Florida is home to over21 million people, and more people than ever are moving to the Sunshine State each year. In 2021, more than 300,000 people began calling Florida their home.
It’s no secret that the cost of living has been rising throughout the United States, especially in Florida. As one of the most moved-to states in the country, house prices and other bills are getting higher.
If it’s been your dream to pack up and move to the Sunshine State but aren’t willing to throw away your life savings to do so, there are still some cheap places to live in Florida. The best part is that many of the most affordable areas are still in fun areas and have plenty of jobs and things to do.
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Why Live in Florida
There are plenty of reasons why Florida is a place you want to move to. There are beaches, museums, great restaurants, and outdoor activities to partake in. Most people move to Florida to spend time at the beach, boating, and enjoying the warm weather that lasts almost all year.
Florida is also famous for its world-champion golf courses that most people dream of playing on.Whether you live in an expensive or cheap place in Florida, there are plenty of things to do.
If you want to live in the most affordable Florida cities but still have fun things to do, here are the best options:
| City | Median Home Price |
|---|---|
| Fort Meade | $226,289 |
| Tallahassee | $270,663 |
| Gainesville | $291,168 |
| Jacksonville | $313,928 |
| Edgewater | $316,645 |
| Orlando | $387,298 |
| Kissimmee | $387,526 |
The 7 Cheapest Places to Live in Florida
The Sunshine State isn’t without affordable places to live. Without further ado, here are the seven cheapest places to live in Florida.
1. Gainesville
Sean Pavone/Shutterstock
Gainesville, Florida, is most famous for the prestigious University of Florida. While most people think it’s just another college town, this city has plenty of things to love regardless of your age. Besides taking in the beauty of the University of Florida, there are plenty of notable features.
You’ll find delicious restaurants, shopping opportunities, and museums throughout the town. One of the most famous in the city is the Florida Museum of Natural History. Residents love touring the Butterfly Rainforest with thousands of free-roaming butterflies and the markets in the city’s neighborhoods.
For those who love spending time outdoors, you’ll love the abundance of city and state parks that are within reach of the city. As of 2022, the median home price in Gainesville is$291,168.
2. Jacksonville
GagliardiPhotography/Shutterstock
You’re probably surprised to see the most significant metropolitan city in Florida on the list of the cheapest places to live in the state, but Jacksonville is pretty reasonably priced.
This sprawling city has all the charm of a large city and suburban areas that families will love. It’s even close to several Atlantic Ocean beaches.
There are excellent schools for families, fantastic job opportunities, and plenty of things to do and see to keep you occupied when you’re not working or in school. Some notable things to do here include the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, Little Talbot Island State Park, and their amazing museums.
Another thing people love about living in this city is the proximity to other places. You’re only three hours from Tampa and right near the Georgia border. The median price for a home in Jacksonville is$313,928.
3. Fort Meade
Gary Wonning/Shutterstock
Fort Meade is an excellent option for those looking for a quieter place to live in Florida without breaking the bank. It’s the oldest city in its county, and it’s only an hour from Tampa and an hour and a half from Orlando.
The population is relatively small, so you’ll be able to get to know your neighbors well. Many of the buildings throughout Fort Meade are historic, so you’ll love learning about the history of the town that is now your home.
Some of the most popular things to do in Fort Meade include visiting the historical society, spending time in Patterson Park, and catching shows at the Polk Theater. If you’re considering moving to Fort Meade, the median home price is$226,289.
4. Tallahassee
Felix Mizioznikov/Shutterstock
The capital of Florida is surprisingly a cheap city to live in. Tallahassee is in the Panhandle of Florida, so if you enjoy spending time in Alabama or Georgia, you’ll be closer to the borders. Besides being famous for being the capital, it’s home to Florida State University.
Some of the most notable things in Tallahassee that you can do are tour the state capital, catch a Florida State University sporting event, spend time at the numerous parks, and tour the Tallahassee Museum.
Something people love about this Florida city is that while it’s a heavily populated city, it’s not as metropolitan as others. There are plenty of suburbs that people will love and great schools if you’re moving with your family. This capital city’s median home price is$270,663.
5. Kissimmee
Orlando, Florida. January 15, 2019 . Panoramic view of lake and colorful dockside at Celebration Town in Kissimmee area/Viaval Tours/Shutterstock
Just outside of Orlando in Kissimmee, Florida. This is the ideal place to live when you want to be near Orlando and everything the city offers without moving into Orlando and dealing with the traffic.
