7 Cheapest Places to Live in Florida in 2024 (2024)

The median home price in Florida is $389,325, which has increased by2.0% since the last year. The Florida housing market has witnessed an 8.1% year-over-year growth in the number of homes listed. With a 5-month supply, you will get your choice of house with the seller being more willing to negotiate.

As per our research, home prices are relatively higher in coastal areas near Miami, FL. On the other hand, as you move towards the inland areas of the Sunshine State, like Tallahassee, you can find cheaper housing options.

4 Reasons to live in Florida 🌊

  1. Cheaper Houses: The median home sale price in Florida is ~$390K. But you can get houses between $246K and $301K in cities like Deltona, Lake City, and Panama City.
  2. Tax Benefits: Florida is one of the few states that do not impose a state income tax, providing residents with significant savings on their income.
  3. Affordable Healthcare: Healthcare in cities that are mentioned in this blog is up to 27% lower than the state average. In some cities, the average healthcare is even cheaper than the national average.
  4. Cheaper Rentals: The rent prices of these cities are lower than the national average. You can save up to $200 per month in rent.

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Cheapest Places to Live in Florida in 2024

This list provides insights into the average household income, median listing price, population, unemployment rate, and poverty rate of the cities.

CityMedian Household IncomeMedian Home ValuePopulationUnemployment RatePoverty Rate
1. Lake City$65,505$246,92112,5095.1%18.36%
2. Deltona$72,044$301,67298,5283.9%11.07%
3. Pensacola$84,806$258,71552,3425.8%15.23%
4. Panama City$70,585$273,38636,7756.7%17.83%
5. Lakeland$74,477$292,405121,3806%15.08%
6. Gainesville$61,568$290,584141,3414.8%28.54%
7. Jacksonville$79,817$295,018962,9705.3%14.87%

7 Cheapest Places to Live in FL

The annual population growth of 18% since 2010 is reflective of people’s intention to move to Florida. While Florida is home to some of the most expensive cities in the US, here are some cities that offer affordable living options:

1. Lake City

🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average16%⬇️
🏡 Median Home Price$246,921
💲 Rental Price Range$650 – $3,295
🌅 Known For Falling Creek Falls

Lake City’s median house rent is $1,400 and the median home value is $246,921. The overall cost of living here is 16% cheaper than the national average, making Lake City the cheapest place to live in Florida.

Lake City is famous as “The Gateway to Florida” because it sits along Interstate 75, making it an important location. The city has many different types of jobs in areas like tourism, mining for phosphate, making things from trees, and building things. These jobs help people find work and make the city’s economy grow.

»Homes for Sale in Lake City, FL:Find your dream home in this city.

2. Deltona

🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average16%⬇️
🏡 Median Home Price$301,672
💲 Rental Price Range$1,249 – $3,800
🏞️ Known For Green Springs Park

Deltona has the lowest cost of living in Florida which is 16% lower than the national average. The city’s crime rate which is 60% lower compared to other Florida neighborhoods also makes Deltona the safest place to live in the Sunshine State.


Situated in Central Florida, Deltona enjoys a convenient location with easy access to major cities such as Orange City, Lake Monroe, and Sanford. The city also has attractions like Green Springs Park and Deltona Lake, making it an ideal living destination for its inhabitants.

»Homes for Sale in Deltona, FL:Browse thousands of property listings in Florida’s Bright Spot.

3. Pensacola

🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average13%⬇️
🏡 Median Home Price$258,715
💲 Rental Price Range$695 – $7,500
🏖️ Known ForPensacola Beach

Pensacola attracts homebuyers and renters alike given its affordable real estate. The median house rent price is about $1,795 and the median home price is $258,715, making it one of the cheapest cities to live in Florida.

Situated in Florida’s panhandle, Pensacola boasts over 50 miles of coastline along the emerald-green Gulf of Mexico waters, providing residents with stunning beaches and scenic views. Moreover, residents also enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities, including water sports, fishing, and hiking.

»Homes for Sale in Pensacola, FL:View all the properties for sale in this city.

