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Cape Coral, Florida

USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence

67
Overall Score

Cape Coral, Florida, is a rapidly growing master-planned city located in Lee County, renowned for its extensive network of over 400 miles of navigable canals. Founded in 1957 by real estate developers Leonard and Jack Rosen, the city was originally marketed as a master-planned waterfront wonderland. Today, it has evolved into one of the largest cities in the state by land area, attracting families, retirees, and professionals seeking a relaxed Florida lifestyle. Its unique layout offers a vast array of waterfront properties with direct or indirect access to the Gulf of Mexico, distinguishing it from traditional mainland municipalities.

About Florida

Florida, known as the "Sunshine State," offers a diverse character with a laid-back beach culture and vibrant city life, attracting a mix of residents including many transplants. Its economy, the fourth largest in the U.S. as of 2024, is driven by major industries such as tourism, real estate, agriculture, aerospace and aviation, financial services, and healthcare and life sciences. Living in Florida generally entails a cost of living slightly higher than the national average, though it varies by city, with an average annual cost around $50,689 per person. The climate is characterized by hot, humid summers and mild winters, with abundant sunshine year-round, fostering an outdoor-oriented lifestyle. Florida also boasts a tax-friendly environment with no state income tax.

216,992
Population
$64K
Avg Salary
104
Cost Index
66.7
Quality Score
How this 67/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
Component Readings used Points Weight Contributes
Safety Safety score: 78 / 100 78.0 30% 23.4
Affordability Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 104.0 38.8 25% 9.7
Economy & jobs Median household income: $72,500 Income needed to live here: $58,000 Unemployment rate: 3.2% 70.6 20% 14.1
Growth Population growth rate: 2.4% Job growth rate: 3.1% 83.5 15% 12.5
Business climate assessment Business climate assessment: 70 / 100 70.0 10% 7.0
Overall score 66.7

Provenance. These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as Tier 1 (fast) (q=54, partial — below threshold), last refreshed 15 October 2026. They are researched estimates drawn from public sources, not a licensed data feed.

Each component is scored against fixed published endpoints, so this number is comparable with any other city and does not move as the dataset grows. Scoring framework 2026.10 — full methodology, weights and accepted ranges.

Businesses in Cape Coral

Featured local businesses in Cape Coral.

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Quality Scores

Business
70
Livability
77
Affordability
62
Growth
79

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Cape Coral is slightly higher than the national average, largely driven by housing, insurance, and utility costs unique to Southwest Florida. While everyday expenses like groceries and local services align closely with typical U.S. benchmarks, the rapid influx of new residents over recent years has put upward pressure on real estate and rental markets. Homeowners also face distinct financial considerations related to property insurance and flood mitigation, which add to overall household expenditures.

Average Rent
$1,950/mo
Groceries
$460/mo
Transport
$130/mo
Utilities
$190/mo
Healthcare
$260/mo
Gym membership (monthly)
$50.00
Cinema ticket
$13.00
Restaurant meal (mid-range)
$25.00
Monthly groceries
$420.00
Doctor visit (without insurance)
$160.00

Salary Insights

Cape Coral's economy is primarily centered around construction, retail trade, healthcare, and professional services, reflecting its booming residential growth. Because a substantial portion of the workforce commutes to neighboring Fort Myers or engages in remote work, local employment often revolves around supporting the city's expanding population infrastructure. The healthcare sector, anchored by regional providers, is a major stable employer and key growth driver. Small business development and entrepreneurial ventures have also seen notable gains as the local commercial base expands.

The average salary in Cape Coral is $64,000 per year. You would need approximately $58,000 to live comfortably.

Top Industries

Retail Trade +2.00% Healthcare +3.20% Construction +3.50% Accommodation and Food Services +2.40% Professional and Business Services +2.80%

Climate

🌡️
76°F
Avg Temp
☀️
89°F
Summer High
❄️
58°F
Winter Low
🌧️
47.00"
Annual Rain
💧
70.00%
Humidity
🌤️
225
Sunny Days

Transport

Transportation in Cape Coral is heavily car-dependent, with a street grid system connected by numerous bridges crossing the city's vast canal network. Public transit options are limited primarily to local bus services provided by LeeTran, meaning the vast majority of residents rely on personal vehicles for daily commutes. Traffic congestion can bottleneck during peak morning and evening hours, particularly at major bridge crossings connecting to Fort Myers.

28 min
Avg Commute
42.00/10
Transit Score
45.00/10
Walkability
High
Car Dependency

Pros & Cons

Advantages
Over 400 miles of navigable canals offering unique waterfront living and direct Gulf of Mexico access.
Consistently ranked among the safest large cities in the state of Florida per FBI crime data.
Abundant sunshine and warm climate averaging 225 sunny days per year.
Substantial inventory of modern single-family homes compared to crowded urban centers.
Proximity to the beaches and natural amenities of Southwest Florida.
Drawbacks
High property and homeowner's insurance costs characteristic of coastal Florida.
High car dependency with limited public transit options across the expansive city grid.
Vulnerability to tropical storms and hurricanes requiring robust disaster preparedness.
Bridge bottlenecks during peak hours for commuters traveling to neighboring Fort Myers.
Relatively high housing costs driven by rapid population growth over the past decade.

Questions about Cape Coral

What people ask about living in and moving to Cape Coral, Florida.