This town is filled with suburbs, excellent schools, and plenty of shopping and dining options.Several aquatic water zones make cooling off from the Florida sun easy, such as parks and job opportunities like no other.
Kissimmee Lakefront Park is one of the top parks in the area and where many people spend time.Kissimmee offers plenty of attractions similar to Orlando.
But the best part is you’re only 30 minutes away without traffic from the world’s theme park capital. If you plan on having kids or are moving with them, Kissimmee is a great choice. The average home price in Kissimmee, Florida, is $387,526.
6. Edgewater
Felix Mizioznikov/Shutterstock
Edgewater, Florida, is nestled on the Atlantic Coast, so if you want to live near the beach without paying millions, this is a great choice. The city of Edgewater is small, with a population of over 20,000, so it’s a great town when you want something more peaceful than a busy city.
This town is less than an hour north of Orlando and about an hour and 45 minutes from Jacksonville. The location is perfect for traveling throughout the state when you want to take a short trip. Many people living in Edgewater love taking day trips to other Florida cities and making it home for dinner.
Some of the best things to do in Edgewater are to visit the stunning beaches, swim with manatees, spend time in Smyrna Dunes Parks, and go zip-lining. Edgewater’s median home price is$316,645.
7. Orlando
aphotostory/Shutterstock
Last but certainly not least, we have Orlando. Most people wouldn’t believe you if you told them the theme park capital of the world is one of the cheapest cities to live in Florida, but it’s true.
This Central Florida city is one of the most visited in the state and is home to over 300,000 residents.There are dozens of neighborhoods to choose to live in when you move to Orlando, and each one has excellent schools and is near fantastic shopping, dining, and fun activities.
You can spend time at any Disney World Parks and Universal Studios easily and can even splurge for season passes as Orlando residents.
Besides the theme parks, other popular things to do in Orlando include spending time downtown, touring the botanical gardens, and enjoying the scenery at many of the city parks. The median home value in Orlando, Florida, is$387,298.
Things to Consider
As amazing as it is to start packing your bags and heading to Florida immediately, you should wait a second. Before you pack your things and head to the Sunshine State, here are a few things you’ll want to consider.
Hurricanes
Hurricanes are something Floridians and others who live there know all too well. When moving to Florida, you’ll want to be aware of when hurricane season is, what you can do to prepare, and ensure you purchase a structurally sound home. TheAtlantic Hurricane Seasonruns from June 1st through November 30th annually.
Wildlife
Florida is filled with a variety of wildlife you’ll want to know about before moving. There are swamps, woodlands, and the ocean with animals worth noting. Mostly, animals will leave you and your animals alone, but learning wildlife safety is essential, depending on where you’re moving.
Climate/Weather
Besides hurricanes, Florida is known to have some gnarly weather. The heat, for one, is powerful, and you’ll want to prepare yourself for scorching summers and humid air. Another thing many people don’t warn others who move to Florida is the afternoon showers, almost every day from Spring until Fall.
Jobs
Unless you’re retiring, you’ll probably need a job when you move. When considering where to move, you’ll want to ensure there are enough job opportunities for you. A cheap place isn’t a cheap place to live without income.
Insurance Costs
When buying a home, you’ll want to get homeowners insurance. Something to think about before you move to Florida is where you’ll live because insurance can be pricier in some areas, like flood zones. So, even if the town is cheap, insurance costs can make it more expensive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Kissimmee Florida – June 4th 2009: Kissimmee Florida outdoor train station platform, Kissimmee Floirda, June 4th, 2009/John Panella/Shutterstock
If you still have questions about the cheapest places to live in Florida, here are some frequently asked questions other people are eager to know.
Is Tampa, Florida, cheap to live in?
It depends on your definition of cheap but based on our list, no. The median home value in Tampa is $420,510, which is significantly higher than the seven cities we mentioned above.
What is the cheapest city in South Florida to live in?
South Florida isn’t generally known as a cheap area to live in Florida, but of all the areas, Homestead is considered a cheap South Florida city to live in.
How many people move to Florida annually?
On average, about 300,000 people move to Florida every year.
Should you buy or rent in Florida?
