Whether you are a digital nomad, an expat, a retiree or just moving to Florida to start a new life, you will find plenty of affordable places to live in Florida. While Florida might not be the single most affordable state in the country, contrary to the Joblist study's claim, it's likely not the least affordable either. If you want to live in a Cheap, well maintained, VERY CLEAN and VERY POLICED and Low Crime City- Florida by a large gap. A: Florida is famous for its warm climate, beach resorts, amusement parks and so many other attractions. The affordable median home value($145,000) and lower crime rate make it the best and most affordable place to live in Florida. File a "Declaration of Domicile" with the clerk of circuit court in the Florida county where you live. In terms of cost of living, according to the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), Dade City is ranked 108 out of 273 cities across the USA which is 96.6% of the national average. Americans are moving to Floridafor better weather and lower taxes. The "City of Palms" has long. Furthermore, you can buy a house whose median value is around $155,300, less than the national median home value of $204,900. Read on to get more context on the study, including the factors we considered to determine the cheapest states. Surrounded by exotic beaches, small-town, friendly people, and many more. I am pushing 60 years old and single so I need affordable, small town feel, local gatherings and by the water. Milton, Florida offers one of the best income to home price ratios in Florida and is great for people who are looking for strong wages and cheap housing. It is located on Floridas east coast just 30 minutes from Daytona Beach and 1 hour from Orlando. 2. 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. Explore 18 acres of landscape discovering unique trees and waterfalls at McKee Botanical Garden. You may consider Lake Okeechobee too, but the unemployment rate is high here. While almost everyone loves living in Florida the first few months or years, a very high percentage of people eventually find Florida was a big enough mistake to go through the huge expense and hassle of another long distance move, just to get out. IDK why everyone is asking you about affordable places to live when this is literally a list of affordable places to live! The nature scene in Tavares is outstanding. It may very well be one of the most affordable places to live in Florida that is truly worth living in. It also has the lowest average housing costs in the nation at 33.7%. Miami is 14.0% more expensive than Chicago. You can explore Apalachicola River Blueway National Recreation Trail, Lake Talquin State Forest, The Shade Tobacco Museum, and many more attractions during the weekend. unemployment and better growth, according to US News annual report. The city wont break the bank with the median home price just at $233,000. In addition to delicious food, Louisiana retirees can expect low costs of living, affordable homes, and lower healthcare costs. Hey Donna. Only the utility cost is higher than the national average. Crime and safety Winner? According to our data, the average annual rate. Better State Illinois or Florida? - Moving to Florida . Fort Meade is included in our list of most affordable cities in Floridafor the low median home price and affordable grocery and healthcare. Situated between Tampa and Miami on Florida's Gulf Coast, Fort Myers is a growing city. Theres a variety of restaurants, waterparks, shopping choices, and nonexpensive entertainment like fishing, boating, hiking, swimming, and many more. The 10 Cheapest States for Car Insurance | U.S. News Are there any mobil home parks that may help me lower costs? Meanwhile, Arcadias central location makes it an attractive city to consider to be close to some of Floridas biggest cities. If you head to the westernmost point on Florida's panhandle, you'll find Pensacola. Florida also has more stuff to do and see than most states, its why over 110,000,000 tourist a year now visit the state. There are numerous parks and rivers in Milton as well as hiking trails through state parks nearby. Coming in at #1 is Tavares, which is a suburb of Orlando and is in one of the fastest growing counties in Florida. The cost of living and average home prices are slightly below the Florida average, but the very low crime rates and opportunity to live right on the water make Lynn Haven quite appealing. Location-wise, Haines City is situated in central Florida, right between Tampa and Orlando, making it an ideal place to access some of the best large cities in Florida, but with a cheaper lifestyle. If youre a beach lover, you are lucky to own a house in Jacksonville. 