Can A Firefighter Afford Rent in Key West, FL?
Rent-burdened — rent takes 68.8% of gross income.
Key West rent: June 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 Key West, which improves the affordability math on a firefighter salary:
Compare with full rent data for Key West
View full rent data for Key West, FL →Frequently asked questions
Can a firefighter afford rent in Key West, FL?
Median rent in Key West is $3,351 a month. A typical firefighter in Florida earns about $58,413 a year, which makes that rent 68.8% 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 Key West?
Using the 30% rule, a firefighter salary in Florida (~$58,413/yr) supports up to $1,460 a month in rent. Key West's current median rent is $3,351/mo, which is $1,891/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a firefighter work to cover rent in Key West?
At an hourly equivalent of about $28 an hour, a firefighter in Florida works roughly 119.3 hours a month to cover Key West's median rent of $3,351.
Where is rent cheaper than Key West for a firefighter?
Nearby Florida cities with lower median rent include Sunny Isles Beach ($3,346/mo), Indian River Shores ($3,333/mo), Sunny Isles Beach ($3,320/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a firefighter salary.