Most affordable places to live in Florida is an intriguing issue for residents, students and visitors at home and abroad. Florida is a state in the Southeastern region of the United States. It borders the Gulf of Mexico to the west, Alabama to the northwest, Georgia to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, and the Straits of Florida and Cuba to the south. About two-thirds of Florida occupies a peninsula between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. The state’s close proximity to the ocean has shaped its culture, identity, and daily life; its colonial history and successive waves of migration are reflected in African, European, Indigenous, Latino, and Asian influences. Florida has attracted or inspired some of the most prominent American writers, including Ernest Hemingway, Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, and Tennessee Williams, and continues to attract celebrities and athletes, especially in golf, tennis, auto racing, and water sports. Florida has been known for being a battleground state in American presidential elections, although it has turned increasingly Republican in recent years.
This blog selects and analyzes top 10 most affordable places to live in Florida detailedly serving as a comprehensive guide, helping you have a better command of Florida. If you want choose Florida as your tourist spot or educational destination, you ought to read this blog carefully.
Top 10 Most Affordable Places to Live in Florida
1. Palm Coast
- Population: 89,258
- Median Home Price: $364,406
- Average Sale Price Per Square Foot: $197
- Average Rent for a 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,594
- Median Household Income: $61,847
Palm Coast is a city in Flagler County, Florida, United States. It is the most populous city in Flagler County. Palm Coast is part of the Deltona–Daytona Beach–Ormond Beach, FL metropolitan statistical area. The city provides a wide range of services including development services, fire services, street construction and maintenance, parks and recreational activities. Palm Coast contracts with the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office for law enforcement services. Palm Coast offers an affordable beach-centric lifestyle where the cost of living is 13% lower than the national average. Housing expenses here are an astounding 29% lower than the national average, making your dream of owning a home here a very attainable reality, along with some of the lowest cost of living in Florida.
2. Winter Haven
- Population: 49,219
- Median Home Price: $260,000
- Average Sale Price Per Square Foot: $163
- Average Rent for a 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,163
- Median Household Income: $46,841
Winter Haven is a city in Polk County, Florida, United States. It is located about 51 miles (82 km) east of Tampa and about 47 miles (76 km) southwest of Orlando, with neighboring Lakeland located to its west. Winter Haven is one of the cheapest towns to live in Florida, with a lifestyle that’s not just 8.4 percent lower than the U.S. average but an impressive 22.4 percent less expensive than the average Florida home. A typical home here costs $281,200, making it 16.8 percent less than the national average. Renting a two-bedroom unit is a budget-friendly $1,110 per month, a whopping 40.5 percent cheaper than the state average.
3. Lakeland
- Population: 112,641
- Median Home Price: $307,500
- Average Sale Price Per Square Foot: $188
- Average Rent for a 1-bedroom Apartment: $1,161
- Median Household Income: $52,972
Lakeland is a city in Polk County, Florida, United States. Located along I-4 east of Tampa and west of Orlando, it is the most populous city in Polk County. Lakeland is a principal city of the Lakeland–Winter Haven Metropolitan Statistical Area. Lakeland is situated among several lakes including Lake Morton downtown and is sometimes locally referred to by the nickname “Swan City” due to its sizeable population of swans, all of whom are descendants of two mute swans given to Lakeland by Queen Elizabeth II in 1957. Lakeland is home to several colleges and universities. Lakeland Linder International Airport is in Lakeland as is the corporate headquarters of Publix, a supermarket chain. Lakeland is also one of the least expensive places to live in Florida, with an economical lifestyle 8.4 percent lower than the U.S. average and 11.2 percent lower than the Florida average. A typical home here costs $282,500, making it 16.4 percent less expensive than the national average. Renting a two-bedroom unit is a steal at $1,240 per month, 13.3 percent cheaper than the national average.
4. Largo
- Population: 82,485
- Median Home Price: $287,950
- Average Sale Price Per Square Foot: $191
- Average Rent for a 1-bedroom Apartment: $1,241
- Median Household Income: $40,937
Largo is the third largest city in Pinellas County, Florida, United States, as well as the fourth largest in the Tampa Bay area. Largo was first incorporated in 1905. In 1913, it became the first municipality in Pinellas County to adopt a council-manager government. It switched back and forth between “town” and “city” a few times, and became a city again in 1974. As one of the cheapest places in Florida to buy a home, housing costs are an astonishing 37% lower than the national average, and utility prices are 3% lower.
5. Sanford
- Population: 61,051
- Median Home Price: $294,990
- Average Sale Price Per Square Foot: $198
- Average Rent for a 1-bedroom Apartment: $1,607
- Median Household Income: $40,937
Sanford is a city and the county seat of Seminole County, Florida, United States. Known as the “Historic Waterfront Gateway City”, Sanford sits on the southern shore of Lake Monroe at the head of navigation on the St. Johns River. Sanford is home to Seminole State College of Florida and the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens. Its downtown attracts tourists with shops, restaurants, a marina, and a lakefront walking trail. The Orlando Sanford International Airport, in the heart of the town, functions as the secondary commercial airport for international and domestic carriers in the Orlando metropolitan area.
