Oldsmar is considered moderately affordable in 2025, with average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment around $1,750 per month and utility costs slightly below the national average.
Housing Costs in Oldsmar
In Oldsmar, housing options range from apartments and condos to single-family homes. Typical rent for a 2-bedroom apartment falls between $1,600 to $1,900 per month as of 2025, with an average around $1,750. Buying a 3-bedroom house in Oldsmar will cost anywhere from $350,000 to $500,000 depending on the neighborhood, age of the home, and included amenities.
Some of the more affordable areas to rent or buy in Oldsmar include:
- Cypress Lakes – 2BR apartments starting at $1,550/mo; 3BR homes from $325K
- Gull Aire Village – 2BR apartments from $1,650/mo; 3BR homes from $375K
- Bayside – 2BR apartments from $1,700/mo; 3BR homes from $400K
Pricier neighborhoods like Forest Lakes or Cypress Trace Estates feature larger homes with more amenities, where a 3-bedroom house can cost over $500,000. Many neighborhoods have optional HOA fees ranging from $200-500 annually that cover community amenities and events.
Utilities and Energy Bills
Basic utility costs in Oldsmar, including electricity, water, and trash, average around $180 per month for a 2-bedroom apartment. Expect cooling costs to rise about 20% in the hot summer months. Here’s a typical monthly utility breakdown:
| Utility | Average Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Electricity | $110 |
| Water | $45 |
| Trash | $25 |
Internet and cable packages start around $75/month for basic plans. Adding a cell phone plan for two people will cost another $120-150 monthly.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Groceries in Oldsmar cost about $350 per person per month, which is slightly below the national average. A gallon of milk runs about $3.50, while a dozen eggs cost around $2.80. Dining out for two at a mid-range restaurant with drinks will cost about $50-60.
Here’s an example of what a typical grocery trip for two might look like:
- Milk, eggs, bread, cheese: $15
- Chicken, ground beef, fish: $25
- Fresh produce and salad mix: $20
- Pantry staples and snacks: $30
Budget around $500-600 per month for groceries and household items for a couple in Oldsmar.
Taxes and Fees
Florida has no state income tax, which helps keep the overall tax burden lower. However, Oldsmar’s property tax rate is 1.06%, slightly higher than the national average. For a $400,000 home, annual property taxes would be about $4,240.
Sales tax in Oldsmar is 7%, a combination of the 6% Florida state sales tax and a 1% Pinellas County tax. Vehicle registration fees are $225 for a new vehicle or $50 for a renewal, plus applicable sales taxes.
Monthly Budget Breakdown
| Expense Category | Single | Couple | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing (rent, insurance) | $1,800 | $1,900 | $2,200 |
| Utilities | $180 | $220 | $350 |
| Groceries & dining out | $400 | $600 | $1,000 |
| Transportation | $300 | $500 | $800 |
| Healthcare | $250 | $500 | $800 |
| Other (entertainment, clothes, etc) | $400 | $600 | $1,000 |
| Total | $3,330 | $4,320 | $6,150 |
To live comfortably, plan for the following in gross monthly income (pre-tax):
- Single person: at least $4,000/month
- Couple: around $5,200/month
- Family of four: $7,400/month or more
Lifestyle Considerations
Oldsmar offers a suburban lifestyle with easy access to beaches, parks, and the amenities of the Tampa Bay area. Commute times are reasonable, with most residents spending 20-30 minutes driving to work. While Oldsmar itself is walkable and bikeable, a car is recommended for convenience.
Homes in Oldsmar tend to be a bit newer and larger compared to neighboring towns like Safety Harbor or Dunedin. You’ll find more modern construction and planned communities. The tradeoff is slightly higher housing costs, but also more space and updated features.
Oldsmar’s parks, trails, library, and recreation centers provide plenty of free and low-cost entertainment. Upscale dining and shopping are a short drive away in Tampa, Clearwater, or St. Petersburg. Beaches are about a 20-30 minute drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: How much do I need to make to live comfortably in Oldsmar?
A: Plan for a gross monthly income (pre-tax) of at least $4,000 for a single person, $5,200 for a couple, or $7,400 for a family of four to live comfortably in Oldsmar. - Q: Is Oldsmar cheaper than Tampa?
A: Yes, the cost of living in Oldsmar is about 5-10% lower than in Tampa proper, mainly due to more affordable housing options in Oldsmar. - Q: How much is the average electric bill in Oldsmar?
A: Expect to pay around $110 per month for electricity for a 2-bedroom apartment in Oldsmar, with costs rising 20% or so in the summer months. - Q: Are there ways to save money on utilities in Oldsmar?
A: Some tips include: use ceiling fans and open windows instead of AC when possible, install LED light bulbs, unplug electronics when not in use, and take advantage of off-peak utility rates. - Q: Is Oldsmar a good place to buy a home?
A: Oldsmar can be a great place to buy, offering newer construction and master-planned communities at a lower price point than some neighboring cities. However, property taxes are slightly above the national average. - Q: What salary do you need to live in Oldsmar?
A: To live comfortably in Oldsmar, aim for an annual salary of at least $48,000 (single), $62,400 (couple), or $88,800 (family of 4). Keep in mind these figures are pre-tax.