It’s a question almost every future retiree asks:

“Do I have enough to retire comfortably?”

If you’re considering a move to St. Johns County, Florida, the answer may be more encouraging than you think—especially if you're relocating from high-cost states like New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, or Massachusetts.

Between Florida’s tax advantages, lower property taxes, and strong quality of life, many retirees find their money stretches significantly further here than it does back home.

To help put things into perspective, here’s a look at three realistic retirement lifestyles in St. Johns County and what they may cost.

Why St. Johns County Makes Retirement More Affordable

St. Johns County consistently attracts retirees because it combines:

✅ No Florida state income tax
✅ Lower property taxes than many Northeast states
✅ Access to top healthcare providers, including Mayo Clinic Jacksonville and Baptist Health
✅ Year-round outdoor activities such as golf, boating, beaches, walking trails, and pickleball
✅ One of Florida’s safest counties
✅ Excellent schools for those wanting to stay close to grandchildren

For many retirees, the biggest financial benefit is simple:

Florida does not tax Social Security benefits, pensions, IRA withdrawals, or investment income.

That alone can save thousands of dollars each year.

Retirement Lifestyle #1: Modest but Comfortable

"We live comfortably and stay within our budget."

This lifestyle is ideal for retirees who:

  • Own their home outright or have a small mortgage
  • Cook most meals at home
  • Enjoy occasional golf and local outings
  • Travel once or twice per year
  • Want a comfortable lifestyle without financial stress

Estimated Monthly Budget

Expense Monthly Cost
Housing $1,400–$1,800
Utilities $380–$480
Groceries $550–$700
Dining Out $600–$800
Healthcare $700–$900
Transportation $750–$950
Personal Expenses $300–$400
Entertainment $300–$450
Travel $200–$350
Miscellaneous $300–$400

Total Cost:

$5,480–$7,230 per month
$65,760–$86,760 per year

Typical Retirement Savings Needed

Assuming Social Security covers part of your expenses:

Approximately $600,000–$800,000 in retirement savings

Retirement Lifestyle #2: Comfortable and Active

"We travel, golf, dine out, and enjoy life."

This lifestyle is common among many retirees relocating from the Northeast.

You may:

  • Dine out several times per week
  • Play golf regularly
  • Belong to a club
  • Travel two to three times per year
  • Enjoy a larger home and active social life

Estimated Monthly Budget

Expense Monthly Cost
Housing $1,800–$2,400
Utilities $400–$520
Groceries $700–$900
Dining Out $1,200–$1,600
Healthcare $900–$1,200
Transportation $950–$1,200
Golf/Club Membership $400–$700
Personal Expenses $450–$600
Entertainment $450–$650
Travel $600–$900
Miscellaneous $400–$600

Total Cost:

$7,850–$11,270 per month
$94,200–$135,240 per year

Typical Retirement Savings Needed

Approximately $900,000–$1.5 million in retirement savings, often less if you also receive a pension.

This is the retirement lifestyle many St. Johns County transplants enjoy.

Retirement Lifestyle #3: Luxury Retirement

"We've worked hard and want to enjoy the rewards."

This lifestyle may include:

  • A newer custom home
  • Private club memberships
  • Luxury vehicles
  • Frequent dining and entertainment
  • Multiple premium vacations each year

Estimated Monthly Budget

$14,300–$22,000 per month

Annual Cost

$171,600–$264,000 per year

Typical Retirement Savings Needed

$2 million–$3.5 million+ in retirement assets

Many retirees in this category use significant equity from the sale of a Northeast home to help fund their lifestyle.

The Hidden Advantage: Florida's Tax Savings

One of the biggest surprises for retirees moving from New Jersey or New York is how much they save annually.

Example

A retiree earning approximately $90,000 per year may save:

  • $2,800–$4,500 annually in state income taxes

  • $8,000+ annually in property taxes

Potential Total Savings

$11,000–$13,000 per year

Over time, that can have a significant impact on retirement finances.

Healthcare Costs May Be Lower Too

Healthcare is one of retirement's largest expenses.

For Medicare Supplement Plan G coverage:

Typical Monthly Premiums (2026)

New Jersey: $195–$280 per person
St. Johns County: $115–$168 per person

For many couples, that can translate to annual savings of approximately:

$1,900–$2,600 per year

Plus, residents have convenient access to:

  • Mayo Clinic Jacksonville
  • Baptist Medical Center
  • UF Health Jacksonville

Your Home Equity Could Change Everything

For many Northeast homeowners, the biggest retirement boost comes from unlocking home equity.

Example Scenario

  • Sell a New Jersey home for $750,000
  • Net approximately $700,000+ after expenses
  • Purchase a St. Johns County home for $550,000
  • Invest the remaining equity

This approach can:

✔ Lower housing expenses
✔ Reduce property taxes
✔ Create additional retirement income from invested proceeds

For many retirees, this is what makes retirement feel financially comfortable sooner than expected.

The Bottom Line

Every retirement situation is unique, but many buyers relocating to St. Johns County discover they need less than they originally thought.

General Guidelines

Modest but Comfortable Retirement

  • $600,000–$800,000 in savings plus Social Security

Comfortable and Active Retirement

  • $900,000–$1.5 million in savings plus Social Security and/or pension income

Luxury Retirement Lifestyle

  • $2 million–$3.5 million+ in retirement assets

The common theme?

Your retirement dollars often go much further in St. Johns County than they do in many Northeast states.

Thinking About Retiring in St. Johns County?

Every retirement plan is different. Your ideal budget depends on your income sources, home equity, lifestyle goals, and healthcare needs.

If you're considering a move from New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, or Massachusetts, Gail DeMarco can help you understand what life—and retirement—could look like in Northeast Florida.

Gail DeMarco
📞 904-640-8000
St. Johns County Relocation Specialist

Serving Nocatee, Ponte Vedra, Del Webb Saint Johns, RiverTown, WaterSong, Palencia, St. Augustine, and surrounding communities.

All figures are estimates based on 2025–2026 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Social Security Administration, Medicare.gov, MIT Living Wage Calculator, local market data, and published financial planning benchmarks. Individual retirement needs vary significantly based on health, lifestyle, debt, family obligations, and income sources. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, or investment advice. Always consult a qualified financial planner and CPA.