Living in the greater Tampa Bay area is becoming increasingly unaffordable for many working families, according to a new report from United Way Suncoast. The study finds the cost of living has increased significantly over the past several years.

The annual ALICE report — which stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed — highlights the growing number of households earning more than the federal poverty level but still not enough to cover basic living expenses.

In 2023, a family of four in the Tampa Bay region — including Pinellas, Hillsborough, Sarasota, Manatee, and DeSoto counties — needed to earn at least $96,516 just to meet essential needs, the report found.

Doug Griesenauer, vice president of community impact at United Way Suncoast, said the data is intended to guide policymakers, employers, and community leaders.

“This data confirms what too many families already experience every day — that hard work alone no longer guarantees financial stability,” Griesenauer said, citing the organization’s CEO.

Nearly half of Florida households — 47% — now fall below the ALICE threshold, meaning they struggle to afford housing, child care, food, transportation, and health care.

The federal poverty level, which put a family of four below the poverty line at $30,000 in 2023, fails to reflect real-world costs, Griesenauer noted. The ALICE model adjusts for geographic location and inflation, offering a more accurate picture of economic hardship.

Statewide, a Florida family of four needs at least $86,688 annually to cover basic expenses — nearly $10,000 less than what’s needed in the Tampa Bay area.

Between 2010 and 2023, the number of Florida families living in poverty rose by 8%, while those categorized as ALICE increased by a staggering 31%.

While the report is based on 2023 data, it offers valuable insight into long-term trends, Griesenauer said.

“It shows that we need action,” he added. “We must work together to create solutions that lift our communities.”

Past ALICE data has influenced corporate and community initiatives. For example, Florida Power & Light used the findings to reevaluate its policies and support programs for struggling families.

“Businesses can use this information to better understand what it truly takes for a working family to get by — and what changes they can make to support their employees,” Griesenauer said.

The report also broke down income needs for a family of four, including two children in child care, across five counties, comparing survival and stability budgets with median incomes:

• Hillsborough County
  
  • Survival budget: $96,744
  • Stability budget: $145,236
  • Median income: $76,687
  • ALICE households: 32%
    
• Pinellas County
  
  • Survival budget: $108,480
  • Stability budget: $145,824
  • Median income: $70,768
  • ALICE households: 36%
    
• Sarasota County
  
  • Survival budget: $104,424
  • Stability budget: $144,072
  • Median income: $77,705
  • ALICE households: 34%
    
• Manatee County
  
  • Survival budget: $95,004
  • Stability budget: $143,820
  • Median income: $79,524
  • ALICE households: 31%
    
• DeSoto County
  
  • Survival budget: $77,928
  • Stability budget: $118,272
  • Median income: $50,868
  • ALICE households: 40%
    

You can read the full report at: United for ALICE – Florida

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