4) Which state has more jobs or lower unemployment Illinois or Florida, Illinois has an unemployment rate of just 4.2%, which would normally be a very respectable rate. Hi moving from Las Vegas to Florida, is Sarasota safe? Housing costs are lower as well as grocery and healthcare. The Cost Of Living In Jacksonville Makes Anything Bearable. Overall Score 6.0 Overall Score. Flickr/Linda Holloway. The cheapest city to live in florida, and safest, is Cape Coral. Living in Sedona, AZ Pros and Cons, 8 Best Small Towns in Texas to Raise a Family in 2023 Safe & Great Schools, The 9 Cheapest and Safest Places to Live in California in 2023, The 8 Best Areas to Stay in San Francisco Without a Car, Average Home Price at least 10% below Florida average, Average Crime Rate per 1,000 Residents below Florida average. Thanks. Congratulations, you moved to Florida so now you dont have to shovel snow, but now you have to cut grass twice a week all year long. There are many lists online that only focus on the cheapest places in Florida. Health Care Quality Winner? Of course, the city is also quite safe, coming in slightly below average in its crime rate compared to the rest of Florida. I would start by read this shocking article from US News before doing any school rating research. Home United States Is it cheaper to live in Florida or Wisconsin? The average home cost in Bartow is under $275,000. The city might be in the rural part of the state but the great job opportunities and strong economic growth make the city a wonderful place for families, multi-generational families, and even solo professionalsor expat. So, Dade City is waiting for many adventures! Vero Beach is about sunshine, a sparkling ocean, a laid-back atmosphere, pristine sand, historical sights, eclectic shops, and cultural marvels. Explore the downtown area, and go to museums and boutiques. 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. Hi Luann, if you are looking for a cheap and pet-friendly place to live in Florida, I will highly recommend Jacksonville. To make the cut, we only included cities that met the following criteria: To find the cities that have the lowest cost of living in Florida, we also evaluated all of the potential places on the amenities and desirability that each location had to offer. It is very quiet and has good schools that offer IB programs. Cheapest States To Live In 2023 - Lowest Cost Of Living - Financer.com US One of the best parts of life in Jacksonville is that living here costs just a fraction of what it costs to live in most other cities, even in Florida.House prices are rock bottom and you can rent an apartment here for an average of $980, which is significantly lower than the $1,500 national average. What Is the Cheapest Type of House to Build in 2023? Lots of Land Contributes to Lower Prices There's even a surprising amount of coastline that is undeveloped, he said. Cheapest 2023 Car Insurance Rates by State | The Zebra The city is full of many amenities for residents to enjoy, including spectacular beaches, natural wonderlands, museums, and gardens. Click through to see the cost of renting versus owning a home in your state. First to be snowbirds and find a fun n the sun affordable place to live. Stay up to date with what you want to know. There are many providers and various packages that are offered, many that bundle internet, cable, and phone together. Living In Jacksonville: 21 Things You Need To Know First Like any other Florida city, Cape Coral also has several pros and cons that you must know before moving here. The lower crime rate makes it one of the safest places to live in Florida. Palm Coast, located on Florida's upper east coast, is home to one of Florida's best-kept-secret beaches, so residents don't have to fight tourists for prime beach space. If you are planning to move to Florida, try to avoid Opa Locka and Cocoa cities where the crime rate and poverty rate are very high. Florida. The cheapest place to live in Flordia is Jacksonville. A large and robust economy. If you buy into the hotter the better, move to a desert where daytime temps are from 120-140 degrees daily and enjoy yourself. There are four states with property tax rates above 2.00%: New Jersey, Illinois, New Hampshire, and Connecticut. Apparently, a whole lot of Illinois residents have been unhappy with their state for many years. 3) Which state has a better economy Illinois or Florida? You can go for a road trip to Walt Disney World, the Everglades, and the Keys at the weekend. Ample job opportunities evidenced by one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation and the growth of remote work have made it possible for many Americans to move to the Sunshine State. Your email address will not be published. On the other hand, medical . where to apply for senior low cost housing or section 8 housing? The cost of living index in Dade City is 89.4 based on a US average of 100. Best States for Affordability | US News Best States The historic downtown of Vero Beach is vibrant with cafes, restaurants, and shops where you can easily spend time strolling around. Is it cooler near a beach? Neither states rating is in the top 25 states but Illinois is ranked slightly higher. New York. All rents are less than $1,600 per month, on average. Haines City is also the biggest city on our list, which offers many things to do and makes it a fun place to live. Unlike many large cities in the US, Jacksonville has maintained its affordability. Am looking for all the buttons and whistles on a $3k retirement income w/ copd..love the water but no gaters! But Florida doesn't just have the weather, the beaches, and Disney World going for it. With around $2500 per month, you will be able to cover all of your basic costs. #1. Fellsmere made our list based on its excellent scores for housing costs and crime. It is a great place not only for retirees but also for people looking for recreational activities. Strolling through