What people earn.(from the pages of SARASOTA MANATEE business[TM])

Sarasota Magazine, January, 2005

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the average annual salary for all occupations in the combined Sarasota and Bradenton metropolitan area is just $29,490, lower than most of Florida's 19 other metro areas.

Unfortunately, it's not cheap to live here. According to ACCRA, a national clearinghouse that tracks cost of living, Sarasota's index scores a fat 105.4 (out of an average of 100), making it one of Florida's most expensive cities. Still, West Palm Beach (108.8), Miami (112.2) and Fort Lauderdale (116.8) all rank higher than Sarasota. (Naples is not included because it does not participate in ACCRA.)

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