With housing costs on the rise, it’s always advisable to buy rather than rent if you can afford to do so.
Is Miami cheap to live in?
No, Miami is one of the most expensive cities in Florida to live in. You might be able to find cheaper towns in the surrounding area, but the median home value in Miami is $562,174.
So, What Are the Cheapest Places to Live in Florida?
Florida is a beautiful place to live, and even with the rising cost of living, there are still some amazing areas of the state that are cheap to live in. Even major cities like Jacksonville, Orlando, and Tallahassee are considered some of the cheapest cities to live in Florida.
Whether you’re interested in moving to a larger Florida city or something a little smaller, the seven cheapest places to live in Florida will impress you. Which one is your favorite?
FAQs
The 7 Cheapest Places to Live in Florida in 2023 | REthority? ›
Mississippi
Coming in as the cheapest state to live in in the United States is Mississippi with a cost of living index score of 83.3. It also has the lowest average housing costs in the nation at 33.7% below the national average.
Mississippi
Coming in as the cheapest state to live in in the United States is Mississippi with a cost of living index score of 83.3. It also has the lowest average housing costs in the nation at 33.7% below the national average.
- Cape Coral.
- Dunedin.
- Fort Walton Beach.
- Lakeland.
- Vero Beach.
Cape Coral
Known as the “Waterfront Wonderland,” this charming town is not only one of Florida's most affordable places but it is also one of the safest. Located in the southwestern part of the state near Fort Meyers, Cape Coral has an intricate system of canals which allow its residents to always be near the water.
Titusville has the cheapest average apartment rental rate in the entire state of Florida, at $876, while Coral Gables had the highest, at $2,628, according to a new RentCafe report using data from Yardi Matrix.
Where is everyone moving to in 2023? ›Based on migration data from the U.S. Census Bureau, Americans are moving to Austin, Texas; Raleigh, North Carolina; Orlando, Florida; Dallas, Texas; and Phoenix, Arizona. The most moved-to cities are based on percentage increases in population since 2010.
Would prices go down in 2023? ›The "slowing economy is likely to bring the yearly inflation rate down to around 4.0 percent by the end of 2023," Kiplinger predicted.
Where in Florida is less expensive? ›| City | Average Cost of Living | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bartow | -8.4% |
| 2 | Pensacola | -11% |
| 3 | Auburndale | -8.4% |
| 4 | Callaway | -4.6% |
- Jacksonville.
- Cape Coral.
- Gainesville.
- Dade City.
- Dunedin.
- Kissimmee.
- Bartow.
- Homosassa Springs.
The most affordable beach town in Florida is Pensacola, although technically speaking, it's a city, not a town. City living can be affordable, even with waterside living. Pensacola currently has a median home value of $235,000 in 2022. The median housing cost (for rent and mortgages) is $932 per month.
Why is Jacksonville so cheap? ›
One of the reasons Jacksonville gets a lower overall is thanks to housing costs, which are surprisingly affordable. The city comes in at an excellent score of 78/100 nationally. It's also lower by far than the rest of Florida, which gets a 102.6/100.
How much does it cost to live in Florida per month? ›Using 2021 data, the Bureau of Economic Analysis found that the average total personal consumption cost in Florida is $50,689 per year. Here's how that breaks down. That translates to about $4,224 per person, per month.
What is the best county to live in in Florida? ›That's why Stacker dug through the most recent data to determine the best county to live in every state. According to the website, Florida's best county is St. Johns County! Located in northeastern Florida and part of the Jacksonville metro area, this county has been around since the state's annexation into the U.S.
Where can I live for $500 a month in USA? ›- Greenville, OH. Listing: Wayne Crossing. ...
- Wichita, KS. Listing: Eagle Creek. ...
- Lawton, OK. Listing: Sheridan Square Apartments. ...
- Amarillo, TX. ...
- Indianapolis, IN. ...
- Searcy, AR. ...
- Shreveport, LA. ...
- Jackson, MS.
Winter Months Are Best for Rental Savings
The lowest rental rates are usually found between October and April, particularly right after the December holiday season.
The paper is reporting that Floridians and others are migrating to Alabama's Gulf Coast, prompted by high prices in the Sunshine State and its transient lifestyle. That's one of the reasons why Baldwin County grew faster than any other Alabama county from 2010 to 2020.