the very walkable downtown is so peaceful. Based on housing costs, utilities, and taxes, the average person could live on a budget of $1800-$2,000 a month. When you are in Plant City, and tasting strawberries is a must! Timber Pines was also named the 13th best city to retire in across all of America, so consider moving soon before too many people find out about this hidden gem. Florida is hotter and more humid than where you moved from, and it doesn't end when summer does. Hi Pamela, you can look for Cape Coral. For example, a state with a cost of living of 110 would be 10% higher than the national average. Now, it is true that Indiana counties assess income tax, too. The housing market here is even crazier right now with houses that are appraising at $225,000, selling for over $450,000. But, what about the attractions in the city itself? It offers the 2nd lowest rent prices on our list of cheapest cities to live in Florida, while its home prices are 35% lower than the rest of Florida. Cape Coral is the place. Florida is not Cheap Get Cautious about Tornadoes and Hurricanes: . Lynn Haven has one of the lowest cost of living in Florida, and it even made it onto Niche.coms top quartile of best places to raise a family in Florida. Population: 7,934 Cost of Living Index: 93 Average Home Price: $143,000 (46% below Florida average) Average Rent Price: $678 per month Crime Rate per 1,000 Residents: 19.5 (23% below Florida average) Unemployment Rate: 4.0% 10 Year Job Growth Outlook: +39% Location: See in Google Maps. The average cost of living calculated by MIT is $16.54 per hour or $68,808 per year for two working adults in a family of four. Unlike most quality of life ratings, school ratings are all over the place and often contradict each other. In one corner of the west of Florida peninsula, sits Tampa, the oldest center of business, bars, and endless entertainment options that vibes up every weekend. Hi Janice, you can apply for section 8 housing only if you are a full time resident in Florida with low income and clean rental history. Hec I would even work at apical pub, wine bar or something of that nature. Cost of Living in the U.S. vs. the U.K.: What's the Difference? It is only 1 hour by car from Fort Myers and 1.5 hours from Tampa. It is a heaven for nature lovers. 8) Things has more things to do Illinois Versus Florida. It also features several parks and historic buildings like Fort Meade Historical Society worth visiting. There is no shortage of natural trails, state parks, and museums. Additionally, it retains a small town charm that is perfect for young families. ?? The 1.9% increase was the largest of any US state over this period. There is quite some demand to enter this small community, so start looking now if you want to move here eventually. These cities have a low cost of living but you have to pay later. 7) Which state has a lower overall tax burden Illinois Versus Florida. Hi Maria, my vote is for Brownsville and Gladeview for young adults. The study found that in all but 10 places, it is indeed cheaper to buy than to rent though in some of those places, the cost difference is minimal. The 10 Most Expensive Places To Live In Florida For 2023 - HomeSnacks Im tired of shoveling snow. You have given me so much information; the cities you mentioned appear to be more affordable than the West Coast. Starting off our list of the cheap places to live in Florida that are actually desirable is Lynn Haven. Residents rave about the strong sense of community that has developed in Lynn Haven, which was especially felt after Hurricane Michael in 2018. Cost of Living in Florida - Best Places So, what is the cheapest and safest place to live in Florida that you would actually want to move to? You do your homework for sure. Fort Worth, on the 65th spot, has an average rent of $1,341 per month with almost a million residents. This southern state has got it all and it won't leave you penniless. This list is a very helpful part in my researching where to move to. Its median home value, however, remains in the middle of the pack compared to the rest of the country. 10 Most Affordable Places to Live in Florida | Cheapest Cities ("Domicile" is a legal . With a housing index of 69, median rent prices of about $1,000, utility index of 89, grocery index of 91, and transportation index of 90 . Offering all the necessary amenities for a low cost of living this city doesnt break the bank with its affordable median home price. But, unlike most other large cities, Jacksonville is one of the most affordable places to live if you love Florida. Cape Coral Nearby Sightseeing The year-round sunny weather is perfect for people looking to soak up some rays. Depending on where you live, property taxes can be a small inconvenience or a major burden. Lower Cost of living Winner? Of course there are many variables that will determine the actual cost such as exact distance of the move, the number of items being moved, and additional services such as packing and unpacking. If youre going to spend all your time indoors, does it matter where you live? Titusville is a small town in Brevard with good breweries, quaint shops, pizza places and hanging out places. 