4. Panama City

🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average11%⬇️
🏡 Median Home Price$273,386
💲 Rental Price Range$850 – $3,200
🏖️ Known ForPanama City Beach

The overall cost of living in Panama City is 11% lower than the national average. Panama City is majorly praised for its affordable and high-quality health care. Even without health insurance, the cost of a routine visit to the doctor is just $2.

Panama City has a rich history, with significant landmarks such as Panama Viejo and Casco Antiguo. These sites show the colonial past and architectural heritage of the city.

»Homes for Sale in Panama City, FL:Browse through thousands of affordable properties.

5. Lakeland

🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average9% ⬇️
🏡 Median Home Price$292,405
💲 Rental Price Range$500 – $5,780
🎨 Known ForPolk Museum of Art

The cost of living in Lakeland is 9% lower compared to the national average. It’s the least expensive and well-connected place to live in Florida.

Lakeland’s affordable food, health, housing, and transportation facilities make the city one of thecheapest places to live in the US.

»Homes for Sale in Lakeland, FL:Browse through thousands of properties in Swan City.

6. Gainesville

🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average8%⬇️
🏡 Median Home Price$290,584
💲 Rental Price Range$475 – $6,000
🏫 Known ForUniversity of Florida’s Main Campus

In Gainesville, people can find the cheapest real estate in Florida. The median house rent is about $1,600, and the median home price is $290,584.

Gainesville is called a college town because of the University of Florida. With an average household income of $61,568, residents can comfortably live in this college town.

»Homes for Sale in Gainesville, FL:Find a home in one of the cheapest places to live in Florida.

7. Jacksonville

🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average4%⬇️
🏡 Median Home Price$295,018
💲 Rental Price Range$595 – $9,500
🖼️ Known Forcumme*r Museum of Art

Jacksonville is Florida’s fastest-growing city. Residents of Jacksonville benefit from a low cost of living, which is 4% less than the national average.


Enjoying a subtropical climate, Jacksonville boasts mild winters and warm summers, making outdoor activities accessible year-round. The city also offers relatively affordable housing, which is 21.5% lower than the national average.

»Homes for Sale in Jacksonville, FL:Get yourself a home in this vibrant city.

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The Bottom Line

The cost of living in Florida is 1% higher than the national average. It is also home to some of the most expensive cities in America. However, if you want to shift to Florida, you can find affordable housing in cities like Lake City, Deltona, and Pensacola.

Cities like Gainesville and Jacksonville have a slightly expensive cost of living but provide better job opportunities. You must research the city’s home prices and living costs before relocating.

Find Homes for Sale in FL Under Your Specific Budget

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» Best Rental Websites in America: Can’t find your dream home within your budget? Explore thousands of listings on the nation’s top rental websites.

Find an Affordable House With Houzeo

With thousands of property listings, Houzeo.com is one of the biggest property listing sites in the US. Find condos, townhouses, co-ops, and other types of homes for sale in Florida on Houzeo.

Find Your Dream Home 🏡

View 247,720 Homes For Sale in Florida

Where do you want to live?

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$2,375,00013612 mc queens court, jacksonville, FL 32225
$2,980,0002017 w state road 426, oviedo, FL 32765

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» Need More Clarity?Read these exclusiveHouzeo reviewsand learn why the platform is the best in America’s competitive housing market.

Research Methodology

We’ve created this list by considering factors such as cost of living, median home price, and rental price range. We have also accounted for the population, median household income, poverty rate, and unemployment rate in these cities.

To compile this list of the cheapest areas to live in Florida, we have drawn data from the Economic Research Institute,World Population Review, Rent Cafe, and Zillow.

FAQs

What is the cheapest place to live in Florida?

The cheapest place to live in Florida is Lake City. It offers affordable transportation, which is 26.6% lower than the national average.

» 7 Cheapest Places to Live in Florida: Find out the other cheapest places to live in Florida!

Where is the best place to live in Florida?

The best place to live in Florida is Jacksonville, followed by Pensacola, Tallahassee, Tampa, Melbourne, Naples and Miami.

Is Florida the cheapest place to live in?

No, it is not. The median home value is $389,325. If you're looking for cities with affordable housing and a low cost of living, you can try your luck in some of these cheapest places in America.

