Can A Firefighter Afford Rent in Big Pine Key, FL?
Rent-burdened — rent takes 113% of gross income.
Big Pine Key rent: May 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Florida state estimate).
About rent and a firefighter salary
Firefighter base pay plus typical overtime sits modestly above the US median household income, but local rent levels determine whether that translates into affordability or rent burden. At the national-average firefighter base salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,570 a month in rent. The per-city pages compare local rent against local firefighter-pay estimates so renters can see where rent stays in range.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Florida cities have lower median rent than Big Pine Key, which improves the affordability math on a firefighter salary:
Compare with full rent data for Big Pine Key
View full rent data for Big Pine Key, FL →Frequently asked questions
Can a firefighter afford rent in Big Pine Key, FL?
Median rent in Big Pine Key is $5,500 a month. A typical firefighter in Florida earns about $58,413 a year, which makes that rent 113% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a firefighter afford in Big Pine Key?
Using the 30% rule, a firefighter salary in Florida (~$58,413/yr) supports up to $1,460 a month in rent. Big Pine Key's current median rent is $5,500/mo, which is $4,040/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a firefighter work to cover rent in Big Pine Key?
At an hourly equivalent of about $28 an hour, a firefighter in Florida works roughly 195.8 hours a month to cover Big Pine Key's median rent of $5,500.
Where is rent cheaper than Big Pine Key for a firefighter?
Nearby Florida cities with lower median rent include Parkland ($5,495/mo), Marco Island ($5,440/mo), Pinecrest ($5,405/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a firefighter salary.