If you’re considering moving to Florida, you’ve probably heard about the price increase in most areas. Though Florida used to be considered a very affordable place to live, that is slowly changing. Still, the Sunshine State continues to attract Americans from all over the country.
This is primarily because of the warm weather, zero state income tax, beautiful beaches, theme parks, and affordable living in some areas. So, if you’re still determined to move but need something a little cheaper, there are plenty of options to help you find the most affordable places to live in Florida.
Here are 15 cities that offer a good standard of living without breaking the bank.
1. Orlando
Orlando is famous for its theme parks and affordable living. Whether you’re looking to rent or buy, Orlando offers some of the most affordable places to live near the heart of Florida’s attractions.
Plus, you’ll never be far from a weekend visit to Disney World or Universal Studios. Also, the city has plenty of job opportunities in tourism, healthcare, and education.
2. Bartow
Bartow is located in central Florida, about fifty miles from Orlando and Tampa. The median cost of a home in the city is about $259,000, and a one-bedroom apartment averages $1,050. Among the city’s leading employers are Bartow Ford Co. and PalletOne, which are also major contributors to its robust economy.
3. Jacksonville
Jacksonville is the largest city by land area in the U.S., with a growing job market, a thriving arts scene, and beautiful beaches along the Atlantic coast. Compared to other parts of the state, the city has a diverse economy and affordable housing prices. The average rental price in the city is $1,675, while the average home cost is $297,741.
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4. Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach is famous for attractions like the Daytona Beach Boardwalk and the Daytona 500. The city offers a fun, active lifestyle with affordable coastal living and outdoor activities like fishing and sunbathing.
The housing market here is way cheaper than other beach towns in Florida, with a median home value of $294,990 and an average rent of $1,607 for a one-bedroom apartment. Daytona Beach is perfect for those who enjoy beach activities, water sports, and an exciting atmosphere.
5. Gainesville
Gainesville is a vibrant college town centered around the prestigious University of Florida. The city has a rich cultural scene with abundant outdoor spaces, museums, and theaters.
Gainesville has a lower cost of living, a median home price of $287,950, and an average rent of $1,241 for a one-bedroom apartment. The city is great for young professionals, students, and retirees who want to enjoy Florida without the high cost.
6. Homosassa Springs
Homosassa Springs is a town just north of Tampa Bay. It’s one of the cheapest places to live in Florida and offers the best rural living. The median cost of a home in Homosassa Springs is about $215,000, and a one-bedroom apartment is around $1,125, far less than the national average.
For leisure, you can snorkel with gorgeous manatees, wander through the enchanting Wildlife State Park, or travel to Weeki Wachee Springs State Park for a world-famous mermaid show.
7. Palm Coast
Palm Coast is also considered one of the most affordable places to live in Florida. The city is located along the east coast of Florida, between Daytona Beach and St. Augustine. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,594, while the median home price is $364,406.
Palm Coast offers plenty of outdoor activities, including golf, boating, and hiking, and the cost of living remains relatively low. You can spend your free time in the riverside Waterfront Park or visit the Florida Agricultural Museum.
8. Ocala
Ocala, also known as the “Horse Capital of the World,” is a town in central Florida. It is widely known for its scenic farms, low cost of living, and relaxed pace of life.
Ocala has a median home price of $260,000 and an average rent of $1,163 for a one-bedroom apartment. It’s a great place to live for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of bigger cities.
9. Lake City
Lake City is famously known as “The Gateway to Florida” because of its strategic location at the intersection of Interstate 75 and Interstate 10. The average rent in the city is $1,400, and the median home value is $256,530. For job seekers, companies like REX Construction Services and Custom Windows are widely known in the construction sector.
10. Palm Bay
Palm Bay is considered one of the most affordable places to live in Florida and is located along the east coast with close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. The city has plenty of outdoor activities and beautiful parks like Turkey Creek Sanctuary and Castaway Point Park.
The housing market, comprising a median home price of $335,000 and an average rent of $1,445 for a one-bedroom, makes it one of the cheapest places to live near the beach.
11. Kissimmee
Kissimmee is just 15 minutes south of Orlando, a short distance from world-famous theme parks like Universal Studios and Disneyworld. The city offers affordable housing with a median home price of $350,000 and an average rent of $1,644.
There is plenty to do for leisure in Kissimmee, like exploring the downtown area, visiting the Monument of States, and taking a stroll along the walking paths at Kissimmee Lakefront Park.
12. Lakeland
Lakeland is a city between Orlando and Tampa with a rich history and modern conveniences. The city has a low cost of living and affordable housing, with a median home price of $307,500 and an average rent of $1,161 for a one-bedroom apartment.
For leisure activities, you can visit museums like the Florida Air Museum or the Florida Children’s Museum. You can also visit Hollis Garden by Lake Mirror in Lakeland or spend the afternoon at Lake Parker.
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13. Cape Coral
Cape Coral, also known as the “Waterfront Wonderland,” is one of the most affordable places to live in Florida. The median home price is $391,000, and the average one-bedroom rent is $1,355.
The city is located on Florida’s Gulf Coast and has extensive canals lined with homes overlooking the water, providing easy activities like boating and fishing. Also, Cape Coral has one of the lowest crime rates in Florida, which makes it an attractive option for families and retirees.
14. Pensacola
Pensacola is one of the most affordable places to live in Florida. It is a beach town with beautiful white sand beaches. The median home value in Pensacola is $263,605, and the average rent is $1,799, which is much more reasonable compared to other coastal cities.
The town offers plenty of job opportunities and good schools. If you dream of living near the ocean without breaking the bank, Pensacola is one of the cheapest places to live on Florida’s Gulf Coast.
15. Edgewater
Edgewater, initially called “Hawks Park,” is one of Florida’s most affordable places to live. It is located on the east coast of Florida, near Daytona Beach and Cape Canaveral. The city offers affordable housing, with a median average of $307,683 and an average rent of about $2,292.
The cost of groceries, utilities, and transportation is also lower than the national average. For leisure, you can check out the Riverwalk along scenic Riverside Drive, a famous spot for walkers, cyclists, and nature lovers.
The 15 cities outlined above are some of Florida’s most affordable places to live. If you’re looking for the cheapest county to live in, you have plenty of options. Exploring your options and finding the city that best matches your budget and lifestyle is essential so you don’t live above your means.