Higher insurance, healthcare, and housing costs mean not everyone will save money. Florida Estimated cost to build a house: $208,825 Estimated hourly labor cost: $14 A relatively high average structure cost lands Florida among the most expensive places to build. So, we made sure to only accept cheap places to live in Florida that had a strong sense of community and actually offer things to do, like access to the beach, parks, good restaurants, and shopping areas. Its considered one of the best places to live in Florida on a budget. The average home price is currently $212,000, although there are quite a few options around $175,000. Population: 16,199 Cost of Living Index: 86 Average Home Price: $223,000 (16% below Florida average) Average Rent Price: $907 per month Crime Rate per 1,000 Residents: 17.8 (29% below Florida average) Unemployment Rate: 3.4% 10 Year Job Growth Outlook: +51% Location: See in Google Maps. When it comes to used car sales, Florida tends to has the cheapest prices. With a population of nearly 20,640 and a median home price of $139,500,Bartowhappens to be one of the most affordable places in Florida to live in. Auto insurance rates by state. Coming in at #1 is Tavares, which is a suburb of Orlando and is in one of the fastest growing counties in Florida. drivers in no-fault states such as Michigan and Florida often pay more for insurance than do drivers in other areas of the country. The population of Cape Coral is about 175,000. Visit an extraordinary vintage antique store on Main Street. If you buy into the hotter the better, move to a desert where daytime temps are from 120-140 degrees daily and enjoy yourself. 25 Cheapest Places to Live; . I would suggest coming to Saint Joe Road to get the most exhilarating zipline ropes courses. But it alone is not enough to justify a move to Florida at least from a financial perspective. Unless. Florida is ranked right in the middle that divides the most expensive states from the more affordable. The city interests seniors as it is considered the cheapest city to live in Florida with no burden of income tax. A comfortable retirement in Iowa will cost an estimated $1,024,201, less than in most states and below the national average of $1,134,687. In a Gallup poll way back in 2013 on how residents liked their state, Illinois again took the 49th spot. Whereas veterinary visit is around $53.73 with drug costs around $447.16. Thank you for this list and all the helpful comments. It is a perfect place for history buffs. , Thank you for your comment.i have lived in miami Beach and now Hollywood and I have to mkve.the traffic is making me crazy.i am looking at the west coast and your description is very inviting.thank you..I am newly widowed and on a fixed I come..I will be investigating this area, I Agree I Lived There Between 2005 And Left 2011 But My Family Is Still There And Im Looking To Return Soon. Offering all the necessary amenities for a low cost of living this city doesnt break the bank with its affordable median home price. Especially Homosassa Springs and Hernando are quiet towns full of nature and wildlife. Fear not, whether youre looking for a romantic Florida getaway or planning for a family vacation there is no shortage of fun and free things to do in Miami. Florida is not Cheap Get Cautious about Tornadoes and Hurricanes: . Overall cheapest and most expensive states to live in for 2022. If you are searching for the cheapest places to buy a house in Florida, Edgewater makes for a great choice. Explore the downtown area, and go to museums and boutiques. ("Domicile" is a legal . Only the utility cost is higher than the national average. The year-round sunny weather is perfect for people looking to soak up some rays. The monthly rent for a one-bedroom studio in a normal area is around $1100. The city is known for its peaceful lifestyle with a large lake as its centerpiece. If you buy something through one of those links, you wont pay any extra penny, but Ill get a small commission that encourages me to deliver more helpful content for you. Located on the coast of northeast Florida, Jacksonville is the cheapest place to live in Florida. Next, come to a movie setting Geddon Horror Park for a thrilling experience. Here are. 12019. The average rent of a 2 bedroom home in Quincy is around $1500. We are moving to Florida for the winter months only. Port Charlotte, Florida. Is it cooler near a beach? Visit the Polk County History Center, Municipal Airport Museum, Alafia River State Park, and much more. Dunedin is a small beach town with good schools, a low crime rate, a low cost of living, average job prospects. While the cost of living in Florida is far from lowest, its considerably cheaper overall than Illinois. Illinois is deep into the list of the states with the highest overall tax burden according to the Tax Foundation and every other source Ive checked with that puts out tax related data. Those from New York, which CNBC's analysis named the second most expensive state in terms of cost of living, might have benefitted from the move. These places ensure excellent warm weather, varied outdoor activities, mouth-watering foods, a great place to hang out, job opportunities, good hospitals, schools, and a strongly knitted community feel. Of course, there are also many shopping areas for a city of this size. Speaking of affordability, the cost of living in Timber Pines is about 7% cheaper than the rest of Florida, with home prices 20% lower than the rest of the state. Indeed, the lack of an income tax is a major financial perk for Floridians. I found places that rated Florida #3 which I found surprising. The cost of living is relatively low in much of the state (though not everywhere). This list is a very helpful part in my researching where to move to. The averagehomelisting pricein Gainesville is approximately $200,000, while the median sales price is around $120,000. Florida's low initial vehicle costs are. According to my analysis of various publicly available sources, it would be harder to bored in Illinois than in most other states, because the state simply has more things to do and see. * School ratings vary widely, depending upon the criteria the particular organization uses. Especially on a fixed income. Michigan drivers pay nearly seven times more than South Dakota drivers. Hi there, The median income in Sunny Isles Beach comes in at $51,760 and the median home value is $363,400 for 2023. Like any other Florida city, Cape Coral also has several pros and cons that you must know before moving here. Located between Daytona Beach and Cape Canaveral Edgewater is a small town on the eastern coast of Florida. Ill take this info, do other comparable searches including crime rates, COL, average age etc and hope for the best! Port Orange. Your income and spending is very low. When we put together this list of the cheapest places to live in Florida, we not only considered the latest data on cost of living, but also housing values, crime rates, and desirability to give you the most complete list of cities that you would truly want to live in. Americans are moving to Floridafor better weather and lower taxes. If you are in North Florida, you will never run out of options to explore the lovely beaches for a weekend getaway and relax under the sun. If youre just going to go from my air conditioned house to my air conditioned car then save yourself the expense of moving 1000 miles and stay where you are with your heated house and car. Population: 20,768 Cost of Living Index: 99 Average Home Price: $238,000 (10% below Florida average) Average Rent Price: $1,120 per month Crime Rate per 1,000 Residents: 15.5 (39% below Florida average) Unemployment Rate: 3.6% 10 Year Job Growth Outlook: +34% Location: See in Google Maps. Flickr/Linda Holloway. I was looking at the Pensacola nicevillie, chrestview area. Stay far from the theme parks. Additionally, while the city does a great job of retaining a small town feel, it still offers many modern conveniences, as there is a Walmart, Publix, and Winn-Dixie located all less than a 10 minute drive from downtown. But, each major city in Florida is a bit different. Housing is the main factor in the cost of living and median home prices are very favorable for individuals in Orlando. Food and utilities costs are also not that expensive. North Carolina takes the No. There is no shortage of free attractions in Orlando. You can explore Apalachicola River Blueway National Recreation Trail, Lake Talquin State Forest, The Shade Tobacco Museum, and many more attractions during the weekend. Thanks. Im looking to retire in next few months in Florida and I love how u put the actual cost to live decent in certain areas. It also happens to be on the highest end of the scale when it comes to vehicle registration, and title fees. These three places are very popular among retirees. This tech bomb town is wealthy in terms of history, culture, natural enthusiasm, and job facilities. Before moving to the Sunshine State, it's worth considering how Florida's cost of living compares to where you live now, and to your potential employment opportunities. You can consider Edgewater if you want to live near the beach. I am considering moving to Florida from the Oregon Coast, and at 73, its hard to start over when living on a fixed income. The elevated health insurance rates are in part because Florida's employers generallydon't cover as much of the healthcare costs as those in other states do. At roughly $1,420, only five states charged a higher monthly rent for the typical one-bedroom as of October. However, transportation and grocery might be a bit pricier but cheaper than nearby Fort Myers. . The city wont break the bank with the median home price just at $233,000. Tourism, agriculture, digital media, and aviation sectors are booming right now. 2 Roughly 20.5% of Florida's population is at least 65 years old. . Groceries can be slightly pricier, but overall you will see a significant reduction in cost while living in Gainesville. Pricing for various packages can vary a lot even in the same location. The cost of living index in Mount Dora is 100.4 based on a US average of 100. The best thing is that the average registered nurse salary in Cape Coral is pretty high. If youre going to spend all your time indoors, does it matter where you live? Overall, residents of South Daytona get all the benefits of a larger city, but in a more relaxed atmosphere that is also at a lower total cost, making it a top choice as one of themost affordable cities in Florida that give you thebest bangs for your buck. Thank you in advance for your support! Definitely, Cape Coral is one of the least expensive places to live in Florida. Its median home value, however, remains in the middle of the pack compared to the rest of the country. Also, it is the powerhouse of regional economic high-tech companies and subsidiaries along the Space Coast. There are also modern chain stores like Walmart and Winn-Dixie at the edge of town. If you earn $40,000 a year, you can easily survive here. Massachusetts. Also, the city draws visitors as it holds a strong position in the entertainment industry. Hello I am a single mom with 3 kids looking for a kid friendly safe neighborhood but something very affordable with good paying jobs. You can also read the moving to Florida checklist and guide. Median monthly rent: $1,059 It is a great place not only for retirees but also for people looking for recreational activities. Its housing cost is one of the lowest on this list at 36% lower than average, which makes South Daytona one of the most affordable places to live in Florida. It is home to 50,298 people in America. Florida also did poorly in both polls, but it will almost certainly be an improvement for many over the