Daytona Beach: The Data Profile (2026)

Daytona Beach presents a complex economic picture for prospective residents in 2026. The metropolitan area supports a population of 82,493, characterized by a median income of $50,442, which sits -32.4% below the national median of $74,580. Educational attainment is also lagging, with 28.1% of the population holding a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the US average of 33.1%.

The statistical target demographic for Daytona Beach is the "Sun-Seeking Cost-Cutter." This profile typically includes remote workers prioritizing low overhead over high salaries, retirees leveraging fixed incomes, and service-sector professionals. The economic data suggests that the city attracts individuals willing to trade income potential for a -2.0% discount on housing and a -5.6% discount on groceries relative to the national average.

Cost of Living Analysis

The Cost of Living Index (COLI) in Daytona Beach hovers just below the national baseline at 98.0 for housing and 94.4 for groceries. While these figures suggest affordability, the lower median income creates a tight disposable income margin. The most significant economic advantage is found in utilities, with electricity rates at 14.14 cents/kWh, undercutting the US average of 16.0 cents/kWh by 11.6%.

Table 1: Monthly Budget Breakdown (2026 Estimates)

Note: Based on COL indices of 98.0 (Housing), 94.4 (Groceries), 95.6 (Transport), and 97.5 (Health).

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market in Daytona Beach is currently balancing on the knife-edge of the national average. With a Housing Index of 98.0, it is technically -2.0% cheaper than the US average, but this margin is narrowing. Renters will find the market accessible, with a 1-bedroom unit averaging $1,520/mo. However, buying a home presents a distinct challenge: the median home price is roughly $315,000, which is high relative to the local median income of $50,442, creating a price-to-income ratio that strains affordability for local earners.

Table 2: Housing Market Data (Buying vs Renting)

Analysis: Buying is mathematically more attractive than the national curve due to the -22.4% discount on median home prices. However, for the median earner, the mortgage burden remains high. Renting is the statistically safer option for those not bringing in an above-average salary.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

In the post-remote work landscape of 2026, Daytona Beach's economy is shifting. The local unemployment rate stands at 4.2%, essentially mirroring the national average of 4.0%. The primary industries remain tourism and aerospace (driven by the proximity to Cape Canaveral), offering stability but lower wages. The "RTO" (Return to Office) impact is minimal here; the city is becoming a haven for hybrid workers who only need to commute 15-20 minutes on average to reach local offices, significantly lower than the US average of 27 minutes. This reduced commute saves the average resident approximately $150/month in fuel and vehicle wear.

Quality of Life Audit

While the economic data suggests a struggle, the Quality of Life (QoL) metrics reveal a "High Risk / High Reward" environment. The city boasts an excellent Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38, significantly better than the US average. However, health risk factors are alarmingly high. The obesity rate is 35.8% (vs. 31.9% US) and the diabetes rate is 14.5% (vs. 10.9% US). This "Sunshine Paradox" suggests that while the weather is pleasant, lifestyle habits are detrimental.

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics

Safety & Environment:
Violent crime is recorded at 380/100k, matching the national average exactly. Property crime is 1845/100k, slightly better than the US average of 2,000/100k. Weather-wise, the current temperature is 61.0°F, with a daily high of 81°F and low of 60°F, offering a "Mostly Sunny" climate that drives the tourism economy.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Housing Value: You get 22.4% more house for your money compared to the national median.
• Air Quality: An AQI of 38 is in the "Good" range, rare for a coastal city with heavy traffic.
• Utility Savings: Electricity is 11.6% cheaper than the US average.

Cons:

• Income Ceiling: Median income is $50,442, a staggering -32.4% below the US average. Buying power is inherently limited.
• Health Risks: High rates of obesity (35.8%) and diabetes (14.5%) indicate a challenging environment for maintaining long-term health.
• Education Gap: Only 28.1% are college-educated, which may impact networking opportunities for white-collar professionals.

Final Recommendation:
Daytona Beach is a Buy for Remote Workers, Rent for Locals. If you earn a salary at or above the national median of $74,580 via remote work, your purchasing power in Daytona is immense. If you rely on the local job market, the math is tight; renting is the only financially prudent option until income levels rise.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed to live comfortably in Daytona Beach in 2026?
For a single person, a salary of $55,000 is required to cover the $2,760 monthly budget while maintaining a 20% savings rate. For a family of four, the household income needs to exceed $110,000.

2. Is the value proposition better than other Florida cities?
Daytona Beach offers a -10.6% discount on 1BR rent compared to the US average, making it significantly cheaper than Miami or Orlando. However, it lacks the high-income job density of those metros.

3. How safe is Daytona Beach compared to the national average?
It is statistically average. Violent crime is exactly 380/100k (same as US avg), and property crime is 1845/100k (slightly better than the 2,000/100k avg).

4. When is the best time to relocate for housing deals?
The market is competitive but soft. The best time to rent is late autumn (October-November) when tourism demand drops, potentially lowering rents by 3-5%. Buying is best done before the spring rush, as inventory remains tight with a low supply of 2.5 months.