Monthly housing costs in Boca Raton
| Cost | Monthly | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Typical rent | $2,949 | Zillow Observed Rent Index, August 2026 |
| Mortgage, 10% down | $3,464 | Principal and interest on $519,100, 30 years at 7.03% |
| Mortgage, 20% down | $3,079 | Principal and interest on $461,500, 30 years at 7.03% |
Typical home value $576,800 (Zillow, August 2026). Rate: Freddie Mac 30-year average, week of September 24, 2026. Taxes, insurance and HOA/CDD fees are extra and covered below.
How expensive is Boca Raton?
Boca Raton is one of the more expensive places to live in Florida, and housing is the reason. Zillow's typical home value was $576,824 in August 2026 and typical rent was $2,949 a month. Everyday costs such as food and transport are closer to the county norm; it's the rent, mortgage, insurance and association fees that set Boca apart.
Census Bureau figures show the gap. In the 2024 American Community Survey (1-year), Boca Raton's median gross rent was $2,690, against $2,121 for Palm Beach County, $1,812 for Florida and $1,487 for the US. The median owner-occupied home value was $853,200, more than double the Florida median of $396,900. Median household income was higher too, at $121,629 against $77,735 statewide, which is how many residents carry those costs.
MIT's Living Wage Calculator gives a basic-needs view. A single adult in Palm Beach County needs $54,595 a year before tax, against $46,101 in Polk County, home of Lakeland.
Housing costs in Boca Raton
Buying a home
The typical value of $576,824 was up 3.7% over the year and 33.3% over five years. With 10% down at Freddie Mac's 7.03% average rate (week of September 24, 2026), principal and interest is about $3,464 a month, or $3,079 with 20% down. Prices vary widely by area: Zillow's ZIP values run from $254,999 in 33434 to $1,069,242 in 33432, so set your budget from the Boca Raton ZIP code guide rather than the city average. Across the Miami metro, homes took a mean 98 days to go under contract and sold at about 95.7% of list price, so there is room to negotiate.
Renting
Typical rent of $2,949 rose 3.0% over the year to August 2026. Renting costs less each month than owning the typical home once tax and insurance are added, so compare the two on a full monthly basis, not on price alone.
Property tax
Your tax bill is the taxable value of the home multiplied by the combined millage of every authority that taxes it. For a home inside city limits, the 2026 rates on the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser's notice list are:
| Taxing authority | 2026 millage |
|---|---|
| Palm Beach County (operating and debt) | 4.5210 |
| School Board (state and local) | 6.2870 |
| City of Boca Raton (operating and voter-approved debt) | 3.6639 |
| Greater Boca Raton Beach and Park District | 1.0331 |
| Health Care District | 0.6561 |
| Children's Services Council | 0.4908 |
| South Florida Water Management District | 0.0948 |
| Florida Inland Navigation District | 0.0270 |
| Total | about 16.77 |
That is roughly $16.77 for every $1,000 of taxable value. The city council adopted its 3.6476 operating rate on September 22, 2026, and the Beach and Park District adopted 1.0331 the same evening. Homes in unincorporated west Boca have a different set of lines with no city rate, so check the parcel's taxing district.
A Florida homestead exemption can cut taxable value by as much as $50,000 on a primary residence, and it brings the Save Our Homes cap on assessment increases. Non-homestead homes, including second homes and rentals, don't get either. Voters will also decide Amendment 3 in the November 2026 general election: if 60% approve, the non-school homestead exemption would rise to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028, and the cap on non-homestead assessments would drop from 10% to 5%. The Palm Beach County property tax guide covers the details.
Also check non-ad valorem charges on the bill. The city's residential fire assessment was $155 a year, and the council approved a higher residential rate for the year starting October 1, 2026, so confirm the current figure on the parcel's tax bill.