Prairie State. Lower Employment Winner? Used vehicles in Florida can be nearly 10% cheaper than the national average because of an aging population that's giving up their cars each year, whether due to death or just impaired eyesight or driving abilities. The nearest beach is also only about an hour away around Sarasota. We lived in central Illinois where a summer drive in Continue Reading 9 12 Best Christmas Towns in Florida To Celebrate Holidays in 2023, 8 Best Breweries in Gainesville to Visit in 2023, 9 Magical Secret Spots and Hidden Gems in Miami, 10 Fastest Growing Cities in Florida in 2023, 7 Best Places To Live In Northern Florida, 13 Most Insane Abandoned Places In Florida You Have To See, 11 Best Beaches In North Florida In 2023: A Descriptive List, Living in Tampa vs Orlando: Which Florida City is Best in 2023, Top 10 Free Things to do in Miami You Shouldnt Miss in 2023. Unlike most quality of life ratings, school ratings are all over the place and often contradict each other. When you are in Plant City, and tasting strawberries is a must! Complete a change of address. This post may contain affiliate links. Here, I come to the end of the list of cheapest places to live in Florida, giving a complete insight into the cost, expenses, house price, crime rate, employment and healthcare. There are plenty of job opportunities in and around the Orlando metro area. That's a whole other house! Hi Bonnettee, you can read this article on the best beach towns to live in Florida. In the center of town, you can find a Publix at the Lynn Haven Shopping Center, which is also across from a Walmart. Overall, with a monthly budget of $2200-$2500, one person can live comfortably in Quincy, Florida. Vero Beach is about sunshine, a sparkling ocean, a laid-back atmosphere, pristine sand, historical sights, eclectic shops, and cultural marvels. This is another worst reason not to live in Florida if you are aware of the sinkhole. You can go to Blanton Park, Chain of Lakes, and Pritchard House. Vero Beach is considered 28% safer than other US cities. Then youve just come to the right place. Florida. Florida. Housing, transportation, utilities, goods, and services are lower than the state and national average. $287,466 is the average cost of new home construction in the U.S. according to HomeAdvisor. It made it to #2 on our list of the cheap places to live in Florida mainly due to its extremely low costs across the board Lake Wales cost of living is 14% lower than average, while houses are only $165,000 and rent is around $750 per month, which is one of the lowest on this list. Florida by a large gap. Lake Wales is also located in the Lakeland-Winter Haven metropolitan area like Lake Alfred and benefits from being a quiet and affordable suburb with easy access to its larger and more expensive neighboring cities. The cost of living in Jacksonville is lower than the national average but the living cost has increased after the pandemic. I travel continuously and need a place to hold my mail and will be safe when I am away. the entire article is literally a list of EXACTLY that! All the best for your retired life. It may very well be one of the most affordable places to live in Florida that is truly worth living in. You dont need to pay any income tax, estate tax, inheritance tax if you live in Cape Coral which is also good news for retirees who are on a fixed income. The median home price is around $225,000. On the other hand, the national median monthly rent is around $1,023. You can access many Atlantic ocean beaches which are just a short drive away from Edgewater. Thank you. The cost of auto insurance can vary by state and insurance company, with an average rate of $1,758 a year nationwide for a good driver with good credit. is this a good place to market and get settled? Once you select a new doctor and school system, transfer all information. Illinois's overall crime rate (property and violent crime combined) places the state just inside the bottom 25 states with the highest rates, according to FBI reporting. Stay up to date with what you want to know. If you are also considering The Villages, then read ourrecommendations for the best neighborhoods in the area. Surrounded by rolling hills, refreshing air, walkable streets, rare gorgeous downtown, and pasture lands, Dade City is the prime escapade location in Florida. It is 13% safer than other US cities recording 26.91 crime rates (per 1,000 residents). The best part of moving to this city is its proximity to other major cities like Atlanta, Georgia, Alabama, etc. Illinoisans wellbeing based on the latest surveys came in at 49th. Healthcare expense in Dade City are 5% lower than the national average. There are also lots of affordable condos in Dunedin to rent. Hi Chrissy, we update the article(including the data) frequently as required. Fort Worth, on the 65th spot, has an average rent of $1,341 per month with almost a million residents. Find out whether you are required to pay a Medicare IRMAA in 2022. Economy Strength Winner: Unlike the close ratings on cost of living and crime, Florida wins this comparison by a wide margin. Where are the cheapest cities to live in Florida? 2. It is located on Floridas east coast just 30 minutes from Daytona Beach and 1 hour from Orlando. Cost of Living in the U.S. vs. the U.K.: What's the Difference? It is definitely a good choice. It kicks off the rest of the list with Port Charlotte, Florida. Set up your evening plans at Cocoa Beach Pier having fine seafood and enjoying the view. In fact, it is a dream destination for many people. Is it more expensive to live in Chicago or Florida? Plant City already has fame in the world for celebrating the Florida Strawberry Festival. The ten states with the lowest property tax rates are: Hawaii, Alabama, Louisiana, Colorado, District of Columbia, Delaware, South Carolina, West Virginia, Wyoming, and Arkansas.