As you have decided to leave your current city to move to Florida, you might wonder which city is ideal for settling down. How about moving to Daytona Beach, Florida? The Sunshine State’s city has beautiful beaches, world-class racing, a vibrant arts and culture scene, and abundant attractions, food, and beverages. Let’s dive into the blog post and learn more about the city.
Founded in 1870 and officially incorporated in 1876, Daytona Beach gets its name from its founder, Matthias D. Day, a business tycoon from Mansfield, Ohio. The city that was once known for having the historical lighthouse, Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse, is now earned the title “The World’s Most Famous Beach” and “The World Center of Racing” for having 500 acres of Daytona International Speedway in the city.
In this blog post, let’s look at what the city offers and what you might experience after relocating to Daytona Beach.
Quick facts before moving to Daytona Beach, FL
Where is Daytona Beach, FL, Located?
Daytona Beach, in Florida’s Volusia County, is on the east side near the Atlantic coast.
The city is about 42 miles northeast of Orlando and 90 miles south of Jacksonville.
Daytona Beach, with coordinates 29°12′N latitude and 81°2′W longitude, is split by the Halifax River lagoon and faces the Atlantic Ocean.
Population in Daytona Beach, FL
According to the 2020 Census, the population of Daytona Beach, Florida, averages 72,647 residents, which was increased to 77,958 by July 1, 2022.
Daytona Beach’s population is estimated to be around 79,920 in 2023.
Diversity in Daytona Beach, FL
Daytona Beach is a diverse city with a significant proportion of its residents identifying as White and Black or African American. According to the U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts, the racial composition of Daytona Beach is as follows:
- White alone: 54.8%
- Black or African American alone: 32.0%
- Asian alone: 3.0%
- Two or More Races: 5.4%
- Hispanic or Latino (of any race): 10.3%
- White alone, not Hispanic or Latino: 51.2%
Cost of Living in Daytona Beach, FL
Daytona Beach, Florida, has a Cost of Living index of 94.9, making the total cost of living 5.1% lower than the U.S. average. If you are moving to Daytona Beach, FL, due to its affordability, check out the simple breakdown of the critical elements and a few pieces of information that make up the city’s cost of living.
- The median household income in Daytona Beach, FL, is $42,392.
- To lead a comfortable life in Daytona Beach, it’s recommended to have a minimum annual income of $46,800 for a family and $43,200 for a single person.
- The living wage for an individual in Daytona Beach is reported to be $33,165 before taxes.
- The Average cost of living in Daytona Beach, Florida, is $2118 per month.
The table below indicates Daytona Beach’s cost of living index for different categories compared to the cost of living in Florida and the national average.
| Category | Cost/Index |
| Overall Cost of Living | 94.9 |
| Housing | 69 |
| Rent for a Two-Bedroom Unit | $1,330 per month |
| Utilities | 103 |
| Transportation | 93 |
| Grocery | 91 |
| Healthcare | 95 |
| Median Home Price | $245,100 |
| Median Rent | $1,372 per month |
| Average Monthly Salary After Tax | $3,156 |
How Is the Housing Market in Daytona Beach, FL?
Daytona Beach, Florida’s housing market is somewhat competitive, influenced by home prices, rental, and ownership rates. To give you an idea of the expected housing and rental market, here are some critical stats if you consider moving to Daytona Beach, Florida.
- The average cost of buying a home in Daytona Beach is about $300,000, with a slight 0.0% increase over the past month.
- The median sale price was $281,583 in November 2023, up 8.2% from last year.
- Daytona Beach has a homeownership rate of 44.1%, lower than the national average of 64.6%.
- The median sale price per square foot in Daytona Beach is $217, with another source reporting it as $208.
- Regarding population, 44.1% of occupied housing units in Daytona Beach are owner-occupied, implying that the remaining 55.9% have renters.
Average rental price in Daytona Beach, FL
- The average rent for a studio apartment in Daytona Beach, FL, is about $1,021 monthly.
- The average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Daytona Beach, FL, is approximately $1,248.
- If you’re looking for a 3-bedroom home in Daytona Beach, FL, the average monthly rent is around $1,952.
- The average monthly rent for a 4-bedroom home in Daytona Beach, FL, ranges from $1,550 to $3,495.
How is the job market in Daytona Beach, FL?
If getting a job after moving to Daytona Beach, Florida, is your concern, check out the critical information about the job market and salary information the city’s organization offers.
