Florida is one of the southernmost states in the nation and provides residents with year-round access to some of the most popular attractions along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts.
Our nation’s leading producer of our favorite citrus fruit and the home of the Magic Kingdom has a large population estimated to include over twenty million residents.
If you’re thinking about relocating and making a fresh start in one of Florida’s cheapest cities to live in – this is the guide for you!
Our guide provides an overview of 10 of the Sunshine State’s least expensive living options based on cost of living research.
Be sure to do your research or consult with the services of a real estate professional before committing to buying (or renting) a new home or apartment in one of Florida’s cheapest cities.
Contents
- 10 Cheapest Places to Live in Florida
- Florida Safety Overview
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What Factors Contribute to the Low Cost of Living in Florida’s Cheapest Cities?
- What Housing Options are Available in Florida’s Cheapest Cities?
- What Should I Know About Florida Weather Before I Move There?
- What are Some of the Benefits of Living in Florida?
- What is the Crime Rate Like in Florida’s Cheapest Cities?
10 Cheapest Places to Live in Florida
We studied global and national cost of living indexes to provide an overview of 10 of the cheapest places to live in the Sunshine State.
The cities listed below report lower costs of living for housing, food, transportation, health and medical costs, and other everyday expenses.
Data reports from trusted sources like World Population Review show that the average cost of living in the United States falls between $2500 – $3500.00 per month.
The costs of living in the cities below are substantially lower than what residents in states with higher costs of living spend on buying a home, renting an apartment, and paying for groceries.
For example, the average cost of living in Hawaii, which is the most expensive state to live in, includes costs for average monthly rents that start at around $2,500.00 for a small two-bedroom apartment.
Data shows that a couple with children would need to make over 200,000 per year to maintain such a high living standard.
In contrast, everyday costs in Florida fall closer to the national average at just over $2,500 a month with all expenses included.
This means that Florida families could potentially survive on around $50,000.00 per year.
You may be surprised to learn that some of the cheapest cities to live in offer unrestricted access to pristine beaches along the calm waters of the Gulf and the excitable waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
The 10 cheapest places in Florida include options from each part of the state, including the Florida panhandle, South Florida, and the Atlantic Coast.
Each city offers a lower cost of living along with a unique blend of arts and culture that makes it attractive to current and potential new residents.
1. Bartow
Nestled in the heart of Polk County, the city of Bartow offers affordable housing and a walkable downtown area lined with trees and bustling with local community events.
Online reports from housing data collectors like RentCafe show that average rent costs in Bartow, Florida fall around $1,531.00 per month.
Potential new residents should do their due diligence before relocating or renting in Bartow as lower housing costs may lead to higher rates of crimes in this area.
2. Dade City
Residents love the welcoming and diverse community they find when living in Dade City in East Pasco County.
This low-cost city features a variety of local attractions where neighbors and friends gather and stroll through this area’s historic downtown and agricultural centers.
Online cost of living reports show that Dade City’s housing prices come in lower than almost every other American city, with a cost of living that is lower than the national average.
3. Daytona Beach
Known for its popularity with spring breakers and summer fun, the city of Daytona Beach also happens to be one of the cheapest places to live in the Sunshine State.
Daytona Beach residents pay substantially less for housing than nearby neighbors in other coastal Florida towns.
Homeowners in this area can expect to pay almost 30% less than in other areas.
Renters can find a two-bedroom rental in Daytona Beach for around $1,330.00 per month.
4. Gainesville
Gainesville is a vibrant college town with a strong sense of community spirit among breathtaking landscapes in North Central Florida.
The University of Florida and Santa Fe College call this naturally alluring Florida town their home.
Students and year-round residents appreciate having access to nearby local amenities for hiking, biking, swimming, and fishing.
The cost of living in Gainesville is just under 8% less than the national average and over 10% less than the average for Florida.
5. Jacksonville
Jacksonville hugs the east Atlantic Coast near the Georgia/Florida border.
The Jacksonville metro area is home to popular Atlantic Coast beaches, restaurants, bustling nightlife, and access to some of the best shopping in the area.
