Fort Myers vs Naples – An Unbiased Comparison (2024 Update)
We know it is a tough decision to choose between Fort Myers or Naples to live in. That’s why we put together this detailed breakdown of Fort Myers vs. Naples to give you a deeper look into the 2 cities.
We’ve compared and scored them in 10 different categories to really cover every aspect of life in these two places.
Both cities are located on Florida’s western shores and are separated by only 40 miles. Fort Myers is probably best known for its relaxed feel and proximity to many beaches such as Fort Myers Beach.
Meanwhile, just south, Naples is known more for catering towards a wealthier crowd with its upscale downtown.
Both Naples and Fort Myers offer a great quality of life (and both made it on our list of the best places to live in Florida), but the best city for you will depend on what you are looking for.
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1. Affordability
Fort Myers
Fort Myers is one of the most affordable big cities in Florida and is often named as one of the most popular cheap places to live.
Compared to Naples, Fort Myers’ housing cost is over 50% lower, making it a great value in Florida.
Score:
8
Naples
The city of Naples is not known to be the cheapest in Florida, especially since it offers many upscale neighborhoods. Afterall, Naples is home to the 11th most millionaires by percentage of population.
But, all other costs like groceries, healthcare, and utilities are relatively normal compared to the rest of Florida. Overall the cost of living in Naples is only about 10% more than the rest of Florida, so if you can find affordable housing, then your total costs can be quite reasonable.
Score:
4
2. Things to Do
Fort Myers
Fort Myers offers plenty of things to do for people of all ages. You can head down to the revitalized historic downtown district and grab a drink or bite at one of the many bars or restaurants, or you can relax in one of the several parks across the city.
Of course, there are also numerous beaches nearby, such as Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel.
Score:
8
Naples
Naples is complete with a wide range of activities for young and old. You can visit the beautiful Naples Botanical Garden or head down to Naples Pier and enjoy the beach that sits directly on the Naples coastline.
You can also go into town and enjoy the tree-lined streets of Downtown Naples, where you can find world-class restaurants, unique boutiques, and stunning art galleries.
Score:
8
3. Safety
Fort Myers
The crime rates in Fort Myers have been drastically improved, especially over the last 10 years.
It is generally regarded as being as safe as any other large city in Florida, but there are still areas to look out for that have above-average crime rates.
Score:
6
Naples
Naples is one of the safest cities in all of Florida and was ranked the 6th safest city in the Sunshine State.
Data from the latest FBI crime database showed that Naples registered only 9 violent crimes.
Meanwhile, its ratio of law enforcement per 1,000 people is a very high 4.17, which is one of the highest rates in Florida. It is also about 30% to 40% higher than places like Orlando or Miami.
Score:
10
4. Job Market
Fort Myers
The job opportunities and future growth in Fort Myers is expected to be quite strong. It is estimated to grow 44% vs. the national average of 33%.
Score:
7
Naples
Naples also is expected to have an above-average job market, with an estimated growth of 39% vs. the national average of 33%.
Score:
6
5. Food
Fort Myers
The foodie scene in Fort Myers is growing, with great options ranging from relaxed bistros to farm-to-table dining. There are also a wide range of restaurants with cultural influences, such as Cuban and Colombian.
Score:
6
Naples
Naples has been gaining a reputation as a food lovers paradise. There are plenty of upscale seafood restaurants as well as many low-key outdoor cafes.
Be sure to check out some of these top picks of the best restaurants in the area.
Score:
7
6. Education
Fort Myers
The Fort Myers school system earned a 6.5 from U.S. News and World Report.
Additionally, 11 high schools in the Fort Myers region made it on their list of the best high schools in the nation.
Score:
6
Naples
U.S. News and World Report gave the Naples school districts a score of 7.7, with 9 high schools making their list of the best high schools in the nation.
Score:
8
7. Location
Fort Myers
Fort Myers is conveniently located on Florida’s western coast and just 20 minutes from neighboring Cape Coral. It is also only about 2 hours away from the Tampa-St. Petersburg area and 2.5 hours from Miami.
There is even the Southwest Florida International Airport just 25 minutes away from downtown Fort Myers.
Score:
7
Naples
Naples is a bit more isolated than Fort Myers. The next biggest city is Fort Myers, which is about 30 minutes away.
Tampa-St. Petersburg is 2.5 hours away, although Miami is closer and only a 2 hour drive away.
There is an airport in Naples, but it is only a regional one.
Score:
5
8. Healthcare
Fort Myers
The healthcare cost in Fort Myers is about 20% higher than the U.S. average, while there are also less physicians per 100,000 people than average.
Score:
4
Naples
Naples’ healthcare cost is about 3% higher than the U.S. average, while there are slightly more physicians per 100,000 people than the rest of the U.S.
Score:
7
9. Air Quality
Fort Myers
Based on data from the EPA on hazardous air pollutants, the air quality in Fort Myers was rated 59 out of 100, which is just above the U.S. average of 58.
Score:
5
Naples
Also based on the same database, Naples’ air quality is a bit better, earning a score of 64 out of 100.
Score:
7
10. Future Prospects
Fort Myers
The secret is out about Fort Myers as it was just named the fastest growing big city in America and also made our list of the fastest growing cities in Florida.
The city continues to reinvest in its growth, as highlighted by the redevelopment of the historic downtown.
Score:
10
Naples
Naples is established as one of the nicer cities in Florida and Southwest Florida continues to attract new residents from both in-state and out-of-state. Naples may not be growing at the rate of Fort Myers, but its future remains bright.
Score:
7
Final Score – Fort Myers vs. Naples
Here are the final results when you tally up the scores for Fort Myers vs. Naples:
Naples – 69
Fort Myers – 67
Naples manages a slim victory in this comparison between 2 great coastal cities in Florida. While it is less affordable and more isolated in its location, Naples makes up for it with its stronger school system and healthcare system.
However, Fort Myers remains an attractive option for those looking for a more affordable cost of living and who want to experience the continued development of a city first-hand. Check out our detailed review of the pros and cons of living in Fort Myers.
Overall, there is no wrong answer in choosing between Fort Myers or Naples to live in. Both offer a unique experience that is bound to delight people of all ages.