Why are people moving out of Florida? ›The other reasons that people leave the state after moving here are varied: “A nearly 14,000-member Facebook group for people moving out of Florida has cited severe weather, low wages, crowded beaches, changing politics, and steep housing prices as reasons people left.”
What state is most moved to 2023? ›One of the most popular states to move to in 2023 is Texas, and for good reason. This state boasts an impressive job market since it is home to many tech companies, startups, and artistic hubs.
Will home prices drop in 2023 Florida? ›Overall, the Florida housing market is likely to remain strong in 2023, with continued demand for homes and steady price growth.
Is it a good time to buy in 2023? ›The first reason why May 2023 is an excellent time to buy a house is that mortgage rates are primarily steady and likely to drop. According to Freddie Mac, 30-year fixed-rate mortgage rates averaged 6.41 percent to open the month, and there's been little movement since.
Will inflation go away in 2023? ›
Inflation is projected to slow gradually in 2023 as pressures ease from the factors that have caused demand to grow more rapidly than supply in recent years. CBO projects that inflation as measured by the PCE price index will be 3.3 percent in 2023 and 2.4 percent in 2024.
What is the best city to live in Florida? ›- Sarasota, FL. ...
- Cape Coral, FL. ...
- Wellington, FL (Miami Suburb) ...
- Ponte Vedra, FL (Jacksonville Suburb) ...
- Hyde Park, FL (Intown South Tampa) ...
- Santa Rosa/Seaside, FL (30A) ...
- Amelia Island/Fernandina Beach, FL. ...
- Pinecrest, FL (Miami Suburb) Pinecrest is a suburb of Miami & Miami Beach.
Florida is expensive because of its popularity among retirees and tourists. Retirees often have disposable income and spend it on activities like golfing, fishing, and boating. Additionally, housing, food, and healthcare costs are higher in Florida compared to other states.
Is it cheaper to live on the east or west coast of Florida? ›Popular West Coast Areas To Move To
As a general rule of thumb, properties are more expensive on the east coast. The metro and island areas stretching from Miami to West Palm Beach have some of the most expensive properties in the state.
| 1 ADULT | 2 ADULTS (1 WORKING) | |
|---|---|---|
| 0 Children | 1 Child | |
| Civic | $3,074 | $6,821 |
| Other | $4,253 | $8,755 |
| Required annual income after taxes | $29,914 | $60,096 |
The cost of living in Miami, FL is 15.4% higher than in Jacksonville, FL. You would have to earn a salary of $69,246 to maintain your current standard of living. Employers in Miami, FL typically pay 2.1% more than employeers in Jacksonville, FL.
Is moving to Jacksonville FL a good idea? ›A: Jacksonville, Florida, is a great place to live if you're looking for a reasonable cost of living, plenty of beach access, a southern feel, and a new home in the Sunshine State. Jacksonville also boasts an up-and-coming restaurant scene, several colleges, and a solid job market.
How much money a year do you need to live comfortably in Florida? ›MIT's Living Wage Calculator says a livable salary for a single person in Florida with no children is about $36,000 before taxes.
What is a good monthly income in Florida? ›| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | |
|---|---|---|
| Top Earners | $75,186 | $6,265 |
| 75th Percentile | $60,975 | $5,081 |
| Average | $48,345 | $4,028 |
| 25th Percentile | $35,715 | $2,976 |
Florida's energy prices are on the high side. Residents pay an average monthly electricity bill of $126.44, based on information from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). That's 13% higher the national average of $111.67.
Where is the best place to live in Florida with the best weather? ›
Sarasota, FL
Frequently recognized as one of the best places to live in the U.S. and one of the best places to retire, the Florida Gulf Coast city of Sarasota offers warm weather throughout the year with summer temperatures in the 80s and 90s and winter temperatures as high as 70 degrees.
The US Health and Human Services Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality create a ranking of the 50 states according to healthcare quality. In this ranking, Florida comes out 36 out of 50 states.
Where is the friendliest place to live in Florida? ›Fort Pierce
It is also known as one of the friendliest towns in the Sunshine State. With a population of around 48,000 people, Fort Pierce has small-town charm but still offers big-city amenities. The locals are some of the most welcoming and friendly people you will meet anywhere.
- New Bern, N.C. Median rent price: $1,000. ...
- Rock Hill, S.C. Median rent price: $1,000. ...