The city is attractive because of its proximity to Atlantic beaches, year-round sunshine, and low cost of living where homeowners and renters pay a lower cost of living at around 7% below the state average.
6. Lakeland
The city of Lakeland is known to be home to many Central Florida lakes including Lake Hollingsworth and Lake Mirror.
Residents appreciate the many options for boating, kayaking, and fishing in the area along with enjoying lower costs of living than many other residents in the state.
Lakelands’ cost of living index shows that residents pay around 10% less for housing and everyday expenses than many other cities in the Sunshine State.
Potential new residents should note that some areas of Lakeland experience high crime rates that can include instances of violent and property crime.
7. Lynn Haven
Sunshine State home seekers find solace and affordable home pricing in the center of the panhandle in Lynn Haven.
This Gulf Coast town features an idyllic blend of coastal living, access to pristine Gulf beaches, inlets, and waterways, and a family-oriented community that caters to the needs and interests of its residents.
Lynn Haven residents also enjoy a cost of living that is less expensive than more than 90% of their Florida neighbors.
8. Tallahassee
Florida renters and homeowners seeking to lower their total cost of living opt for larger cities like Tallahassee where home and rental prices are more than 10% lower than the state average.
The city of Tallahassee in Florida’s northern panhandle is home to just under two hundred thousand residents.
It also houses Florida State University, and Florida A&M University and pulsates with youthful energy and academic fervor among its low-cost housing options.
9. Titusville
Florida newcomers seeking coastal living options in a lower cost bracket can find affordable options in Titusville along Florida’s Space Coast.
Titusville offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and is also the gateway to local adventure attractions like the Kennedy Space Center at Nasa.
Residents appreciate the ease of access to the ocean, historic downtown, and popular tourist attractions.
10. Winter Haven
The city of Winter Haven, Florida is true to its name.
It offers residents access to a local haven featuring affordable rentals and homes situated along a picturesque landscape.
Winter Haven residents report lower costs for everyday needs like housing, food, and childcare.
Everyday essentials are around 11% lower than that of other Florida cities and residents have easy access to a variety of outdoor recreation activities for hiking and boating.
Florida Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Florida Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
- TERRORISM RISK: HIGH
- SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
What Factors Contribute to the Low Cost of Living in Florida’s Cheapest Cities?
The most important factors that contribute to the low cost of living in Florida’s cheapest cities is that residents of these cities pay lower costs than residents of other US states and Florida cities.
The costs for buying groceries, and medical supplies, and paying for necessary expenses like utilities and childcare are also critical factors that contribute to lower living costs in these areas.
What Housing Options are Available in Florida’s Cheapest Cities?
The housing options in Florida’s cheapest cities include a wide range of single-family homes, multi–family homes like duplexes, luxury apartment rentals, low-cost apartment rentals, and income-based housing options that can include subsidized housing.
The average rent costs for the cities listed above are lower than those of the national and state averages, it is still important for potential new residents to complete their due diligence before choosing a new neighborhood.
What Should I Know About Florida Weather Before I Move There?
While the Sunshine State has its upsides that include year-round sunshine and mild or warm temperatures, there are also a few weather concerns newcomers should prepare for.
Florida experiences extremely hot summers, so be sure to secure appropriate shelter before arrival.
The Atlantic Hurricane Season sends ocean-based twisters raging across the state.
Learning hurricane preparedness tips and local evacuation routes is key.
What are Some of the Benefits of Living in Florida?
Florida is one of the most widely visited states in the country and the world.
The Sunshine State is true to its name and offers residents mild winters and an abundance of sunshine that lasts all year.
Florida residents enjoy access to world-famous beaches, zero state income tax, and a variety of discounts and passes for residents visiting popular local attractions like Disney World, Universal Studios, Sea World, The Kennedy Space Center, and more!
What is the Crime Rate Like in Florida’s Cheapest Cities?
While the crime rates in some of Florida’s cheapest cities are relatively low or in line with the national average.
However, some of the cheapest cities to live in also come with higher crime rates.
Potential new homeowners and renters must do thorough research before committing to buying a home or renting a property.