Homeowners and flood insurance
Insurance is one of the biggest swing costs. The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation's January 2025 stability report put Palm Beach County's average homeowners premium at $6,614, based on data as of September 30, 2024, so treat it as a guide rather than a quote. Rates have eased since: in January 2026 the state reported that about 26,000 Citizens policyholders in Palm Beach County would see an average 11.9% reduction.
Get quotes before you make an offer. Ask for the roof age, a wind mitigation report and a four-point inspection on older homes, and check the flood zone, because standard homeowners policies don't cover flood. In a condo, the association insures the building and you insure the interior, so read the master policy.
HOA, condo and club fees
Many Boca Raton homes sit in associations, and fees vary from modest HOA dues to large equity memberships at country clubs. For any home you're considering, ask for:
- The current budget and the monthly or quarterly dues
- Any special assessments, approved or proposed
- Club membership requirements, initiation or capital contributions, and minimum spends
- For condos, the reserve study and milestone inspection status
Our Boca Raton condo guide and 55+ communities guide go further, and the Florida condo buying guide explains the state rules.
Everyday costs in Boca Raton
Utilities
The City of Boca Raton bills water and sewer every two months. Under the fee schedule effective October 1, 2025, an in-city home pays:
- Water: an $8.13 customer charge and a $27.93 capacity charge, plus $1.05 per 1,000 gallons up to 25,000 gallons, $2.54 per 1,000 from 25,001 to 50,000 and $3.27 above that. Water charges carry a 10% public utility tax.
- Sewer: $30.44 for the first bathroom and $15.19 for each additional bathroom.
- Trash: $27.90 a month for curbside collection.
For example, a two-bathroom home using 10,000 gallons in a two-month cycle would pay about $46.56 for water before tax and $45.63 for sewer. Homes outside city limits served by the city pay a 25% surcharge, and the city can adjust rates each October, so check the current schedule.
For electricity, FPL's typical residential bill for 1,000 kWh a month is $136.64 in 2026 under the rate agreement the Florida Public Service Commission approved in November 2025. Summer air conditioning can push usage well above that, so ask a seller for 12 months of bills.
Groceries and food
MIT's Living Wage Calculator budgets $5,001 a year for food for a single adult in Palm Beach County, about $417 a month, and $14,635 for two adults with two children, about $1,220 a month. Those are basic grocery budgets, so eating out regularly will push your spending higher.
Transportation and gas
MIT puts transportation at $8,234 a year for a single adult in the county and $13,812 for a two-adult, two-child household, covering car ownership, fuel, insurance and maintenance. Most Boca households need a car. If your commute runs along the coast, Tri-Rail's Boca Raton station on Yamato Road has free parking, and Brightline stops downtown, which can cut fuel and parking costs for trips to Fort Lauderdale or Miami.
Healthcare
MIT's estimate of medical costs is $2,779 a year for a single adult and $9,426 for a family of four with two working adults. Boca Raton Regional Hospital, run by Baptist Health, is in the city, which keeps travel time for care short.
Childcare
Childcare is the biggest line for families with young children. MIT puts it at $14,654 a year for one child in Palm Beach County and $27,798 for two, which is more than MIT's annual housing figure for the same households.
Internet and phone
MIT budgets $2,026 a year for internet and mobile service for a single adult and $2,599 for two adults. Check which providers serve a specific address, since options differ between gated communities, condo buildings and single-family streets.
Taxes in Boca Raton
Sales tax
The sales tax rate in Boca Raton is 7%: Florida's 6% state rate plus Palm Beach County's 1% discretionary sales surtax. The Florida Department of Revenue's surtax table lists the Palm Beach County surtax as effective from January 1, 2017 and expiring December 31, 2026, so check the rate for large purchases in 2027. Most groceries and prescription drugs are exempt from Florida sales tax.
No state income tax
Florida has no state personal income tax. Wages, pensions, Social Security and investment income are taxed only at the federal level, which is a meaningful offset to housing costs if you are moving from a state with a high income tax.