- Tallahassee, Fla. Median rent price: $990. ...
- Beaumont, Texas. Median rent price: $997.50. ...
- Winston-Salem, N.C. Median rent price: $945. ...
- Shreveport, La. Median rent price: $950. ...
- Las Cruces, N.M. Median rent price: $945. ...
- Champaign, Ill.
- Review Your Current Spending. ...
- Minimize Housing Costs. ...
- Don't Drive a Car. ...
- Meal Plan on the Cheap. ...
- Avoid Subscriptions at All Costs. ...
- Negotiate Your Bills. ...
- Take Advantage of Government Programs. ...
- Side Hustle for More Income.
- Get Your Personal Finances Straight. ...
- Rethink Your Living Situation. ...
- Slash Your Food Budget. ...
- Lower Your Healthcare Costs. ...
- Control Your Debt. ...
- Cut Your Entertainment Budget. ...
- Reduce Your Communications Expenses. ...
- Spend Less Money on Car Payments.
Rent prices are beginning to ease in large metropolitan areas following the recent crisis that forced many to pay astronomical prices for a place to call home. Researchers at Florida Atlantic University (FAU) said that in October, 68 housing markets had smaller average rental rates, up from 38 in September.
Is there affordable housing in Florida? ›The financing of affordable housing is made possible through government programs such as the Low Income Housing Tax Credit Program (referred to as the Housing Credit program by the Florida Housing Finance Corporation) and the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP)program.
How much does it cost to rent a house in Florida for a month? ›Rental properties in Florida start as low as $300 to $500 per week for two bedroom homes and up to $1,700 a month for some of the larger properties. Many of the rental properties overlook beach-side or oceanfronts and are located in quiet areas. The quiet and privacy is a big plus, often most desirable to vacationers.
Where is best to live in 2023? ›- Switzerland. Switzerland looks to be the best country to live in 2023. ...
- Norway. Norway is the second-best country to live in 2023, coming in second on the HDI report with a score of 0.961. ...
- Iceland. ...
- Hong Kong. ...
- Australia.
What city has lowest cost of living? ›
Fort Wayne, Indiana, was named the city with the lowest cost of living for 2022.
What is the most expensive state to live in 2023? ›According to several studies on cost of living, Hawaii is the most expensive U.S. state to live in. Prices are typically double in Hawaii compared to those on the mainland, and the continued rise in inflation is making costs ranging from housing to health care much more expensive.
Is 2023 good year to buy a house? ›The most recent Homebuyer.com data indicates that, for first-time home buyers, May 2023 is a good time to buy a house. This article provides an unbiased look at current mortgage rates, housing market conditions, and market sentiment.
What would be the cost of living for 2023? ›While the 2022 COLA adjustment was 5.9%, government inflation data showed costs grew at a faster pace for much of last year. Now, the 8.7% COLA for 2023 is outpacing current inflation, with a 5.8% increase over the past 12 months for the consumer price index for urban wage earners and clerical workers, or CPI-W.
How to live on $2,000 a month? ›- Create a Budget and Stick To It. ...
- Extinguish Your Fuel Costs. ...
- Save Money on Groceries. ...
- Choose an Affordable Cell Phone Plan. ...
- Save on Electricity. ...
- Choose Affordable Health Care. ...
- Spend Less on Rent. ...
- Find Free Things to Do Around Town.
1. Boulder, Colorado. Boulder, Colorado is still America's #1 place to live in 2021-2022 according to U.S. News & World Report.
What is the safest and cheapest place to live? ›- Live in Boise, Idaho.
- Affordable living in Des Moines, Iowa.
- Winston Salem, North Carolina: among the cheapest cities in USA.
- Live affordably in Naples, Florida.
- Enjoy Lexington, Kentucky.
- Eliminate monthly subscriptions.
- Shop for new insurance.
- Reduce prescription costs.
- Buy used items.
- Rent, don't own.
- Purchase at the right time.
- Buy high-quality products.
- Enlist your friends.
Florida residents enjoy the 32nd-lowest cost of living in the United States, per MERIC data gathered in 2022.
Is Florida the most expensive state to live in 2023? ›The ten most expensive states to live in are Hawaii, Massachusetts, California, New York, Alaska, Maryland, Oregon, Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Vermont. Hawaii is the most expensive state to live in, with a cost of living index of 184.