When a friend who moved to Fort Myers said, "The cost of living isn't as high as I expected," I was skeptical.

Looking at the actual figures, it seems that statement is somewhat accurate. The cost of living index in Fort Myers is about 108, which is approximately 8% higher than the U.S. average of 100. Within Florida, it is much lower than Miami (128) but slightly higher than Jacksonville (98), placing it in a middle position.

Since the pandemic, real estate prices and rents have significantly increased across Florida, and Fort Myers appears to be no exception. According to Zillow data, the median price of single-family homes in Lee County has risen considerably compared to before COVID.

Grocery costs in Florida are generally close to the national average. If you primarily shop at well-known markets like Publix or Walmart, you can find reasonable prices. There aren't many Korean markets in Fort Myers, so you may need to travel to Naples or Cape Coral for those.

In terms of transportation costs, Fort Myers is a city with limited public transportation infrastructure, leading to a high dependence on vehicles.

When you combine monthly gas, insurance, and maintenance costs, they align with the national average. Florida has no state income tax, which is a relatively low tax burden and a positive factor for purchasing power.

For utilities, due to the hot climate, air conditioning usage tends to result in higher electricity bills compared to other areas. It's not uncommon for summer electricity bills to exceed $200, and when you add water and gas costs, utilities are also at an average level.

When compared to other cities in Florida, Miami (128) is much more expensive than Fort Myers, while Jacksonville (98) is actually cheaper than the U.S. average.

Fort Myers is known for being a popular area for both retirees and family immigrants, despite having a smaller Korean community. People who prefer a warm climate and a relatively relaxed pace of life tend to settle here consistently.

For Korean households considering Fort Myers, the most important factors are the combination of housing and transportation costs.

To reduce rent, looking at areas slightly outside the city center, like Cape Coral or Lehigh Acres, could be a good option.

The COL index of 108 indicates that while it is more expensive than the U.S. average, it is significantly more affordable compared to Miami or major metropolitan areas in California, so it's worth considering this when planning your initial settlement budget.