- The average annual salary in Daytona Beach, FL, is approximately $46,453 as of December 2023.
- Daytona Beach, FL’s job market grew by 2.0% in the past year, and future predictions show a 43.3% increase over the next decade, surpassing the US average.
- The construction industry, especially in the Greater Daytona Region, is thriving and expected to grow in the upcoming decades.
- Daytona Beach, FL, reported an unemployment rate of 3.50% as of the latest available data.
What are the top employers in Daytona Beach, FL
- Brown & Brown
- TopBuild
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
- Halifax Health
- AdventHealth
- NASCAR
- International Speedway Corporation
- Daytona State College
- Florida Hospital Volusia Flagler
- Halifax Media Acquisition
What are the most common job titles in Daytona Beach, FL
- Cashier
- Sales Associate
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
- Customer Service Representative
- Server
- Administrative Assistant
- Registered Nurse (RN)
- Internship
- Legal Assistant
- Sales Representative
Highest paying jobs in Daytona Beach, FL
- Rheumatologist
- Internal Medicine Physician
- Physician
- Physician Liaison
- Hospitalist Physician
- Optometrist
- Family Practice Physician
- Hospitalist
- Medical Staff Physician
- Dentist
How safe is it to live in Daytona Beach, FL?
Daytona Beach is considered one of the best places for families to live in Florida, but is it safe to move there with your family? And if not, does the city offer safe neighborhoods to settle down? Let’s find out from the below stats.
- Daytona Beach has a crime rate of about 3603 incidents per 1000 people, higher than the national average.
- The crime rate in Daytona Beach, Florida, is higher than the national average, with a 1 in 26 chance of being a victim of violent or property crime.
- Over 92% of Florida communities have lower crime rates than Daytona Beach, which ranks among the highest in violent crime rates nationally.
- The violent crime rate in Daytona Beach is 928.3 per 100,000 people
- The property crime rate in Daytona Beach is 2,674.7 per 100,000 people.
- The chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime in Daytona Beach is 1 in 107.7.
- The chance of becoming a victim of a property crime in Daytona Beach is 1 in 35.
- The most common violent crimes reported in Daytona Beach are assault and robbery.
- The most common property crimes in Daytona Beach are theft and burglary.
Top Safest Neighborhoods in Daytona Beach, FL
- Daytona Beach Southeast
- Daytona Beach North
- Pelican Bay
- Bostwick Park
- Colonial Colony South Mhp / Carriage Cove Mhp
- Colonial Colony North
- Country Club Harbor
- City Island / Bethune Cookman University
- Ortona
How Fast Can You Commute in Daytona Beach, FL?
The average commute time for Daytona Beach, FL, residents is about 20.2 minutes, which is shorter than the national average of approximately 26.4 to 27.6 minutes.
Daytona Beach, Florida, has diverse public transportation options:
Bus Services
- Votran: Volusia County’s public transportation system provides access to various amenities in Daytona Beach and offers bike racks on the front of buses.
- Greyhound: Greyhound offers bus services to different locations.
Shuttle Services
- Daytona Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau: This service offers ground transportation, including major taxi companies, ride-share services, and options for large groups like vans and motor coach charters.
Other Transportation Options
- Amtrak: Amtrak provides rail service to Daytona Beach.
- Daytona Beach-Orlando Transit Service shuttles tourists between Orlando International Airport and Daytona Beach.
- Taxis and Ride-Shares: Various taxi services and ride-share options, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Daytona Beach area.
How’s the weather in Daytona Beach, FL?
Daytona Beach has a warm climate, distinct wet and dry seasons, ample rainfall, no snow, and many sunny days. The warmest temperatures are in August, and the coolest are in January. If you’re moving to Daytona Beach for a vacation or to settle down, here is what you need to know about the city’s weather conditions.
- Daytona Beach, Florida, has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters.
- The city experiences two main seasons: a hot, wet period from late May to October and a cooler, dry season from November to April.
- Daytona Beach’s climate falls under the humid subtropical category, known for hot, humid summers and mild winters.
- The best time to visit Daytona Beach is from March to May.
- The city receives significant yearly rainfall, with an average annual precipitation of 49.62 inches.
- Snowfall is sporadic in Daytona Beach, particularly in coastal areas like Daytona Beach.
- Daytona Beach enjoys many sunny days, with April being the most apparent month.