6. Titusville
- Population: 48,789
- Median Home Price: $305,000
- Average Sale Price Per Square Foot: $187
- Median Household Income: $40,937
Titusville is a city in and the county seat of Brevard County, Florida, United States. Titusville is located along the Indian River, west of Merritt Island and the Kennedy Space Center, and south-southwest of the Canaveral National Seashore. It is a principal city of the Palm Bay–Melbourne–Titusville, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area. As one of the least expensive places in Florida to live, Titusville offers a lifestyle that’s 4.4 percent lower than the U.S. average, says Best Places as of November 2023. A typical home here costs $267,400, a steal at 20% less than the national average. Renting a two-bedroom unit is just as budget-friendly at $1,210 per month, 15.4 percent cheaper than the national average.
7. Tallahassee
- Population: 196,169
- Median Home Price: $310,000
- Average Sale Price Per Square Foot: $187
- Median Household Income: $55,573
Tallahassee is the capital city of the U.S. state of Florida. It is the county seat of and the only incorporated municipality in Leon County. As the capital, Tallahassee is the site of the Florida State Capitol, Supreme Court of Florida, Florida Governor’s Mansion, and nearly 30 state agency headquarters. The city is also known for its large number of law firms, lobbying organizations, trade associations and professional associations, including The Florida Bar and the Florida Chamber of Commerce. It is a recognized regional center for scientific research, and home to the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory. Housing expenses are a remarkable 12% below the norm, and utility prices are equally friendly at 13% lower. Transportation costs, including bus fares and gas, are easy on your wallet, too, being 8% less than the national average. Despite grocery prices being 8% higher, the city’s unique charm and savings in other areas compensate and make Tallahassee one of the cheapest cities to live in Florida.
8. Port Orange
- Population: 196,169
- Median Home Price: $350,000
- Average Sale Price Per Square Foot: $211
- Average Rent for a 1-bedroom Apartment: $1,250
- Median Household Income: $58,530
Port Orange is a city in Volusia County, Florida, United States. The city is part of the Deltona–Daytona Beach–Ormond Beach metropolitan area. Port Orange is a principal city in the Fun Coast region of the state of Florida. Port Orange’s cost of living is 3% lower than the national average. With housing expenses that match the national average and utility prices just 3% higher, Port Orange offers a well-balanced living experience.
9. Daytona Beach
- Population: 72,647
- Median Home Price: $350,000
- Average Sale Price Per Square Foot: $216
- Median Household Income: $52,894
Daytona Beach is a coastal resort city in Volusia County, Florida, United States. Daytona Beach is historically known for its beach, where motorized vehicles are permitted on some hard-packed sand beaches. Daytona Beach hosts large groups of tourists, and notable events include Speedweeks which attracts 200,000 visitors to the Daytona 500. Other events include the NASCAR Coke Zero Sugar 400, Daytona Beach Bike Week, Biketoberfest, and the 24 Hours of Daytona endurance race. Daytona Beach has a cost of living that’s 3% lower than the national average, making it a great option for an affordable beach hometown. Housing expenses in Daytona Beach are on par with the national average, and utility prices are just a touch higher by 3%. However, transportation costs, including bus fares and gas prices, are a helpful 7% lower than the national average.
10. Kissimmee
- Population: 79,226
- Median Home Price: $350,000
- Average Sale Price Per Square Foot: $222
- Average Rent for a 1-bedroom Apartment: $1,644
- Median Household Income: $41,746
Kissimmee is the largest city and county seat of Osceola County, Florida, United States. Kissimmee’s cost of living is 2% lower than the national average, housing expenses are 17% lower than the national average, and utility prices are 7% below the norm. While transportation costs might be 1% higher, the overall picture is one of affordability.
Tips for Saving Money in Florida
- Choosing the Right Accommodation
One of the best ways to save money is to dig deeper into what the accommodation offers beyond the overnight stay. uhomes.com is a platform providing affordable, reliable and comfortable student accommodation in Florida.
- Save on Food & Drink
It’s a good idea to bring a refillable bottle from home, as all parks have water refill stations. You can even bring your own food to tourist attractions.
- No- & Low-Cost Nature
Explore free nature spots such as Lake Okeechobee, the largest lake in Florida, and Sugarloaf Mountain, a 312-foot peak in Lake County.
- Have a Budget Plan
Write a budget plan before you go out and follow it strictly.
Conclusion
After you have decided which most affordable places to live in Florida, accommodation is the first and foremost thing to consider. uhomes.com is a dynamic rental platform designed to meet the needs of renters who value both affordability and quality. Whether you’re a student, a working professional, or a family, uhomes.com offers a wide range of rental properties that cater to different budgets and preferences in most affordable places to live in Florida.
FAQ
Panama City is the cheapest and safest place to live in Florida, which also offers retirees a beautiful beachside environment.
Marco Island. On the western coast of Florida sits Macro Island.
Parkland. Parkland is a quite peaceful place and can be considered one of the safest places in Florida.
Weston.
Winter Springs.
Oviedo.
Satellite Beach.
North Palm Beach.
Analysts utilized 2022 data from Niche to determine their rankings. The study found that Lafayette County has Florida’s lowest cost of living! Home to over 8,300 people, the county seat is Mayo. According to its Niche profile, the median home value is $102,400 while the median rent is $642.
Cost of Living. The East Coast of Florida is generally more expensive than the West Coast, especially when factoring in costlier cities like Miami and Fort Lauderdale.
What Part of Florida is Safest from Hurricanes? Generally, the safest areas in Florida from hurricanes are located in the northern and central parts of the state, further inland from the Atlantic and Gulf coasts.
Jacksonville, Florida’s largest city, takes the top spot for the highest number of violent crimes. Although its population plays a role, Jacksonville faces significant challenges related to gang violence and shootings. With such high crime rates, residents and visitors alike must be aware of potential risks.
