Davenport, FL vs. Clermont, FL: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Imagine two families, the Garcias and the Johnsons, considering a move to central Florida. The Garcias, a family of four, are eyeing a 3-bedroom home in Davenport with a monthly rent of $1,800. Meanwhile, the Johnsons, a retired couple, have their sights set on a cozy 2-bedroom apartment in Clermont for $1,500 per month.
On moving day, both families head to the local supermarket to stock up on groceries. The Garcias spend $600 for the month, while the Johnsons, with fewer mouths to feed, spend $400. Utility setup comes next – the Garcias budget $250 per month for electricity, water, and internet in Davenport, and the Johnsons allocate $200 for the same in Clermont.
This fictional scenario illustrates the real cost of living differences between Davenport and Clermont, Florida. This article provides a detailed cost of living comparison perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone weighing the real-life expenses of these two cities in 2025. All income figures are expressed in gross monthly amounts (pre-tax).
Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living differences. Here’s how typical rent and mortgage costs compare in Davenport and Clermont:
| Housing Type | Davenport | Clermont |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment | $1,400 | $1,500 |
| 3BR House | $1,800 | $2,100 |
🏆 Winner: Davenport
The median home price in Davenport is around $350,000, while Clermont’s median is closer to $400,000. This means monthly mortgage costs in Davenport are generally 10-15% lower than in Clermont.
Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs are fairly similar between the two cities, but there are a few differences to note:
- Electricity rates are about 5% lower in Davenport than Clermont
- Water and sewer costs are roughly equal
- Seasonal energy usage is comparable, with slightly higher summer AC costs in Clermont
Expect monthly utility bills for a typical household to fall between $200-300 in both cities.
🏆 Winner: Davenport (slightly)
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery costs are very similar in Davenport and Clermont. A family of four can expect to spend $800-1000 per month on food and household items in either city.
Restaurant prices are also comparable, with a typical meal out costing $12-15 per person in both locations. However, Clermont does have a slightly wider variety of dining options.
🏆 Winner: Tie
Taxes and Fees
Florida has no state income tax, so that’s one less thing to worry about in either city. However, there are some differences in other taxes and fees:
- Property tax rates are about 0.2% lower in Davenport (1.1% vs 1.3%)
- Davenport’s utility taxes and service fees are marginally lower
- HOA fees are similar, typically ranging from $100-300/month
🏆 Winner: Davenport
Cost of Living in Davenport vs Clermont
| Category | Davenport | Clermont |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | $1,400 | $1,600 |
| Utilities | $250 | $275 |
| Groceries | $800 | $800 |
| Transportation | $300 | $250 |
| Taxes & Fees | $400 | $450 |
| Misc Expenses | $500 | $500 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $3,650 | $3,875 |
Lifestyle Fit
While Davenport has a slight edge on costs, Clermont offers its own benefits that may be worth the premium for some:
- Clermont is more walkable and bike-friendly
- Clermont has better access to public transportation
- Davenport is about 5°F warmer than Clermont in the summer months.
Ultimately, the better fit depends on your priorities – Davenport for lower costs and warmer weather, Clermont for easier mobility and milder summers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Davenport more affordable than Clermont?
Yes, Davenport has a lower overall cost of living than Clermont, primarily due to cheaper housing.
Which city has lower rent?
Davenport’s rental prices are about 10% lower on average compared to similar properties in Clermont.
Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
Davenport’s median home price is roughly $50,000 less than Clermont’s, translating to lower monthly mortgage costs.
Conclusion
While Davenport comes out ahead on overall affordability, both cities offer a relatively low cost of living compared to other parts of Florida and the U.S. Families and retirees may find Davenport’s lower housing costs attractive, while professionals who prioritize walkability and transit access may prefer Clermont despite the slightly higher price tag.
Ultimately, the right choice depends on your specific budget, lifestyle, and preferences. We recommend visiting both cities and digging deeper into the cost of living details to determine the best fit for you.