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Sun City Center

Cost of Living

How Much Does It Cost to Retire in Sun City Center, Florida? (2026)

By Dewey Kopenga and Travis Penny. updated May 2026

TL;DR

Most retired couples in Sun City Center spend $3,800 $5,500 per month all-in once the home is paid off. driven primarily by HOA fees ($25 $700/mo depending on neighborhood), property taxes (~1.1% of assessed value with Save Our Homes cap), and insurance ($1,800 $3,800/yr). Florida has no state income tax. Healthcare and groceries track close to the national average.

Typical monthly budget

$3,800 $5,500

HOA range

$25 $700/mo

Property tax

~1.1% assessed

State income tax

$0

What does it actually cost per month?

These are real ranges we see with clients. not Zillow estimates. A paid-off 1,500 sq ft villa in Kings Point with a $625/mo condo fee, $2,400/yr taxes, and $2,200/yr insurance lands around $4,200/mo all-in for a couple including groceries, utilities, healthcare premiums, and a modest entertainment budget. A 2,000 sq ft single-family in SCC proper with a $25/mo HOA, $3,800/yr taxes, and $2,800/yr insurance lands closer to $4,800 $5,200 because you pick up exterior maintenance, lawn, and pool service yourself.

Line-item ranges (couple, paid-off home)

  • ◆HOA / condo fee: $25 $700/mo (neighborhood-dependent. Kings Point is bundled high; SCC proper sub-HOAs vary wildly)
  • ◆Property taxes: 0.95 to 1.25% of assessed value annually; homestead exemption removes $50K and Save Our Homes caps annual assessment growth at 3%
  • ◆Homeowners insurance: $1,800 $3,800/yr depending on roof age, build, and flood zone
  • ◆Electric (TECO): $140 $240/mo year-round, peaks July September
  • ◆Water/sewer: $60 $110/mo
  • ◆Internet (Spectrum or Frontier fiber where available): $60 $90/mo
  • ◆Groceries (couple): $700 $1,000/mo
  • ◆Healthcare (Medicare + supplement): $400 $700/mo per person
  • ◆Vehicle / golf cart: $150 $400/mo (insurance, fuel, maintenance. many couples drop to one car)

What's cheaper than people expect

  • ◆No state income tax means pension, Social Security, and IRA withdrawals are not taxed by Florida
  • ◆Sales tax is 7.5% in Hillsborough County. lower than many Northeast and Midwest markets
  • ◆Vehicle registration is modest and there is no annual state inspection
  • ◆Community amenities are bundled into the HOA. pools, clubhouses, fitness, and 200+ clubs cost $0 incremental

What's more expensive than people expect

  • ◆Insurance. Florida's market has tightened. Roof age and 4-point inspections matter a lot
  • ◆Cooling. air runs nine months of the year. A poorly insulated home will surprise you in August
  • ◆HOA in Kings Point. $625 $700/mo is standard for the bundled exterior + amenities model
  • ◆Special assessments. older sub-HOAs occasionally levy one-time assessments for roads or amenity refurbishment

Frequently Asked

Questions about cost of living.

A paid-off small villa or condo in a low-fee SCC sub-HOA with the homestead exemption can land around $3,200 $3,800/mo all-in for a couple. Kings Point is more turnkey but the higher condo fee adds $300 $400/mo over a comparable SCC villa.

Ready when you are

Get the answer for your situation.

One 30-minute call covers property strategy and financing. Dewey and Travis on the line together.

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