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. Medicare Advantage Monthly Cost: $56.36. Edgewater also has one of the lowest crime rates on our list of the cheapest and safest places to live in Florida, making it an affordable, yet safe place for everyone. Quincy is small but one of the most desired cities in northern Florida that lies in Gadsden County. If the move doesnt work out, which happens more than what most people realize, you may need/want to move again. Illinoisans wellbeing based on the latest surveys came in at 49th. Your email address will not be published. In Titusville, you have to pay $910 a month as rent which is less than the $1,023 national median monthly rent. There is not much crime in Fort Meade and the great community and friendly people are the main USP of this city. There is no shortage of free attractions in Orlando. Our mission is to provide a digital resource with original insights on lifestyle and travel experiences. Especially, if you love water, then Jax can be a heaven to you. Specifically, the state is known for these good things and not so good things too: No state income taxes. So, where is the cheapest place to live in Florida that is also desirable? Living cost in Edgewater is not that expensive. However, the housing cost in Mount Dora is around $242,900 which is greater than the national median home value. The housing price is 13% lower than the national average, around $95,100. Florida by a wide margin. Hi Chrissy, we update the article(including the data) frequently as required. Compare that to Indiana, which has an individual rate of 3.23% and a business rate of 5.75%. You have landed on the right page. Very informative! The cheapest type of house to build is a rectangular tiny home though your location, materials, and more can impact costs. Methodology to Find the Cheapest Places to Live in Florida, The 12 Cheapest Places to Live in Florida in 2023. But, each major city in Florida is a bit different. Is it cheaper to live in Florida or Wisconsin? - 2023 (2023) Cost of Living in Florida Our cost of living indices are based on a US average of 100. Here is our terms & conditions that stipulates how you can use this site. 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. Timber Pines is a peaceful little suburb of Tampa located on the western coast of central Florida. The 7 Cheapest Places to Live in Florida in 2023 | REthority If what youll save on taxes and the cost of living in Florida will be so minimal that it would take you 20 years to break even on what it cost you to move from Illinois, you may want to do so figuring first. There are many job finding sites like Indeed, Career Builders, Monster which are perfect to find area-specific jobs. Here you will find 16 acres of land at the museum Pioneer Florida Museum examining and illustrating the state history in the liveliest manner. While they can likely count on warm temperatures in the years ahead, not everyone will find themselves better off. A cost of living index above 100 means Florida, Florida is more expensive. My husband and I are planning to move to Florida. Hi Kristen, if you are looking for a safe place with a high employment rate, Ill highly recommend Jacksonville, Gainesville, or Orlando. It boasts a crime rate about 70% lower than the rest of the state, a lower-than-average cost of living and cost of gas, along with a 9% higher graduation rate. Lets find out! Florida Museum of Natural History is also a popular tourist attraction in Gainesville. Of course, there are also many shopping areas for a city of this size. To find area-specific jobs, you can check out My Florida Jobs, Career Builders, or Indeed. With a population of about 10000 people, Fort Meade is a part of the Lakeland-Winter Haven Metropolitan area. You learn stuff you didnt count on. The city boasts several theme parks, concerts, farmers markets, and adventure activities. Illinois. If you decide to make Monmouth your permanent home, the median price of a home here is very reasonable at $79,200, especially considering that the average household here earns $50,740 annually. Indiana vs. Illinois: Cost of Living and Taxes Comparison Guide In South Florida, where there is a scarcity of land, prices are higher. If you are searching for the cheapest places to buy a house in Florida, Edgewater makes for a great choice. This is another worst reason not to live in Florida if you are aware of the sinkhole. Lower Cost of living Winner? So, while Lake Wales is the second cheapest place to live in Florida, there is actually another city that we think is the best. For crime data, we referenced the latest FBI crime reportand cross-analyzed it with AreaVibes crime review. 