What is the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Cape Coral? Housing 1 answer

The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Cape Coral is about $1,950 per month. This figure reflects the current market and is based on recent listings across the city. If you’re searching for options, look at local rental sites or contact real estate agents who specialize in the area. Keep in mind that prices can vary by proximity to waterfronts, amenities, and the age of the property.

How does Cape Coral's cost of living compare to the national average? Cost of Living 1 answer

Cape Coral’s cost of living index is 104, meaning it is 4% higher than the national average. Housing costs, especially rent, are a significant factor. The average monthly rent is $1,950, which is slightly above the national median for similar-sized cities. Other expenses like groceries, transportation, and utilities are close to national averages, so overall living costs are modestly higher but manageable with a typi...

What kinds of jobs are most common in Cape Coral? Jobs & Economy 1 answer

Cape Coral’s economy features a mix of service, retail, and hospitality roles. Logistics, transportation, and supply chain positions are common due to the city’s port and proximity to major highways. There are also opportunities in healthcare, education, and construction. For a detailed job market overview, consult the city’s economic development office or local job boards that list openings by industry.

How are the public schools in Cape Coral rated? Schools & Education 1 answer

Public schools in Cape Coral are managed by a district that offers a range of elementary, middle, and high schools. Performance varies by school; some have strong academic programs and extracurricular activities, while others are in transition. To get the most accurate and up-to-date ratings, review the district’s website, which publishes annual report cards and parent reviews. Visiting schools and speaking with admi...

Is Cape Coral a safe place to live? Safety 1 answer

Cape Coral has a safety score of 78 out of 100, which indicates a relatively safe environment compared to many U.S. cities. The city’s crime statistics show lower rates of violent crime and a moderate level of property crime. Neighborhoods vary, so it’s wise to look at local crime maps and talk to residents in specific areas. Community policing efforts and neighborhood watch programs are active in many parts of the c...

What public transportation options are available in Cape Coral? Getting Around 1 answer

Cape Coral is served by a city transit authority that offers bus routes connecting residential areas with commercial centers, medical facilities, and nearby towns. The schedule is designed to accommodate peak commuting hours, and fares are affordable. For detailed route maps, timetables, and fare information, visit the transit authority’s website or contact their customer service. Ride‑share services also operate in...

What are the top outdoor activities in Cape Coral? Things to Do 1 answer

Cape Coral is known for its extensive canal system and proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, making boating, fishing, and kayaking popular. The city also offers parks with walking trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas. During the warmer months, community events and festivals often take place on waterfronts or in local parks. Checking the city’s events calendar can help you discover seasonal activities and community gather...

What should I know about moving into Cape Coral? Moving Here 1 answer

When moving to Cape Coral, consider the timing of the hurricane season (June to November) and plan for potential weather disruptions. Secure a reliable moving company that has experience with coastal moves. Check local regulations regarding permits for large vehicles and parking. It’s also helpful to set up utilities—electric, water, internet—before arrival. Finally, familiarize yourself with the city’s zoning and bu...

What healthcare facilities are in Cape Coral? Healthcare 1 answer

Cape Coral hosts several medical centers that provide primary care, urgent care, and specialty services. These facilities include general hospitals, outpatient clinics, and specialty practices for areas such as cardiology and orthopedics. Most providers accept a range of insurance plans. To find the best fit for your needs, check the city’s health department website for a directory of licensed facilities and read pat...

What is the average salary in Cape Coral? General 1 answer

The average annual salary in Cape Coral is $64,000. This figure represents the median earnings across all industries in the city. If you’re evaluating a specific job offer, compare the salary to this benchmark and consider cost-of-living adjustments. The city’s economic development office publishes detailed labor statistics that can help you assess how your compensation stacks up against local averages.

Some answers here were drafted as a starting point and may be out of date. Live in Cape Coral? Add your own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Urblytica benchmarks its Cost of Living Index against a United States national average baseline of 100. A score of 115 means a city is approximately 15% more expensive than the national average, while a score of 85 indicates it is 15% more affordable. This composite calculation is weighted across six primary expenditure categories: housing, utilities, grocery items, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous goods.

Urblytica aggregates housing data from multiple authoritative sources, including Multiple Listing Service (MLS) feeds, municipal property tax registries, the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS), and verified historical deed transactions. This multi-tier aggregation ensures precision in tracking median home values and rental rates.

A municipality must meet minimum data-density thresholds—including consistent reporting population samples from the U.S. Census and active residential or commercial real estate transaction feeds—to ensure statistical significance before a complete scoring profile is published.

When primary agencies (such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics or U.S. Census Bureau) issue historical data revisions or benchmark corrections, Urblytica's data pipeline automatically re-indexes affected historical archives to maintain longitudinal trend accuracy.

U.S. affordability calculations incorporate federal income tax brackets, state-specific income tax rates, and local municipal tax variations to evaluate the true net tax drag on median household earnings across different states and cities.

Local county and municipal property tax millage rates are factored directly into the housing component of the cost-of-living index to reflect recurring annual tax burdens for homeowners.

The platform aggregates state sales taxes alongside county and city surtaxes to measure consumer basket purchasing power parity accurately across different retail jurisdictions.

Utility calculations apply regional seasonal consumption weightings, incorporating high summer air conditioning loads in southern states and heavy winter heating demands in northern states.

The index tracks average out-of-pocket healthcare expenses, routine outpatient visit costs, and regional health insurance premium benchmarks published by federal health agencies.

Educational metrics aggregate state standardized testing benchmarks, student-to-teacher ratios, high school graduation rates, and per-pupil expenditure data published by state departments of education.

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