So, while Lake Wales is the second cheapest place to live in Florida, there is actually another city that we think is the best. That was before Americans flocked to the state over the last few years and caused home and rent prices to surge. Its considered one of the best places to live in Florida on a budget. There are also lots of affordable condos in Dunedin to rent. An amount below 100 means Florida is cheaper than the US 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. 3. You have given me so much information; the cities you mentioned appear to be more affordable than the West Coast. It has the 14th-highest average cost to build a home. In the pine forest on 400 acres, the land sits the most popular Wickham Park welcoming people of every age. Overall, with a monthly budget of $2200-$2500, one person can live comfortably in Quincy, Florida. The economy of Bartow is thriving and constantly growing. Next, come to a movie setting Geddon Horror Park for a thrilling experience. What is the best way to find a job in the area you suggest? Along Floridas famous Space Coast sits the greater Titusville which is famous for sunrise views, rocket blasts off and home to sea turtles. 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. Hec I would even work at apical pub, wine bar or something of that nature. Lady Lake is located in central Florida adjacent to The Villages, the immensely popular and ever-growing 55+ retirement community. The cost of living in Bartow is 12% lower than the state(Florida) average. Hi Maria, my vote is for Brownsville and Gladeview for young adults. The incomes and the cost of living in most states are proportionate to how you perceive your income. If you want to live in a Cheap, well maintained, VERY CLEAN and VERY POLICED and Low Crime City- It is only 1 hour by car from Fort Myers and 1.5 hours from Tampa. If itll cost you $50,000 to move to Florida (selling a home + long distance move + buying another home) and you only save $2500 a year, it would take you 20 years to break even. If you are looking for your dream home in Florida at cheap, look no further and move to Quincy. Theres a variety of restaurants, waterparks, shopping choices, and nonexpensive entertainment like fishing, boating, hiking, swimming, and many more. Americans are moving to Florida for better weather and lower taxes. Because of its less population(7,972) and small size, Quincy is very affordable to live without breaking your bank. Housing, transportation, utilities, goods, and services are lower than the state and national average. Quincy is small but one of the most desired cities in northern Florida that lies in Gadsden County. Surrounded by exotic beaches, small-town, friendly people, and many more. Employment in Bartow is mainly fueled by the county, state, and city governments. Valparaiso is a small city in northwest Florida. Lets find out! Out-of-pocket costs are capped at $6,600. The cost of living is even lower than the Illinois average of 99something nearly unheard of in the Chicago areaand the median home price is a good $157,000 less than that of Chicago. Illinois $25,000 per person/$50,00 per accident $20,000 per . Especially, if you love water, then Jax can be a heaven to you. $287,466 is the average cost of new home construction in the U.S. according to HomeAdvisor. Based on our research, the cheapest and safest place to live in Florida is Tavares, Florida, where the average home prices are 16% below the Florida average while crime rates are 29% lower than the state average. But, each major city in Florida is a bit different. Is it cooler near a beach? While the cost of living in Florida is far from lowest, it's considerably cheaper overall than Illinois. These three places are very popular among retirees. What about Citrus county? The affordable median home value($145,000) and lower crime rate make it the best and most affordable place to live in Florida. If you buy something through, Read More Living in Tampa vs Orlando: Which Florida City is Best in 2023Continue, Visiting Miami on a budget? Edgewater has one of the lowest cost of living in Florida, as well as a strong school system. I found places that rated Florida #3 which I found surprising. The monthly budget comes in at less than $2400 a month in Gainesville. It is affordable and has a very good healthcare system. The 1.9% increase was the largest of any US state over this period. From there come to cherish time at Golden Sands Beach, Jaycee Park, or Wabasso Beach Park to enjoy the salty air. The median home price in Dunedin is $157,000 which is 5.8% lower than the state average. How can you miss kayaking near Mount Dora? For me, it was always different. 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. 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. Your expense for a doctors visit ranges from $100.00 $112.37. So, if you are looking for the absolute cheapest total lifestyle in a safe and desirable community, then look no further than Haines City. The average American household spends $2,690 on property taxes for their homes each year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, and residents of the 26 states with vehicle property taxes shell out another $444. Hence, if you are in search of the cheapest rent in Florida, Titusville is a good search. I want somewhere affordable but still close to the city. Pensacola. You will definitely get some ideas. What are the cheapest and most expensive states for car insurance in 2023? It also features several parks and historic buildings like Fort Meade Historical Society worth visiting. Floridas overall crime rate is not that different than Illinois, but it is slightly higher. 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. Location-wise, it is only a 10 minute drive away from Panama City and only 20 minutes from Panama City Beach. Orlando is also less than an hour away by car. I always want to experience blood-curdling thrills like cemeteries, lighthouses, closed schools, theaters, and many more. The housing cost in Pensacola are 27% lower than the national average and the utility cost are 11% lower than the national average. To find area-specific jobs, you can check out My Florida Jobs, Career Builders, or Indeed. The average home price is currently $212,000, although there are quite a few options around $175,000. Illinoisans wellbeing based on the latest surveys came in at 49th. If youre a beach lover, you are lucky to own a house in Jacksonville. It also happens to be on the highest end of the scale when it comes to vehicle registration, and title fees. For cheaper options, you may consider Ocala and Lakeland too. With around $2500 per month, you will be able to cover all of your basic costs. The city features several family-friendly attractions including public parks, lakes, scenic walking trails. Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. Cost-of . With a monthly expenditure of $2200-2800, you can expect a happy life with all the basic amenities. It has not been verified or approved by the developer or association. 6. It is a large city and located in Alachua County. Overall cheapest and most expensive states to live in for 2022. One can expect to spend $2000-$2500 monthly to live in Dunedin. One bedroom studio rent can be found under $1400 per month. You do your homework for sure. 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. But it alone is not enough to justify a move to Florida at least from a financial perspective. Also, it is 11% safer than other US cities. It is home to 50,298 people in America. It is also less than 2 hours away from Orlando, giving you easy access to many major cities, but in an affordable and quaint suburb. 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. Average house is 350k, houses are renting at 2-2500 and apartments arent much cheaper than that. 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. But you can definitely start from any of the cities listed above. While the cost of living in Florida is far from lowest, it's considerably cheaper overall than Illinois. The average home price is currently $212,000, although there are quite a few options around $175,000. a. I used to love PCB but it has become unbearable to live here with all of the tourist and price gouging. We lived in south Florida our whole life and looking for a place to live that is more relaxing. Haines City enters our list at number 8 of cheap places to live in Florida and offers the lowest cost of living index on this list. Florida was rated below the national average in the 29th* spot. 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. Cost of Living in the U.S. vs. the U.K.: What's the Difference? The cost of living in Plant City is 94.7 based on a US average of 100. The monthly rent for a one-bedroom studio in a normal area is around $1100. First to be snowbirds and find a fun n the sun affordable place to live. The typical retirement age household in the state earns . Food and utilities costs are also not that expensive. Although, Im trying to write about other cities, but as of now you can search the cost of living in x city on Google. IDK why everyone is asking you about affordable places to live when this is literally a list of affordable places to live! Titusville is home to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, you cannot miss Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum, and the American Space Museum & Space Walk of Fame. In many parts of Florida, you can buy a new home for a relatively cheap price. The cheapest place to live in Flordia is Jacksonville. 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). Median Home Cost: $135,300. Cost of Living in Florida Our cost of living indices are based on a US average of 100. 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. Lower Overall Tax Burden Winner? The biggest attraction is the beach life, as the coastline in New Smyrna Beach is just 10 minutes away from the center of town. The cost of living in Dunedin is 8% lower than the national average. Housing is the main factor in the cost of living and median home prices are very favorable for individuals in Orlando. A cost of living index above 100 means Florida, Florida is more expensive. Cape Coral is the place. , 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. More stuff to do winner? Is it more expensive to live in Chicago or Florida? Enrich your history knowledge at East Hillsborough Historical Society. Where would a safe and also wheelchair accessible and friendly place to live be on a budget of 800-900? Unlike most quality of life ratings, school ratings are all over the place and often contradict each other. Starting off our list of the cheap places to live in Florida that are actually desirable is Lynn Haven. ET TV: CBSSN Live stream the MVC men's basketball . This is definitely one of the reasons for being one of the cheapest places to live in Florida near the beach. Whereas veterinary visit is around $53.73 with drug costs around $447.16. The housing price is 13% lower than the national average, around $95,100. Read on to get more context on the study, including the factors we considered to determine the cheapest states. (Utility costs in the two states are about equal.) If youre going to spend all your time indoors, does it matter where you live? Population: 15,735 Cost of Living Index: 86 Average Home Price: $165,000 (38% below Florida average) Average Rent Price: $752 per month Crime Rate per 1,000 Residents: 24.4 (3% below Florida average) Unemployment Rate: 4.1% 10 Year Job Growth Outlook: +44% Location: See in Google Maps. There were even a handful of housing options under $150,000 at the time this article was published, so start searching today if you are interested in one of the mostinexpensive places to live in Florida. Our mission is to provide a digital resource with original insights on lifestyle and travel experiences. Renningers Vintage Antique Center sponsors an antique fair where more than 200 vendors set up their booths to celebrate. 