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. Cape Coral is surprisingly an inexpensive place in Florida where family homes can be found under $2000 per month for rentand a one-bedroom apartment can be rented for $1400 per month (or less). Location-wise, it is only a 10 minute drive away from Panama City and only 20 minutes from Panama City Beach. How to Watch MVC Second Semifinal, Southern Illinois vs. Drake, in Men's College Basketball Today: Game Date: Feb. 4, 2023 Game Time: 6 p.m. According to the records in 2018, Florida is home to more than 21.3 million people. Finally, we took a weighted average of each of the below category to create our final score and ranking: Please note that some links below are affiliate links, which means that we receive a small commission if you make a purchase through our links, but at no extra cost to you. Thats the part Im struggling with is leaving ct and running out of money. It is a resident-owned and self-governed park located in a prime location within Dunedin. The median home price is around $225,000. A family of four spends $9,380 on average on food in Mount Dora. Check-in/wait at the airport = 60 minutes Flight time = 2 hours, 4 minutes Orlando International Airport Leaving MCO airport = 144 minutes Total travel time = 6 hours, 17 minutes Driving time = 16 hours, 49 minutes 1 hotel night = $75.00 Extra time for stops = 0 minutes Extra costs (tolls, rental car) = $0.00 Wear and tear cost = $0.10 per mile This quiet, tree-lined suburb of Panama City is located right on the water of Floridas panhandle. 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. Florida also did poorly in both polls, but it will almost certainly be an improvement for many over the Prairie State. Is It Cheaper To Live In Florida Or Illinois? - CLJ Miami is, Read More Top 10 Free Things to do in Miami You Shouldnt Miss in 2023Continue. Is it more expensive to live in Chicago or Florida? In many parts of Florida, you can buy a new home for a relatively cheap price. It is not far from either Coast, and there is decent shopping in the next towns, not so far from Fort Meade. Others might choose to forego a car purchase or look for areas of Florida with more moderate property taxes or insurance costs. It is just 1 hour away from downtown Tampa as well as the beautiful Clearwater Beach. However, those coming from Georgia the 4th least expensive state might have found themselves worse off financially. 4. You can find affordable accommodation and it has plenty of job opportunities for nursing graduates. Contents1 Is Wisconsin an expensive state to live in?2 How much does it cost to live comfortably in Wisconsin?3 Is it more expensive to live in Florida?4 Is it more expensive to live in Chic. Virtually every big city amenity can be found here hospitals, clinics, churches, big box stores like Target, Walmart, The Home Depot, and all your favorite restaurants and fast food joints, making it one of the most affordable cities in Florida that also has access to all of these stores and services. The median home price in Dunedin is $157,000 which is 5.8% lower than the state average. Florida has a higher cost of living index than Texas across most categories. Bartow is located 50 miles southwest of Orlando and 40 miles east of Tampa. I wanted to know what places you recommend for a single 25 year old who just graduated with a nursing degree. So, are you determined to move to Florida? Quincy is the city where most of the residents own their house. Alaska. Both states are in the bottom 25 of states with higher rates, but Illinoiss overall crime rate is lower than Florida. The cost of living in Bartow is 12% lower than the state(Florida) average. Vero Beach is considered 28% safer than other US cities. Although housing is cheaper in Florida than it is in most other states in America, according to the Council for Community and Economic Research the overall cost of living in Florida is on the high side. I would suggest coming to Saint Joe Road to get the most exhilarating zipline ropes courses. Of course, there is a great normal life here, too. The crime rate of these places is lower than the state and national average. Wish you a happy and safe retired life. Housing, transportation, utilities, goods, and services are lower than the state and national average. Single adults average health care is around $4,021, which is less than nationwide. I just hope you dont mind making a bunch of U-turns- The Cape as locals call it- 6. The small town is an hours drive northeast of Tampa sitting in the hills of NE Pasco County. Edgewater is one of the bigger cities on our list, but it still retains a small town, seaside community feel. Median Home Cost = $180,000.00 ( Affordable) Yet another area that helps Jacksonville's overall score is the median home cost here. It would have ranked higher on our list, but its future job prospects are only average compared to the rest of the nation and it can feel a bit secluded. Is it better to live in Florida than Illinois? - Sage-Tips From housing expenses to dining, utility bills, healthcare, goods, and services, everything is pretty inexpensive in Edgewater. The information on this page is aggregated from third-party sources and presented as-is for your convenience. Massachusetts. 16 Best Places to Live in Florida Newest 2023 Rankings, 9 Top Beaches in Florida with the Highest Quality Waters & Sand, 8 Best Places to Live on the Gulf Coast of 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. Its a very informative article and helped me a lot to find some safe and cheap place to live. Floridas overall crime rate is not that different than Illinois, but it is slightly higher. How to Watch LSU at Florida in Men's College Basketball Today: Game Date: March 4, 2023 Game Time: 6 p.m. Housing costs are also reasonable, but only if you can find a house that is available. Cost-of . But it alone is not enough to justify a move to Florida at least from a financial perspective. The housing cost in Pensacola are 27% lower than the national average and the utility cost are 11% lower than the national average.