Lisa O
Florida is a top choice for many people to live in. Its mix of beautiful beaches, fun theme parks, and no state income tax attracts people of all ages. It’s particularly appealing to retirees who move there to enjoy their golden years. Here are 20 of the best affordable places to live in Florida.
Pensacola
On Florida’s Gulf Coast, Pensacola has beautiful white-sand beaches and breathtaking gulf views. Housing here is very affordable, with a median home price of $315,000. Besides the budget-friendly rent and home prices, there are plenty of first-time homebuyer programs in Florida to take advantage of. Plus, you can visit the fascinating National Naval Aviation Museum!
(Based on report by Realtor.com)
Bartow
Nestled halfway between Tampa and Orlando, Bartow stands out as one of Florida’s most wallet-friendly places to call home. Living in Bartow means embracing a suburban lifestyle bathed in sunshine and affordability. Here, you’ll find median home prices below $300,000 and a cost of living that’s 9% lower than the national average. With an average age of around 35, Bartow also offers a youthful vibe compared to other affordable spots in Florida.
(Based on report by Zillow)
Vero Beach
Another affordable gem in Florida is Vero Beach, a charming, smaller city on one of Florida’s barrier islands. With a tight-knit community of just under 17,000 residents, this place offers a welcoming vibe that’s hard to find in bigger cities. The median home price is under $400,000, and the cost of living here is three percent below the national average—making it perfect for folks on a fixed income.
(Based on report by Zillow)
Ocala
If you’re dreaming of living in Florida away from the coast, Ocala should definitely be on your radar. Living expenses are below the national average here, though home prices relative to income are slightly higher than in other cities. Despite that, Ocala still comes in below the national average of 4.1—earning its spot on our list of the best cheap places to live in Florida.
Tampa
Tampa/St. Petersburg, the Gulf Coast’s largest metro area in Florida, brings a vibrant mix of perks like professional sports and rich cultural experiences that smaller cities might miss out on. In Tampa, housing options span a wide range. Although the overall housing market trends are slightly above the national average, you’ll uncover pockets of affordability alongside pricier areas throughout this dynamic metro region.
Kissimmee
If you’ve visited Disney World, chances are you’ve been to Kissimmee, too. As one of Orlando’s biggest suburbs, Kissimmee offers similar amenities but with even more affordability. While home prices are like Orlando’s, living costs here are notably lower below the national average. Head south, and you’ll find expansive lakes and wildlife areas, while to the west lie all the amusement parks you could imagine.
Mount Dora
Mount Dora offers the perfect blend of proximity to Orlando without the hustle of city life. While home prices hover around $400,000—slightly higher than some spots on this list—they’re still below the national average. Plus, living costs here are 4% lower than the national average, leaving more money in your pocket to enjoy all that Florida has to offer!
(Based on report by Zillow)
Dade City
If you’re on the hunt for a Tampa Bay suburb that blends affordability with convenience, Dade City should definitely be at the top of your list. With median home prices under $350,000 and a cost of living index 6% lower than the national average, it is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to stash away some savings. Despite its cozy community of fewer than 10,000 residents, you’re just a quick 30-40 minute drive from Tampa.
(Based in report by Zillow)
Melbourne
Melbourne is buzzing with a population exceeding 85,000 and boasts living costs that are a remarkable 6% lower than the national average. With a median home price of around $420,000—well below the national average—and one of Florida’s higher median incomes, Melbourne stands tall as one of the premier places to live in the state.
(Based on report by Realtor.com)
Jacksonville
Jacksonville, Florida’s bustling metropolis, offers something special for nearly everyone. Rent prices here have dropped by $124 in the past year, mirroring national trends. While Jacksonville’s home price-to-income ratio edges above the national average of 4.1, it’s balanced by a lower overall cost of living. Plus, local homes are relatively affordable, averaging around $295,177.
(Based on report by Zillow)
Homosassa Springs
Nestled between wildlife areas and just a few miles from the coast, Homosassa Springs is among the most rural cities on our list of affordable places to live in Florida. This means larger housing lots and bigger savings. The cost of living in Homosassa Springs is an impressive 11% lower than the national average—making it a great choice for budget-conscious residents.
Titusville
Next up on our list of affordable places to live in Florida is Titusville, a dream spot for space enthusiasts. Located just 10 miles from the Kennedy Space Center, residents here enjoy front-row seats to thrilling rocket launches. Beyond its cosmic appeal, Titusville boasts median home prices of just $300,000—30% below the national average—and a cost of living index that’s 8% lower than average.
(Based on report by Zillow)
Edgewater
With a median house price of just $330,000 and living costs 7% below the national average, Edgewater shines as one of Florida’s best bargains. Here, you’ll find homes with roomier lots, perfect for spreading out compared to other areas in Florida. With an average resident age of 54, Edgewater is especially appealing for retirees seeking an affordable and comfortable place to call home.
(Based on report by Zillow)
Dunedin
Just north of Clearwater, Dunedin shines as one of Florida’s most affordable havens. It’s a place where Gulf Coast charm meets budget-friendly living. With a median home price under $420,000—well below the national average—and a cost of living index 4% lower than average, Dunedin offers a perfect mix of coastal allure and financial sense.
(Based on report by Zillow)
Gainesville
When it comes to affordable living in Florida, Gainesville stands out as one of the youngest and most budget-friendly cities. The average resident age is only 26.4 years, largely because of the University of Florida’s presence. Buying a home in Gainesville remains achievable, with a median price of $300,000—31% lower than the national average of $428,700.
(Based on report by Zillow)
Sarasota
Down south from Tampa on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Sarasota dazzles with its pristine white-sand beaches, a staple of coastal beauty. Families are drawn to Sarasota not just for its scenic shores but also for its top-tier schools, which are consistently rated among Florida’s best. Yet, the reality of higher home price-to-income ratios in Sarasota suggests that finding affordable housing can be a bit more of a challenge than in nearby communities.
Naples
Named for and centered around the historic 1888 Naples Pier, Naples stands as one of Florida’s southernmost cities on the Gulf Coast. While the general cost of living and housing prices here are higher than the national average, true beachfront property may not be within everyone’s budget. However, there are more affordable housing options inland, offering good access to the beach and sunny shores.
New Port Richey
Nestled on the Gulf Coast just north of Tampa, New Port Richey offers a blend of urban advantages and country tranquility. Here, you can enjoy the best of both worlds—a taste of city life with a laid-back vibe. While living costs and rent prices in New Port Richey are lower than the national average, the price of homes compared to income levels may require a bit more planning.
Daytona Beach
Home to the thrilling Daytona 500, Daytona Beach shines on Florida’s Atlantic coast. Living by the beach offers a range of housing options—beachfront properties can fetch millions, while homes further inland are much more affordable. With rent prices below the national average, Daytona Beach is an exciting and budget-friendly place to call home.
Brooksville
Located in rural Florida, just north of Tampa and west of Orlando, Brooksville is a cozy town not far from the Gulf of Mexico. Even though it’s not right on the beach, you can reach the Gulf with a short drive. Living here is affordable, making it a great choice compared to big cities in Florida. Rent and home prices are much lower than the national average—offering a budget-friendly lifestyle.