RentData

Average Rent in Pensacola, FL↑ Rents rising 5.2% YoY

HUD FY2027 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 516,994

Data review: HUD FY2027Sources: HUD, Zillow, CensusMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction

Market Overview

Pensacola, FL has rental prices ranging from $1,154/month to $2,435/month in 2027, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,359/month — 3% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $73,588/year, spending $1,359/month on a 1-bedroom represents 22% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Pensacola Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,548/month, Pensacola ranks #19 most expensive of the 56 cities tracked in Florida — pricier than 90% of all US cities in our data.

The Pensacola Rental Market

The Pensacola, FL area has a population of about 516,994 and 30% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Pensacola, FL have risen by $77/month (5.2%) over the past year, from $1,471 to $1,548. This modest growth is consistent with broader inflationary trends seen across US rental markets.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Pensacola, FL without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $54,360. The local median household income of $73,588 exceeds that threshold by $19,228, making Pensacola relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Rent vs. Buy

The median home value in Pensacola, FL is $264,868, giving a price-to-rent ratio of 14.3. The break-even point between renting and buying is roughly 14 years — renting offers more flexibility for shorter stays, while buying makes more sense for long-term residents.

Neighborhoods

Home values — and by extension rent levels — vary significantly across Pensacola's neighborhoods. Among the highest-value areas are Englewood ($110,997 median home value), Brownsville ($114,101 median home value), Palafox ($127,440 median home value). Rental prices typically follow home value patterns, with premium neighborhoods commanding higher rents than outer areas. Renters on a tighter budget may find better value in less central neighborhoods or in adjacent metros with lower overall rent levels.

Fair Market Rents

HUD FY2027
Studio
$1,154
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$1,359
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$1,548
↑5.2% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$2,034
Average
4 Bedrooms
$2,435
Average
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▼
Median Home Value
$264,868
Source: Zillow ZHVI
Est. monthly payment
$1,410/mo
20% down · 30yr · 7%

Is Pensacola, FL Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Affordability Index(30% income rule)

To rent a 2BR
$61,920/year
Local median income: $73,588
To buy a median home
$56,390/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $1,548/month and 20% down on a $264,868 home at 7% rate.

Nearby Cities in FLlargest metros in the state

CityStudio1BR2BR3BRHome Value
Fort Lauderdale$1,759$1,902$2,321$3,172—
West Palm Beach$1,907$2,008$2,349$3,052—
Miami$1,953$2,121$2,564$3,277—
Tampa$1,597$1,648$1,917$2,448—
Orlando$1,658$1,726$1,959$2,445—
Jacksonville$1,401$1,421$1,694$2,077—

Rent or Buy in Pensacola?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Pensacola data

$
Home Value
$264,868
2BR Rent
$1,548/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,410/mo
🏠 Buy

Buying breaks even after 1 year — worth it if you stay 1+ years.

Total monthly buy cost: $1,951/movs rent: $1,548/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Mortgage Calculator

Estimate monthly payment for $264,868 home at 7% rate

20% — $52,974
3%50%
Estimated Monthly Payment
$1,410
per month · 30 years · 7% APR
Loan Amount
$211,894
Total Paid
$507,506
Total Interest
$295,612
Estimated only. Excludes taxes, insurance, HOA. Rate from FRED.

Living in Pensacola

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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🏘️Neighborhoods in Pensacola

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

⚖️Rent vs Buy in Pensacola

Is it cheaper to rent or buy here?

💵Rent Affordability in Pensacola

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in FL

See how Pensacola ranks statewide

⚖️Compare Pensacola

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📋FL Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections