Located in the southeastern United States, Florida is the third most populous state in the country. It is known as the Sunshine State because of its year-round sunshine and excellent beaches. Tourism, aerospace, financial services and other industries are fully developed in Florida. Thus, lots of job opportunities are provided. As a result, Tallahassee, Miami, Orlando and other Florida cities have become desirable destinations. Whether you want to emigrate or travel, Florida is one of the places you have to visit in the United States. However, the biggest concern before heading to a new place may be the Florida cost of living. So, what’s the average cost of living in Florida?
What's the average cost of living in Florida, USA?
In general, the cost of living in Florida is roughly 2% lower than the national average, at $50,689 per person per year.
However, cost of living in Florida also varies depending on economic development and population distribution. For example, in large cities like Miami, the living expenses are relatively high due to its cosmopolitan status and advanced tourism industry. While cities like Tallahassee are more affordable. Overall, while Florida cost of living is slightly higher than the national average, its warm climate, abundant natural resources and rich cultures provide residents with a high quality of life. For those seeking a comfortable life with enough sunshine next to beaches, Florida is undoubtedly an attractive choice.
| Items | Average Annual Costs in Florida (per person) |
|---|---|
| Housing and Utilities | $9,656 |
| Healthcare | $7,676 |
| Food and Beverages (non-restaurant) | $3,886 |
| Gas and Energy Goods | $909 |
| All Other Personal Expenditures | $28,562 |
Compare life cost in Florida by cities
Life in Florida is colorful. Known as the Sunshine State, it is blessed with abundant sunshine and warm climate. Residents enjoy a carefree life, and the happiness index here is relatively high. Florida’s beach culture is an integral part of the living experience. With coconut trees, wide sea, sufficient sunshine, Clearwater Beach is a good place to relax. In addition, Florida has a wealth of tourism resources, such as Orlando’s theme parks, Miami’s South Beach, and Everglades National Park, providing residents and visitors with a wealth of entertainment options.
The pace of life in Florida is relatively slow, and many people want to move here. But before you move, you need to know the cost of living in Florida. The life spending varies from city to city. To make it easier for you to make the choice, below is a list of the average cost of living in some Florida cities.
| Cities in Florida | Population | Costs of Living |
|---|---|---|
| Homestead | 80.7k | $3,991 |
| Miami | 442k | $3,103 |
| Jupiter | 61k | $3,034 |
| Fort Myers | 86.4k | $2,942 |
| Pembroke Pines | 171k | $2,898 |
| Boca Raton | 97.4k | $2,860 |
| Boynton Beach | 80.4k | $2,816 |
| West Palm Beach | 117k | $2,789 |
| Hollywood | 153k | $2,724 |
| Fort Lauderdale | 183k | $2,727 |
| Tempa | 385k | $2,658 |
| St. Petersburg | 258k | $2,642 |
| Orlando | 308k | $2,594 |
| Jacksonville | 950k | $2,386 |
| Tallahassee | 196k | $2,019 |
Cost of living Florida: housing
Renting apartments
Housing is a significant factor affecting your living expenses in Florida. According to the latest data, housing costs in Florida are about 7.2% higher than the national average. The median rent here is 22% higher than the national median, which is $2,495. And rents vary by property type. Below is a list of the average rents for different property types in Florida.
| Items | Median Rents (monthly) |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,137 |
| One-bedroom Apartment | $1,142 |
| Two-bedroom Apartment | $1,352 |
| Three-bedroom Apartment | $1,542 |
| Four-bedroom Apartment | $1,828 |
| Five-bedroom (or more) Apartment | $1,981 |
In addition, rents fluctuate greatly from city to city. For example, Orlando has seen rents decline due to an increase in new rental listings. In areas such as Miami, rents are still rising due to high demand but limited supply. Below is a list of average rent prices in some Florida cities.
| Cities in Florida | Average Apartment Monthly Rents |
|---|---|
| Miami | $2,768 |
| Orlando | $1,822 |
| Jacksonville | $1,592 |
| Tampa | $1,543 |
| Pensacola | $1,480 |
Buying properties
According to the latest data, the average home price in Florida is $418,097, which is 15% higher than the US average house price. This price reflects the state’s overall real estate market, but the specific price will vary by region and property type. For example, the median sale price of apartments is $4,242 per square meter, while the median sale price of houses is $2,620 per square meter.
Housing prices are also different in different cities. In cities such as Tampa and Orlando, prices of detached villas can range from a few hundred thousand dollars to several million dollars, showing the coexistence of the high-end and ordinary market. Below is a list of average home prices in some Florida cities.
| Cities in Florida | Average Home Prices |
|---|---|
| Miami | $441,390 |
| Tampa | $361,065 |
| Orlando | $373,914 |
| Jacksonville | $349,781 |
| North Port | $453,085 |
| Cape Coral | $375,812 |
| Lakeland | $303,766 |
| Deltona | $334,978 |
| Palm Bay | $345,520 |
| Pensacola | $287,113 |
| Port St. Lucie | $377,334 |
| Naples | $588,278 |
| Tallahassee | $252,737 |
| Ocala | $273,074 |
| Gainesville | $277,965 |
Utilities
Utility costs are a significant part of the cost of living in Florida. According to the latest data, the average utility bills in Florida are about $114 per month, below the national average of $123. It is important to note that Florida’s tropical climate has a significant impact on utility costs. Due to the hot summer, air conditioning is frequently used and electricity bills are often higher. And gas bills can increase in winter due to people’s heating needs. Therefore, residents need to take these seasonal changes into account when planning their budgets.
| Utilities | Average Florida Bills |
|---|---|
| Electricity | $130 |
| Gas | $136 |
| Cable & Internet | $111 |
| Water | $34 |
Cost of living Florida: transportation
The spending of public transportation in Florida is relatively low, with a one-way public transportation service ticket costing about $2. For residents who regularly use public transportation, a monthly pass costs about $60. This provides an affordable option for residents who travel frequently by public transportation.
When it comes to private transportation, car rental prices in Florida are volatile. Normal cars generally start at around $200 a week. But during holidays like Christmas, rent of the same car can go up to nearly $900 a week. In addition, the price of gasoline in Florida is also an important influence factor. This directly affects the cost of driving a private car or renting a car. The cost of various modes of transportation in Florida is listed below. Residents can choose the most appropriate mode of transportation based on their travel needs and budget.
| Modes of Transport | Costs |
|---|---|
| Bus | $1.76 (one-way ticket) |
| Trolley | $2 (one-way ticket) |
| Taxi | $2.7 per mile (one-way ticket) |
| Miami Monthly Transit Pass | $50-$100 |
| Orlando Monthly Transit Pass | $50-$100 |
| Gas Prices | $3-$4 per gallon |
| Car Insurance | $1,500-$2,500 annually |
Cost of living Florida: education
Florida has a complete education system ranging from public and private secondary schools to higher education institutions, demonstrating a strong focus on and high investment in education. When it comes to higher education, Florida is ranked 9th in the US News 2024 Best States overall ranking. In particular, it performed well in “the proportion of people aged 25 and older with at least an associate’s degree”, reflecting Florida’s strength in further study.
Florida has outstanding educational strength and rich scientific research resources, and the universities in this state mainly include University of Florida, University of Miami, Florida State University, University of South Florida, and University of Central Florida. These universities performed well in US News’ 2025 ranking of America’s Best Colleges, with University of Florida tied with New York University for 30th. Therefore, below is a list of the cost of living at University of Florida.
| In State | Out of State | |
|---|---|---|
| Total Costs | $22,601 (on-campus) $23,141 (off-campus) |
$44,879 (on-campus) $45,419 (off-campus) |
| Tuition & Fees | $6,381 | $28,659 |
| Books & Supplies | $1,050 | |
| Room & Board | $11,500 (on-campus) $11,500 (off-campus) |
|
| Other Expenses | $3,670 (on-campus) $4,210 (off-campus) |
|
Cost of living Florida: food & groceries
Strongly affected by Latin American and Caribbean cultures, Florida’s food is distinctive. And food and grocery prices in Florida aren’t that low compared to other US states. Florida residents spend an average of $287.27 per week on groceries, the fifth most expensive state in the country. People in Florida now spend 14.5% of their monthly income on groceries, compared to the national average of just 12.6%.
There are several possible reasons why food and grocery prices are so high in Florida. The first is that Florida is often affected by natural disasters such as hurricanes, and the production and transportation of crops may be affected. The decrease in production will lead to an increase in food prices. The second reason is taxes. Although Florida does not have a personal income tax, the sales tax could affect final food prices. Florida’s base sales tax rate is 6%. And plus local sales taxes, the total sales tax rate can be even higher. The high sales tax rate could increase the cost of groceries. Here are some prices of food and groceries in Florida.
| Grocery Items in Florida | Costs |
|---|---|
| Milk (regular), (1 gallon) | $4.33 |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) | $3.10 |
| Rice (white) (1 lb) | $1.53 |
| Eggs (regular) (12) | $4.33 |
| Local Cheese (1 lb) | $5.46 |
| Chicken Filets (1 lb) | $5.55 |
| Beef Round (1 lb) | $8.46 |
| Apples (1 lb) | $2.12 |
| Banana (1 lb) | $0.70 |
| Oranges (1 lb) | $2.34 |
| Tomato (1 lb) | $2.22 |
| Potato (1 lb) | $1.37 |
| Onion (1 lb) | $1.96 |
| Lettuce (1 head) | $2.38 |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | $11.50 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) | $1.94 |
| Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) | $4.12 |
Cost of living Florida: healthcare
Healthcare costs in Florida are relatively affordable, ranking as the third lowest in the USA. This may be mainly because of Florida’s climate and people’s lifestyle. Due to the warm climate that facilitates outdoor activities, it is easier for residents to stay healthy, which reduces healthcare costs.
However, Florida also faces some challenges. Especially during the COVID-19, the state has experienced one of the worst outbreaks in the country, driving up healthcare costs. Many insurers have announced that they will no longer cover COVID-19 care for patients. That could mean patients have to bear more of their medical costs, and increase the total cost of living in Florida.
| Types of Healthcare | Costs |
|---|---|
| Employer-sponsored Health Insurance | $140.33 |
| Non-employer-sponsored Health Insurance (Average Cheapest) | $196.66 |
Cost of living Florida: entertainment
Florida is blessed with sunshine and various entertainment activities. In addition to the usual recreational activities, such as watching movies and doing exercises in gyms, Florida also offers many free or low-cost outdoor activities, such as beach walks, park adventures and nature trail hikes. Not only are these activities good for your health, but they’re also a great way for family and friends to spend sweet time together. Overall, Florida offers a variety of entertainment options to suit the needs of different budgets and interests.
| Items of Entertainment | Costs |
|---|---|
| Movie Tikets (1 seat) | $11 |
| Gym (1 adult) | $40/month |
| Tennis Court Rent (weekends) | $12/hour |
Cost of living Florida: taxes
Taxes have always been an important part of the cost of living for US residents. When we talk about the cost of living in Florida, we have to mention the taxes here. Here is the situation of Florida residents’ taxes.
- Personal income tax: Florida doesn’t have a state-level personal income tax in 2024, instead adopting federal tax brackets and rates. This means that the personal income tax expenses will be determined according to the federal tax bracket, which can refer to the federal tax table.
- Sales tax: Florida’s sales tax rate is 6%, but cities and counties can add local sales taxes on top of the state sales tax. For example, Jacksonville, Tampa and Tallahassee have sales tax rates of 7.5%, compared with 7% in Miami and Fort Lauderdale and 6.5% in Orlando.
- Property taxes: The median property tax in Florida is $1,773.00, with specific tax rates varying by region and county.
- Excise taxes: Florida imposes excise taxes on certain luxury items, such as gasoline, cigarettes, cell phones and alcohol. The average resident will spend about $615 on these items in 2024.
How to save money in Florida?
Have you decided to move but are concerned about the high cost of living in Florida? If you are a person who is not short of money, it is also recommended to learn some basic ways to save money. If you have enough money, you can deal with some unexpected emergencies. And you can save money to buy something more expensive for yourself. Saving money can also keep you out of debt. You don’t have to worry about getting into debt crisis all the time. So, how to save money in Florida? Some specific methods are listed below.
Rent affordable apartments in Florida
Housing is a major part of the price of living in Florida. If you want to save money on this aspect, you’d better rent an apartment than buy a house. Rental prices in Florida can vary greatly depending on location and amenities.
If you are on a budget, we recommend not staying in the city center, which is often expensive. To find an apartment with a lower rent, but also close to your destination, you can choose the edge of the city center with a nearby subway station or bus stop. These places are often not far from the city center, with convenient transportation. More importantly, the rent will be much cheaper than in the city center. Please contact us if you don’t know how to find the right apartment. Our professional consultants will answer all your questions.
Cook more by yourself instead of eating out
Cooking by yourself is a great way to save Florida cost of living. When supermarkets have a sale, you can buy more ingredients, and you can control the size of each meal. This can save money and avoid waste. In addition, cooking by yourself can also ensure balanced nutrition. Take-out or outside restaurants are often heavy on oil and salt, which can harm your health. And they may not suit your taste or contain ingredients you’re allergic to. These problems can be avoided if you cook by yourself.
For easy cooking, you’d better choose an apartment near a supermarket. Uhomes.com provides you with many listings, all of which are conveniently located and fully equipped. What’s more, living here, you can walk to some supermarkets. This will be your first step to a healthy life.
Take more public transportation
If you’re new to Florida, don’t rush to buy a car. You can take the bus and the subway instead. They are both economical and convenient. Almost all cities in Florida have bus routes that cost $2 for a one-way ticket. Although not all cities have subways, they are also very cheap. If your city has subway lines, you can choose to take the subway. For example, a one-way ticket on the Metro Orange Line in Miami costs $2.25, while a bus ticket costs $1.5, and an additional $0.25 is required if you need to transfer to another bus or BART streetcar.
Stock up on sale
Many malls and supermarkets in Florida will have sales at certain times, such as the National Day, Christmas, Black Friday, and so on. Many brands will also launch a special policy to buy a certain amount or price to enjoy additional discounts. You can find a few friends to shop together, so that you can buy what you want at a lower price. Different credit card companies also have many specific discounts, coupons, and even cash-back activities. You can take advantage of every discount and save your money.
Move to Florida with uhomes.com
Overall, Florida, with its pleasant climate, relatively low living expenses and high quality of life, becomes an attractive destination to live, work and retire. But in some areas, such as Miami and Orlando, the living expenses may be higher due to the booming tourism and real estate markets.
However, with the continuous growth of Florida’s economy and the improvement of infrastructure, Florida cost of living is expected to remain at a relatively reasonable level. And as the Sunshine State, residents here can enjoy a warm climate, beautiful beaches and a wealth of cultural activities. If you want to move to Florida, don’t hesitate. uhomes.com will provide you with sufficient properties to make your home in Florida comfortable.
FAQ
To live comfortably in Florida, you must consider expenses in multiple areas, including housing, food, transportation, and entertainment.
- Housing: Housing costs for a single person in Florida, including rent and utilities, are around $1,652 per month. For a family of four, the number could be even higher.
- Food: Monthly food expenses for a family of four in Florida are about $1,642.
- Transportation: The cost of public transportation is relatively low. For example, the bus fare is about $2 for a one-way ticket. For private car owners, the average gasoline price is about $0.83 per liter.
- Health Insurance: In Florida, the average monthly cost of family health insurance for a median plan is expected to be between $1,200 and $1,600.
- Entertainment: The cost of entertainment is also relatively reasonable. For example, the price of a single ticket to the cinema is about $11.
To sum up, to live comfortably in Florida, you need to budget about $2,518 per month for a single person, and about $5,798 for a family of four.
In Florida, there are several cities that stand out for their lower cost of living.
- Jacksonville: As the largest city in Florida, Jacksonville offers a diverse lifestyle and a low cost of living. With a median home value of about $296,379 and a median rent of $1,498, the cost of living is 7% lower than the national average.
- Gainesville: As a college town in Florida, Gainesville is known for its education, health care and sufficient high-tech jobs. With a median home value of about $298,729 and a median rent of $1,550, the cost of living is 6% lower than the national average.
- Lake City: It is known as the “Gateway to Florida”. Lake City offers a friendly, quiet atmosphere and an affordable cost of living. With a median home value of about $257,570 and a median rent of $1,400, the cost of living is 14% lower than the national average.
- Pensacola: If you love the beach, Pensacola is an affordable choice. With a median home value of about $262,185 and a median rent of $1,800, the cost of living is 13% lower than the national average.
The average cost of off-campus housing in Florida varies by city and region, but we can provide some specific data as a guide. Prices for off-campus housing around the University of Florida are listed below.
- Varsity House Gainesville: From $660/month
- Canopy Apartments: From $654/month
- Theory Gainesville: From $1,009/month
- Alsander GNV: From $619/month
- Alight Gainesville: From $809/month
In Florida, international students do qualify for some financial aid. Here are some of the financial aid options available:
- Scholarships awarded by private or college: According to the University of Florida Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships (UF SFA), international students on F1, F2, J1, or J2 visas are not eligible for federal aid administered by the UF Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships. However, international students may be eligible for private or collegiate scholarships.
- Florida Incentive Scholarships: It is awarded to Florida high school graduates designated as finalists for National Merit Scholarships or National Achievement Scholarships. They will also pursue an undergraduate degree at a public or private nonprofit college or university in the state.
- First Generation Matching Grants: It is available to Florida high school graduates whose parents never earned a college degree and will pursue an undergraduate degree at a state college or university.
- Access to Better Learning and Education Grants: It is offered to Florida students pursuing an undergraduate degree at a private nonprofit college or university in the state. The annual scholarship is $1,500.