Property tax
Property tax is the tax that matters most. The combined 2026 rate for a home inside city limits is about 16.77 mills, or roughly $8,978 a year on a homesteaded home at the typical value of $576,824, using the school and non-school exemptions. The same home without homestead would pay about $9,675. The Palm Beach County property tax guide has a worked example and filing deadlines.
Salary needed to live in Boca Raton
MIT's Living Wage Calculator for Palm Beach County, updated February 2026, gives the pre-tax income needed to cover basic costs while renting:
| Household | Hourly wage | Annual income before tax |
|---|---|---|
| 1 adult, no children | $26.25 | $54,595 |
| 1 adult, 1 child | $44.29 | $92,128 |
| 1 adult, 2 children | $57.31 | $119,202 |
| 2 adults (1 working), no children | $34.23 | $71,190 |
| 2 adults (both working), 1 child | $24.90 each | $103,582 |
| 2 adults (both working), 2 children | $30.18 each | $125,540 |
MIT's housing budget uses county-wide rents, so it understates what Boca Raton costs. Here is what Zillow's typical rent of $2,949 takes from common gross incomes:
- $75,000: about 47% of income
- $100,000: about 35%
- $125,000: about 28%
- $150,000: about 24%
For buying, principal and interest of $3,464 plus about $748 a month in homesteaded property tax and insurance near the county average of $6,614 a year comes to about $4,763 a month before HOA dues. Keeping that at 28% of gross income points to roughly $204,000 a year, unless you put more down or buy below the city's typical value.
Boca Raton vs other Florida cities
Boca Raton is the highest-priced of the Florida cities Bright covers. Zillow's August 2026 figures:
| Area | Typical home value | 1-year change | Typical rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boca Raton | $576,824 | +3.7% | $2,949 |
| Palm Beach County | $474,416 | +1.2% | n/a |
| Winter Garden | $566,535 | -1.0% | $2,374 |
| Sarasota | $409,878 | -2.7% | $2,175 |
| Tampa | $377,566 | -0.3% | $1,957 |
Boca Raton vs Delray Beach
Delray Beach, the next city north, costs noticeably less. The Census Bureau's 2024 survey put Delray's median home value at $471,800 against $853,200 in Boca Raton, and its median gross rent at $2,196 against $2,690. Median household income was $78,643 in Delray and $121,629 in Boca. Both are in Palm Beach County, so they share the same county and school tax rates, but city rates and fees differ.
Ways to lower your costs in Boca Raton
File for homestead
If the home is your permanent residence on January 1, file with the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser by March 1. The exemption can cut taxable value by up to $50,000, rising to $51,411 for 2026 with the inflation adjustment, and it brings the Save Our Homes cap on assessment increases.
Get a wind mitigation inspection
Insurers give credits for features such as roof-to-wall connections, roof shape and opening protection, documented on a wind mitigation report. Florida's My Safe Florida Home program offers free wind mitigation inspections to eligible homeowners and grants of up to $10,000 for approved upgrades such as impact windows or roof improvements.
Shop insurance and check the roof
Quotes vary a lot from carrier to carrier. A newer roof, higher deductible and bundled policies can lower the premium. If you have a Citizens policy, compare it against private offers at renewal, since the state reported an average 11.9% Citizens reduction for about 26,000 Palm Beach County policies in 2026.
Pay property tax in November
Florida gives a 4% discount for paying in November, 3% in December, 2% in January and 1% in February. On a $9,000 bill, paying in November saves $360.
Choose the right community
Club communities with mandatory membership add joining fees and annual dues, while communities such as Mission Bay have no club requirement. Compare total monthly cost across a few options before you settle on an area, and ask a local agent for recent closed sales. The Florida closing costs guide covers the one-off costs of buying.
