From doxo.com and Staff Reports
In September, the Apopka City Council voted 5-0 to increase the millage rate from 4.1876 to 4.6876. It also approved increased water, wastewater, and sewer rates by 23.75% and sanitation rates by 10%.
Now, less than a month removed from those increases, a report from the financial website doxo, finds that Apopka's household bills are higher than state and national averages.
According to the report, Apopka ranks 45th most expensive for household bills in Florida.
The findings of the 2024 State by State Bill Pay Market report indicate that Apopka residents are paying significantly more than state and national averages for their monthly expenses.
Florida's Statewide Rankings
Florida ranks as the 17th most expensive state for household bills, with residents paying an average of $2,259 monthly on the 10 most common bills. This figure is 6% higher than the national average of $2,046, showing that Florida's cost of living is already elevated compared to other states.
Among counties, Orange was ranked #10 in Florida, while other cities in Orange and Seminole Counties that ranked in the top 50 were Longwood (49), Maitland (42), Lake Mary (37), Winter Garden (24), and Oviedo (5).
Apopka's High Cost of Living
According to the report, households in Apopka pay an average of $2,445 monthly on household bills—8% higher than the state average and a striking 15% higher than the national average. It adds up to $29,345 annually, with Apopka residents paying $3,832 more than the typical U.S. household.
What makes these numbers even more significant is their impact on household income. Apopka residents spend 37% of their annual household income of $78,813 on bills, which covers ordinary expenses like utilities, auto loans, and cable bills.
A Closer Look at Common Bills
The report breaks down household bills into ten categories, highlighting the key contributors to Apopka's elevated costs. These categories include:
- Utilities
- Auto loans
- Cable and Internet services
- Health insurance premiums
- Mobile phone bills
- Rent or mortgage payments
- Security and alarm systems
- Other monthly expenses
These essential costs add up to putting Apopka above the average for Florida and the nation.
Local Implications
For Apopka residents, these findings highlight the increasing pressure on household budgets. As the cost of living continues to rise, families in Apopka are left navigating how to manage their expenses while maintaining a reasonable standard of living.
While the city is known for its growth, the elevated cost of household bills could be a challenge for new and long-time residents.
Apopka's ranking as the #45 most expensive city in Florida for household bills underscores residents' growing financial challenges. As household expenses in the city outpace state and national averages, families are spending more of their income on essentials, making it critical for individuals and policymakers to consider strategies for managing the rising cost of living.