- August is the hottest month, with an average high of 88°F and a low of 75°F, while January is the coldest, with an average low of 50°F and a high of 68°F.
How is the Education in Daytona Beach, FL?
- Daytona Beach, Florida, provides diverse educational opportunities through its public and private schools in the Volusia County School District.
- Daytona Beach has 20 public and 45 private schools, with 11 high schools recognized in U.S. News & World Report’s rankings. The school district’s overall score is 6.4/10, comparable to similar metro areas, and Volusia County Schools received a B rating from the Florida Department of Education.
- The cost of education in Daytona Beach varies; for example, Daytona State College’s tuition per credit hour ranges from $82.24 to $120.32 for Florida residents and $328.96 to $623.29 for non-residents. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University charges $1,695 per credit hour.
- Daytona Beach has 20 public and 45 private schools, while the Volusia County School District operates 90 schools. Public high schools in Daytona Beach have a 21:1 student-teacher ratio; the district’s ratio is 11:1, lower than the Florida average of 20:1.
Best Middle Schools in Daytona Beach, FL
- David C. Hinson Sr. Middle School
- Stewart Treatment Center
- Holly Hill School
Best Elementary Schools in Daytona Beach, FL
- R. J. Longstreet Elementary School
- Champion Elementary School
- Palm Terrace Elementary School
Best High Schools in Daytona Beach, FL
- Seabreeze High School
- Mainland High School
- Stewart Treatment Center
Best Universities and Colleges in Daytona Beach, FL
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
- Daytona State College
- Bethune-Cookman University
What are the best things to do in Daytona Beach, FL?
The famous attractions and things to see in Daytona Beach, Florida, are:
- Feel the adrenaline at Daytona International Speedway, hosting iconic motorsport events like the Daytona 500.
- Experience the “World’s Most Famous Beach” at Daytona Beach, where you can sunbathe, swim, and enjoy beach activities.
- Climb Florida’s tallest lighthouse at Ponce de Leon Inlet for panoramic views and explore maritime history at the museum.
- Have family fun at Daytona Lagoon, featuring water attractions, go-kart racing, laser tag, and miniature golf.
- Explore diverse exhibits at the Museum of Arts & Sciences (MOAS), showcasing art, science, and historical artifacts.
- Enjoy classic beachside entertainment at Daytona Beach Boardwalk and Pier with arcades, rides, and waterfront dining.
- Take a scenic drive through The Loop’s lush canopies of live oaks and river views.
- Attend concerts and events at the historic Daytona Beach Bandshell located on the beach.
- Stroll through the tranquil Sugar Mill Botanical Gardens and explore the ruins of a 19th-century sugar mill.
- Enjoy outdoor activities like camping, fishing, and birdwatching at Tomoka State Park.
Best Neighborhoods in Daytona Beach, FL
Here is the list of the best places to live in Daytona Beach, Florida:
- Pelican Bay
- Indigo Lakes
- Seabreeze Historic District
- Ortona
- LPGA
- Mosaic
- Latitude
- Daytona Beach Shores
- Holly Hill
What are the Pros and Cons of Living in Daytona Beach, FL?
If you are moving to Daytona Beach, Florida, learning the benefits and disadvantages of the city will help you get acquainted with it after settling down. Here are the pros and cons of living in Daytona Beach, Florida:
| Pros | Cons |
| Beautiful Location | High Crime Rate |
| Unique Job Opportunities (e.g., NASCAR Headquarters) | Less Healthy Job Market |
| Educational Opportunities | Risk of Hurricanes |
| Unique Experiences and Activities | High Cost of Living |
| Beautiful Beaches | Some areas are Unsafe at Night |
| Low Cost of Living | Traffic Congestion |
| Affordable Housing | Drug Issues |
| Warm Weather | Some Areas are Not Walkable |
| Delicious Restaurants | High Percentage of Public Assistance |
| Proximity to Major Cities |
Final thoughts:
Whether to access the beaches or the city’s fantastic weather or for work, moving to Daytona Beach, Florida, is a great decision, and it offers something for everyone. Its lower living expenses, delicious restaurants, booming job market, and affordable housing are significant reasons to call Daytona Beach your next hometown.
After reading this page, if you’re prepared to take Daytona Beach by storm, read how to become a Florida resident before relocating to Daytona Beach to know how many days of living in the city you’ll get the residential status of the state.