  • Cheapest Places to Live in
  • Florida
7 Cheapest Places to Live in Florida in 2024 (2024)

FAQs

Where is the nicest but cheapest place to live in Florida? ›

Lakeland

The cost of living in Lakeland is 9% lower compared to the national average. It's the least expensive and well-connected place to live in Florida. Lakeland's affordable food, health, housing, and transportation facilities make the city one of the cheapest places to live in the US.

What county in Florida has the lowest cost of living? ›

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.

Where can I afford to live in Florida? ›

Most Affordable Places to Live in Florida in 2024
  • Bartow.
  • Cape Coral.
  • Dade City.
  • Dunedin.
  • Gainesville.
  • Jacksonville.
  • Kissimmee.
  • Melbourne.
May 15, 2024

What is the most affordable Florida key to live on? ›

While the Florida Keys are known for their beautiful beaches and luxurious living options, there are some affordable living options available as well. Among the Florida Keys, the most affordable living options can be found in Key West and Marathon.

What is the least expensive place to retire in Florida? ›

The 10 Most Affordable Places to Retire in Florida
  1. Boynton Beach. Boynton Beach is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in South Florida. ...
  2. Sarasota. Sarasota is in Florida's southwest coastal region. ...
  3. St. Petersburg. ...
  4. Delray Beach. Delray Beach offers 39 active adult communities. ...
  5. Ocala. ...
  6. Lakeland. ...
  7. Fort Myers. ...
  8. Jacksonville.

How much does a person need to make to live comfortably in Florida? ›

with a single adult needing a salary of $94,432 to “live comfortably.” While the hourly wage needed ranges from $43 to $48 in Florida, the minimum wage is currently $12 an hour. In November 2020, Florida voters approved incremental increases to the state's minimum wage.

Can I live in Florida on 50k a year? ›

What is a livable salary in Florida? MIT's Living Wage Calculator says a livable salary for a single person in Florida with no children is about $46,000 before taxes.

What is the absolute best place to live in Florida? ›

10 Best Places to Live in Florida in 2024
  • Key Takeaways. Florida offers a diverse range of cities to choose from, each with its own unique charm. ...
  • The Best Place to Live in Florida is Sarasota. The top-ranked city for quality of life in Florida is Sarasota. ...
  • Sarasota. ...
  • Naples. ...
  • Melbourne. ...
  • Jacksonville. ...
  • Tampa. ...
  • Pensacola.
Apr 21, 2024

Which Florida key is the most family friendly? ›

Key Largo, as the first of the Florida Keys, is a great launching point for all of the family-friendly adventures that this tropical paradise offers. It's a region known for its breathtaking beauty, unique wildlife, and plenty of water-based adventures.

Why is Key West so expensive? ›

Key West itself is a small island with limited space, meaning, there is a limited supply of hotels and other accommodations that can be built on the island. As a result, prices for the limited supply of accommodations rise, particularly during peak tourist seasons.

Which key is the most beautiful in Florida? ›

Key Largo Is THE Prettiest Florida Key

This feature has been updated with more information on things to do and see in Key Largo, additional images to showcase its beauty, and insider insights into what it's really like to visit.

Where is the cheapest and safest place to live in the USA? ›

15 Most Affordable and Safe Small Cities
CityFinal Score
1.Roswell, GA100
2.Johns Creek, GA99
3.Edmond, OK89
4.Mansfield, TX88
11 more rows
Feb 28, 2024

Where is the safest place to live in Florida? ›

Satellite Beach

The safest place to live in Florida is Satellite Beach. You'll feel safe living in this quaint city on Florida's space coast, which is home to just over 11,000 people. In 2022, there were only five violent crimes in Satellite Beach, making it the Florida city with the lowest crime rate.

How to move to Florida on a budget? ›

10 Tips to Help You Budget for Your Move in Florida
  1. Begin The Process Early. ...
  2. Get Multiple Quotes From Moving Companies. ...
  3. Consider Doing Some Things Yourself. ...
  4. Account For Hidden Costs. ...
  5. Sell Things You No Longer Need. ...
  6. Use Free Packing Materials. ...
  7. Research Utility Costs. ...
  8. Plan for Temporary Housing.
Jan 3, 2024

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