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. Wyoming. The lowest-cost silver plan, the MDWise Marketplace Silver Basic, costs $3,432 a year with its higher-than-average monthly premium of $286. But Florida doesn't just have the weather, the beaches, and Disney World going for it. They may avoid the most competitive rental markets like Miami-Dade and Orlando. 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. What is the best state to retire in 2020? At the time of this publication, there were even several condo units listed under $120,000 on Zillow, making it one of the cheapest cities to live in Florida. It is located about 45 minutes from Port St. Lucie and 1.5 hours from Orlando. This put education in the state above the national average. Yes, its safe statistically with a lower crime rate. The best thing is that the average registered nurse salary in Cape Coral is pretty high. But, unlike most other large cities, Jacksonville is one of the most affordable places to live if you love Florida. The job prospects for South Daytona are also very strong, with an estimated 10 year growth of 43%, which is 10% more than the U.S. average. Required fields are marked *. A cost of living index above 100 means Florida, Florida is more expensive. Pricing for various packages can vary a lot even in the same location. Surrounded by rolling hills, refreshing air, walkable streets, rare gorgeous downtown, and pasture lands, Dade City is the prime escapade location in Florida. 1) Which state has a lower overall cost of living, Illinois or Florida? You still get to enjoy places like Fort Myers Beach, Naples, Bonita Springs (All Short distant drive Beaches) I suggest Cape Coral. The safety levels in Haines City are very good, with crime rates 17% below the states average. Please see our disclaimers to learn more about our site. Floridas tax burden is higher overall than what you may think, but it does not have a personal income tax. You rely on employment income and you would earn far less in Florida than Illinois doing the same job, or you cant find that type of work in Florida and have to settle for something that pays far less. Thats the part Im struggling with is leaving ct and running out of money. As of October, the cost of a one-bedroom apartment in the state had increased 36% since the start of the pandemic, per Apartment List, with only New Mexico and Idaho seeing a higher uptick. What is the cheapest and safest place to live in Florida? Some beneficiaries may pay higher premiums for their Part B coverage, based on their income. Dunedin is a small beach town with good schools, a low crime rate, a low cost of living, average job prospects. . It is also home to five museums and well-known attractions like Mims, Oak Hills, Port St. John, and Scottsmoor. I am pushing 60 years old and single so I need affordable, small town feel, local gatherings and by the water. If you love entertainment this beautiful city in Florida wont disappoint you. Check outZillowfor the latest offers. You can spend your weekend shopping at Renningers Flea and Farmer Market. With a population of about 10000 people, Fort Meade is a part of the Lakeland-Winter Haven Metropolitan area. One bedroom studio rent can be available for under $1200 per month. You can visit Honeymoon Island State Park Dog Beach, a popular dog beach in Florida. This list is a very helpful part in my researching where to move to. It may very well be one of the most affordable places to live in Florida that is truly worth living in. If you do get a chance to rent or buy a place, then you will enjoy a quiet and cozy city situated right on a group of lakes. This city is indeed one of the most affordable places to live in Florida. It kicks off the rest of the list with Port Charlotte, Florida. 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. ___ 2) Which state is a safer place to live overall, Illinois or Florida? The city is full of many amenities for residents to enjoy, including spectacular beaches, natural wonderlands, museums, and gardens. It is a great place for families, as there is an excellent public school system, as well as for people who enjoy the outdoors. Plant City already has fame in the world for celebrating the Florida Strawberry Festival. The housing market here is even crazier right now with houses that are appraising at $225,000, selling for over $450,000. Then youve just come to the right place. If employment is not a consideration for someone who is retired, what towns are most affordable and somewhat rural, or at a slower pace. The competition is tough in popular cities like Miami, Tampa, Orlando. "Florida is above the national average, but it's not even close to the most expensive place to live," he said. Florida has a higher cost of living index than Texas across most categories. * School ratings vary widely, depending upon the criteria the particular organization uses. Population: 9,771 Cost of Living Index: 92 Average Home Price: $192,000 (27% below Florida average) Average Rent Price: $999 per month Crime Rate per 1,000 Residents: 19.8 (22% below Florida average) Unemployment Rate: 3.4% 10 Year Job Growth Outlook: +43% Location: See in Google Maps. Most retirees live on a fixed income and the data shows that money will currently go farther in Florida than Illinois. Jacksonville offers 850 square miles of stunning beaches, award-winning restaurants, and unique, cultural communities making it one of the best places to live in Florida on a budget. Its no more a secret that the fastest growing cities in Florida have grown exceptionally large with time. If you cook yourself, you can save a lot of money. Miami is 14.0% more expensive than Chicago. To live in a safe area and zoned for a good school, our area averages about $1800+ for a 2 bedroom apartment or condo. I moved to SW Florida in 1994. Florida cost of living is 103.1 100=National Average AVERAGE RENT BY BEDROOM SIZE Florida Museum of Natural History is also a popular tourist attraction in Gainesville.