Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Sanibel, FL
Considering a move to Sanibel, FL? With a friendly community of about 6,400 residents and a median home price of $917,000, Sanibel offers a relaxed island lifestyle with a higher cost of living. You'll enjoy beautiful weather—74% sunny days and mild winters—plus extremely low crime rates and short commute times. The city is known for its top-rated public school, high educational attainment, and easy access to healthcare and nearby colleges, making it a charming, safe, and scenic place to call home.
Demographics - Sanibel, FL
Demographics - Sanibel, FL
Sanibel is a small, close-knit community of approximately 6,400 residents, with a notably mature population—the median age is 68.1. The city is predominantly White, and non-English speakers make up about 7.5% of the population, contributing to a friendly and peaceful island atmosphere.
Population:
6,400
Density:
370 per sq mi
Median Age:
68.1
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
97.2%
Black:
0.4%
Asian:
0.6%
Others:
1.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Sanibel, FL?
The cost of living in Sanibel is significantly above the national average, reflected in a median home value of $917,000 and a cost of living index of 153.1. While Florida's lack of state income tax is a financial perk, housing and everyday expenses are notably higher than in many other regions.
Median House Value:
$917,000
Gross Rent:
$2,480
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$165
Auto Insurance:
$2,190
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,850
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$1,050
State Taxes:
Low:
0% (no state income tax)
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
153.1
Grocery:
110.1
Housing:
231.0
Utilities:
99.5
Transportation:
104.0
Health Care:
95.2
Miscellaneous:
101.9
Crime
Is Sanibel, FL a safe place to live?
Sanibel enjoys exceptionally low crime rates, with violent crimes occurring at just 48 incidents per 100,000 people and a property crime rate of 610 per 100,000. Residents benefit from a strong sense of safety, making it an appealing destination for those seeking peace of mind.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
48
Property Crimes Per 100k:
610
Crime Index:
658
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 2,083
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 164
Weather
What is the weather like in Sanibel, FL year-round?
Sanibel boasts a warm and sunny climate, with mild winters ranging from 54°F to 74°F and summers peaking around 91°F. The area receives about 54 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine 74% of the year, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and beach lovers.

Winter
Min:
54°F
Max:
74°F

Spring
Min:
66°F
Max:
85°F

Summer
Min:
75°F
Max:
91°F

Fall
Min:
68°F
Max:
86°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
54.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
74%
Neighbors
Locals in Sanibel tend to be well-educated and financially comfortable, with a median household income of $110,200 and over 62% holding a bachelor's degree or higher. The low poverty rate of 4.6% and average commute time of just under 24 minutes contribute to a high quality of life.
Median Income:
$76,400
Household Income:
$110,200
Family Income:
$122,000
Per Capita Income:
$79,200
Income Male:
$85,000
Income Female:
$62,000
Poverty Rate:
4.6%
Non English Speakers:
7.5%
Rent:
$2,480
Unemployment Rate:
3.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.4%
Commute Time:
23.7 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
98.3%
Bachelors or More:
62.1%
Education
How are the schools in Sanibel, FL?
Sanibel is home to The Sanibel School, a highly regarded public institution with a low student-teacher ratio, and is within easy reach of major colleges like Florida Gulf Coast University. The community's strong educational attainment supports a vibrant and informed population.

Public Schools
Name:
The Sanibel School
Street:
3840 Sanibel-Captiva Rd
Phone:
239-472-1617
Students:
335
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.6

Colleges
Name:
Florida Gulf Coast University
City:
Fort Myers
State:
FL
Distance:
26 miles
Students:
16,000
Name:
Florida SouthWestern State College
City:
Fort Myers
State:
FL
Distance:
21 miles
Students:
16,600
Healthcare
Residents have convenient access to major healthcare facilities in nearby Fort Myers, including Lee Health – HealthPark Medical Center and Golisano Children's Hospital. With 93.7% health insurance coverage and 2.1 physicians per 1,000 residents, healthcare services are comprehensive and accessible.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Lee Health – HealthPark Medical Center
Address:
9981 S HealthPark Dr, Fort Myers, FL 33908
Phone:
(239) 343-5000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Golisano Children's Hospital of Southwest Florida
Address:
9981 S HealthPark Dr, Fort Myers, FL 33908
Phone:
(239) 343-5437
Type:
Children's Hospital
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.7%
Health Care Index:
76.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Sanibel, FL?
Sanibel's housing market is characterized by high home values, with a median price of $917,000 and an 89.7% owner-occupancy rate. Home values have appreciated by 6.1% over the past year, while the rental market remains limited but stable.
Median Home Price:
$917,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,480
Owner Occupied Rate:
89.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
14.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Sanibel residents are served by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Fort Myers. The DMV offers full services for licensing and vehicle registration, with details available on the state website.
State:
Florida
Department:
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
Address:
2480 Thompson St, Fort Myers, FL 33901
Phone:
(850) 617-2000
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.