City Report · FL

Panama City Beach

Pop. 18,971·261st most expensive in Florida·Panama City Beach rents are up 5.0% over the past year
Median rent (all units)
$1,666/mo
Year-over-Year
+5.0%
Month-over-Month
+1.2%
vs US Median
-$299
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Panama City Beach · $1,666
More affordable than 64% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
87/100
Great value
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 18% below what Panama City Beach's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$1,666/mo
Expected by trend
$2,040/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Panama City Beach's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,553
1 BR
$1,563
2 BR
$1,830
3 BR
$2,430
4 BR+
$3,073
Research median
$1,830/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$19,992/yr
At $1,666/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 5.0% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+5.0% YoY, +1.2% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Panama City Beach, FL is majority owner-occupied, 38% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
18,971
Median income
$80,941
Median age
45.4
Renters
40.8%
Age distribution
17.3%
19.5%
26.6%
18.7%
17.8%
Under 1817.3%
18–3419.5%
35–5426.6%
55–6418.7%
65+17.8%
Gender
50.4%
49.6%
Male50.4%
Female49.6%
Race & ethnicity
79.7%
White79.7%
Black5.4%
Hispanic10.1%
Asian1.8%
Other2.9%
Education (25+)
21.4%
36%
38%
No HS diploma4.5%
HS diploma21.4%
Some college36%
Bachelor's+38%
Housing tenure
59.2%
40.8%
Owner59.2%
Renter40.8%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2021 vs 2026

How Panama City Beach, FL has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,455 → $1,666
up 14.5%
Income
$70,131 → $80,941
up 15.4%
Population
17,882 → 18,971
up 6.1%
Renter share
39.5% → 40.8%
+1.3 pts
Bachelor's+
31.8% → 38%
+6.2 pts
Median age
44.8 → 45.4
+0.6 yrs

Compared with 2021, rent in Panama City Beach, FL has increased by $211 per month, settling near $1,666 after starting the period at $1,455. Census figures show median household income at $80,941 today, compared with $70,131 five years earlier. Headcount in the area went from 17,882 to 18,971 between 2021 and 2024, a 6.1% change. Educational attainment has shifted as well, with the share of adults holding a bachelor's degree or higher climbed from 31.8% to 38%. The combined trend lines point to a market that has changed measurably from where it stood in early 2021.

Community

Discussions about Panama City Beach

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View Panama City Beach rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Panama City Beach on your salary?

At $1,666/mo, how Panama City Beach rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Panama City Beach rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Panama City Beach. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Panama City Beach

About renting in Panama City Beach, FL

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Panama City Beach is $1,666/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,553/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,830/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,563/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $2,430/mo.

At 25% of local median household income ($80,941/yr), Panama City Beach ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 5.0% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Panama City Beach an affordable city for renters?

Panama City Beach is considered affordable for renters. At $1,666/mo, rent takes approximately 25% of the local median household income ($80,941/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Panama City Beach falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Panama City Beach?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $67,000/year (~$32/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,666/mo in Panama City Beach. The local median household income is $80,941/yr, meaning the typical Panama City Beach household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Panama City Beach?

Rent in Panama City Beach has increased 5.0% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Which Panama City Beach neighborhoods have the lowest rent?

The most affordable ZIP codes in Panama City Beach are 32407 ($1,653/mo), 32413 ($1,673/mo), and 32408 ($1,717/mo). Citywide, the median rent in Panama City Beach is $1,666/mo.

How does Panama City Beach rent compare to other cities in Florida?

Panama City Beach is one of the more affordable cities in Florida for rent, ranking #261 out of 288 tracked cities at $1,666/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Panama City Beach?

Springfield is nearby and more affordable at $1,367/mo, which is $299 less than Panama City Beach.

What percentage of Panama City Beach residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 40.8% of Panama City Beach households are renters, while 59.2% are owner-occupied. Panama City Beach leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Panama City Beach rent compare to the national average?

Panama City Beach's median rent of $1,666/mo is $299 (15%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Florida, it ranks #261 out of 288 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
25%
AFFORDABLE

At $1,666/mo, rent takes ~25% of Panama City Beach's median household income ($80,941/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Panama City Beach 25%Benchmark 30%
State income taxNone
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Lowest-rent ZIP codes in Panama City Beach
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Panama City Beach, FL

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