Common questions
How much do you need to earn to live in Boca Raton?+
MIT's Living Wage Calculator puts the pre-tax income a single adult needs in Palm Beach County at $54,595, and $125,540 for two working adults with two children. Those use county-average rents. At Boca Raton's typical rent of $2,949, keeping rent at 30% of gross pay takes about $117,960 a year, and buying the typical home costs about $4,763 a month before HOA fees.
Is Boca Raton expensive to live in?+
Yes, mainly because of housing. Zillow's typical home value was $576,824 and typical rent $2,949 in August 2026. The Census Bureau's 2024 survey put the city's median gross rent at $2,690, against $1,812 for Florida and $1,487 for the US. Food, transport and healthcare costs are closer to the county average.
What is the property tax rate in Boca Raton?+
For a home inside city limits, the 2026 rates listed by the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser add up to about 16.77 mills, or roughly $16.77 per $1,000 of taxable value. That includes the county, school board, City of Boca Raton, Beach and Park District and special districts. A homestead exemption can reduce taxable value by up to $50,000, or $51,411 with the 2026 adjustment.
How much is homeowners insurance in Boca Raton?+
The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation reported an average homeowners premium of $6,614 in Palm Beach County, using data as of September 30, 2024. Rates have eased since, with Citizens policyholders in the county getting an average 11.9% cut in 2026. Your quote will depend on roof age, construction, wind mitigation and flood zone.
What is the sales tax in Boca Raton?+
The rate is 7%, made up of Florida's 6% state sales tax and Palm Beach County's 1% discretionary surtax. The Florida Department of Revenue lists the county surtax as expiring on December 31, 2026, so confirm the rate before large purchases in 2027. Most groceries and prescription medicine are exempt.
Who provides water and electricity in Boca Raton?+
The City of Boca Raton's Utility Services Department supplies water and sewer inside city limits and in parts of unincorporated Palm Beach County, billing every two months. FPL provides electricity, with a typical 2026 bill of $136.64 for 1,000 kWh. Confirm providers for a specific address before you buy.
Is Boca Raton more expensive than Delray Beach?+
Yes. The Census Bureau's 2024 American Community Survey put Boca Raton's median home value at $853,200 against $471,800 in Delray Beach, and median gross rent at $2,690 against $2,196. Both cities are in Palm Beach County, so they share county and school tax rates and the same 7% sales tax.
Sources
- Zillow Research: Home Value Index and Observed Rent Index, August 2026
- Freddie Mac: Primary Mortgage Market Survey, September 24, 2026
- Palm Beach County Property Appraiser: 2026 tax rates and hearings
- Boca Raton Tribune: Boca Raton council approves final 2026-27 budget and millage rate
- Boca Raton Tribune: Beach and Park District OKs final taxes and budget
- Boca Raton Tribune: Boca to raise residential fire fee
- Florida Department of Revenue: Property tax exemptions for homeowners
- Florida Policy Institute: Amendment 3 ballot language summary and local fiscal impacts
- GreatFlorida Insurance: Florida home insurance rates by county (citing OIR January 2025 report)
- Florida Office of Insurance Regulation: Governor announces major insurance rate relief, January 2026
- City of Boca Raton: User fee schedule effective October 1, 2025
- City of Boca Raton: What is the Utility Services service area?
- FPL: Florida regulators approve FPL rate agreement, November 20, 2025
- MIT Living Wage Calculator: Palm Beach County, Florida
- MIT Living Wage Calculator: Polk County, Florida
- Census Reporter: ACS 2024 1-year, median household income, home value and gross rent (tables B19013, B25077, B25064)
- Florida Department of Revenue: Discretionary Sales Surtax Information (DR-15DSS)
- My Safe Florida Home: Free wind mitigation inspections and grants
- Tri-Rail: Boca Raton Station
- Baptist Health: Boca Raton Regional Hospital
- Palm Beach County Property Appraiser: Homestead exemption
- Florida Department of Revenue: Additional Homestead Exemption Adjustment (revised January 2026)
- Florida Statutes: section 197.162, discounts for early payment