Living Alone in Daytona Beach, FL: What It Really Costs
A complete monthly budget breakdown for a single person living independently in Daytona Beach. Based on 2026 federal data adjusted for local cost of living.
B
$1,149/month
Daytona Beach is 6% below the national average — a solid choice for solo living.
$19,697
Minimum Salary Needed
$23,637
Comfortable Salary
$431
Essential Costs
$718
Discretionary
What Does Solo Living in Daytona Beach Look Like?
Daytona Beach is a mid-size city in the South with a population of 72,654 and a median household income of $34,523. For someone living alone, the biggest expense is housing — a studio or 1-bedroom apartment will run you about $131/month, which accounts for 11% of your total monthly spend. With costs running 6% below average, you can stretch a modest salary further here than in most major metros.
Complete Monthly Budget Breakdown
| Category | Monthly Cost | % of Budget | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏠 Studio/1BR Rent | $131 | 11% | Essential |
| 🛒 Groceries (one person) | $17 | 1% | Essential |
| ⚡ Utilities | $14 | 1% | Essential |
| 🚗 Transportation | $25 | 2% | Essential |
| 🛡️ Car Insurance | $189 | 16% | Essential |
| 🏥 Health Insurance | $55 | 5% | Essential |
| 📡 Internet | $61 | 5% | Discretionary |
| 📱 Phone Plan | $72 | 6% | Discretionary |
| 🍽️ Dining Out | $235 | 20% | Discretionary |
| 🎬 Entertainment | $141 | 12% | Discretionary |
| 💇 Personal Care | $75 | 7% | Discretionary |
| 👕 Clothing | $89 | 8% | Discretionary |
| 📺 Subscriptions & Gym | $45 | 4% | Discretionary |
| Total Monthly Budget | $1,149 | 100% |
Can You Afford to Live Alone in Daytona Beach?
Here's how different salary levels stack up against the solo living costs in Daytona Beach:
$40,000
gross annual
+$1,318
monthly surplus
Save 53%
$50,000
gross annual
+$1,934
monthly surplus
Save 63%
$60,000
gross annual
+$2,551
monthly surplus
Save 69%
$75,000
gross annual
+$3,476
monthly surplus
Save 75%
$100,000
gross annual
+$5,018
monthly surplus
Save 81%
$125,000
gross annual
+$6,559
monthly surplus
Save 85%
Tips for Living Alone in Daytona Beach
- 💡 Housing: Daytona Beach's rent is manageable for solo earners. Focus on securing a lease with utilities included to stabilize your monthly costs.
- 🍳 Food: Cooking at home saves roughly $141/month vs eating out regularly. Meal prep on Sundays is the single biggest budget lever for solo dwellers.
- 🚌 Transport: In a small-size city like Daytona Beach, a car is likely essential. Budget for maintenance separately — about $94/month.
- 🏥 Insurance: If your employer offers health coverage, your actual out-of-pocket drops significantly. The $55/month estimate assumes marketplace insurance.
- 💰 The 50/30/20 Rule: On a $23,637 salary, aim for $729 needs, $437 wants, $292 savings per month.
More Affordable Alternatives in the South
Explore More for Daytona Beach
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to live alone in Daytona Beach?
The estimated total monthly cost of living alone in Daytona Beach is $1,149, including $131 for a studio/1-bedroom apartment,$17 for groceries, and $14 for utilities. This is 6% below the national average for solo living.
What salary do I need to live alone in Daytona Beach?
You need a minimum gross salary of approximately $19,697 to cover basic living expenses alone in Daytona Beach. For a comfortable lifestyle with a savings buffer, aim for at least $23,637.
Is Daytona Beach affordable for a single person?
Yes, Daytona Beach is more affordable than average for solo dwellers, with costs running 6% below the national median. This makes it a viable option even on a moderate income.
What is the biggest expense when living alone in Daytona Beach?
Housing is by far the largest expense, accounting for 11% of the total monthly budget at $131/month for a studio or 1-bedroom apartment. The next largest expenses are transportation ($25) and groceries ($17).