-24)
  28. Walk Score, Walk Score (read 2026-09-24)
  29. Solid Waste (Find My Waste Pickup Days), Lee County Government (read 2026-09-24)
  30. Wild Turkey Strand Preserve, Lee County Parks & Recreation (read 2026-09-24)
  31. Sales and Use Tax, Florida Department of Revenue (read 2026-09-24)
  32. Discretionary Sales Surtax Information for Calendar Year 2026 (DR-15DSS), Florida Department of Revenue (read 2026-09-24)
  33. Do I have to file a personal income tax return in Florida?, Florida Department of Revenue (read 2026-09-24)
  34. Real Estate Property Taxes, Lee County Tax Collector (read 2026-09-24)
  35. General Exemption Information, Lee County Property Appraiser (read 2026-09-24)
  36. Transfer of Homestead Assessment Difference (Portability), Lee County Property Appraiser (read 2026-09-24)
  37. 10% Assessment Limitation Frequently Asked Questions, Lee County Property Appraiser (read 2026-09-24)
  38. TRIM Information (six factors that increase taxes; ownership change resets caps), Lee County Property Appraiser (read 2026-09-24)
  39. Senate Passes Historic $250,000 Property Tax Cut for Florida Homeowners (HJR 1-F), June 2, 2026, The Florida Senate (read 2026-09-24)
  40. Florida Statutes 190.048 (sale of real estate within a community development district; required disclosure), The Florida Senate (read 2026-09-24)
  41. Florida Statutes 515.27 (residential swimming pool safety feature options), The Florida Senate (read 2026-09-24)
  42. Inspections (milestone inspections and structural integrity reserve studies), Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Condominiums (read 2026-09-24)
  43. 203(k) Rehabilitation Mortgage Insurance Program Types, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (read 2026-09-24)
  44. Selling Guide B5-3.2-01, HomeStyle Renovation Mortgages, Fannie Mae (read 2026-09-24)
  45. 2025-2026 School Grades Report (district grade issued by FLDOE July 1, 2026), The School District of Lee County (read 2026-09-24)
  46. Charter School Frequently Asked Questions, The School District of Lee County (read 2026-09-24)
  47. School Grades, Florida Department of Education (read 2026-09-24)
  48. Community Development Department (permitting and inspections for unincorporated Lee County), Lee County Government (read 2026-09-24)
  49. External Affairs Service Area Map (counties served, including Lee), Florida Power & Light (read 2026-09-24)
  50. About LCEC, LCEC (read 2026-09-24)
  51. Building, Permitting & Inspections (BPI), Community Development Department, City of Fort Myers (read 2026-09-24)

Last reviewed: 2026-09-24. Descriptions cover places and amenities, not the people who live there. We are committed to the Fair Housing Act.