9 Cheapest Places to Live in Florida (2024)

Florida is a beach lover’s paradise, also known for its vibrant lifestyle, modern art, and nightlife – particularly in the upscale South Beach neighborhood. You can also find theme parks, most notably Walt Disney World.

Having all these opportunities and activities available, Florida is certainly an attractive, tempting place. That said, it can also get expensive. But Roadway Moving comes to the rescue. We put together a list of more affordable places to live in Florida, so you can find yourself a new home:

1. Cape Coral

Cape Coral is located in southwest Florida and has a population of about 204,510 people. It is also home to many Fortune 500 companies such as The Hertz Corporation and CH2M Hill. Cape Coral residents are not subject to income tax, estate tax, or inheritance tax – which is great news for retirees who live on a fixed income. Cape Coral is one of the most affordable places to live in Florida.

2. Fort Meade

Fort Meade is located in central Florida and it is a very affordable city to live in. The average cost of renting an apartment here is $1,477 per month – which includes utilities (electricity, water, etc.). The low crime rate is one of the main selling points of Fort Meade. Fort Meade is a tight-knit community, and residents feel safe and secure living there. It is a great place for outdoor recreation activities like canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and hiking, and there are plenty of trails and waterways to explore, and the scenery is beautiful.

3. Gainesville

This city is known for its vibrant music scene, its educational institutions, and its diverse population. The city is home to several museums, including the Museum of Modern Art and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. With great job opportunities, this sunshine state city is 2% cheaper to live in than the national average. Housing, groceries, and healthcare are all less expensive here.

4. Jacksonville

This town is located about 40 miles north of Tampa and has a population of around 77,000. It’s close to several major companies such as CSX Railroad and USAA Investments Group, Inc. The average cost of rent here is $1,400 per month with an average salary of $31,000. The city’s beaches are some of the best in the state, and its cultural scene is thriving, with plenty of options for arts and entertainment. Jacksonville is a great place to call home for those who want to enjoy all that Florida has to offer without breaking the bank.

5. Edgewater

Edgewater is a small city located in the Tampa metropolitan area. It has a population of just under 25,000 people and is considered very affordable. This city also has a lot to offer to its residents. It has a beautiful waterfront park that overlooks both Egmont and Little Manatee Rivers, as well as a community center that features a gymnasium, weight room, and swimming pool. On top of that, an arts center that features dance, music, and theater programs; and a community park with sports fields for soccer or rugby.

6. Kissimmee

This is a city in Florida’s Central Region. The cost of the living index here is around 89.3 which is below the national average. The city has several public schools within its borders, including Sunlake Academy, Lake Mary Elementary School, and Lake Mary High School. For those looking for higher education alternatives, there are two public universities within driving distance: the University of Central Florida and Seminole State College. If you want to explore more, Orlando is only a short drive away where you can visit places like Universal Studios and Disney World. The city has several recreational activities including golf courses and parks. Some popular tourist attractions include Barton Park and Lake Mary Town Hall Theatre of Dance.

7. Orlando

The home of Disney World is the largest city in Florida. You can find several public schools within the city’s limits, including Lake Mary High School, Lake Mary Middle School, and Lake Mary Elementary School. There are also two universities in the area: the University of Central Florida (UCF) and Seminole State College. So, if you are looking for great education opportunities, Orlando is the one. In addition to being a great place to live and work, Orlando has a vibrant economy and plenty of things to do. The city is home to a variety of businesses, including many tourist attractions, and plenty of activities to enjoy.

8. Dunedin

Dunedin is a city in Florida’s Gulf Coast Region. The city offers several public schools like Suncoast Technical High School and Lakewood Ranch Middle School within its borders, and there are two public universities within driving distance: the University of Central Florida and Florida State University. The city of Clearwater, Florida has several recreational activities including golf courses and parks. Some popular tourist attractions are Honeymoon Island State Park, Fulgencio Beach, and the Museum of Fine Arts.

9. Bartow

Bartow is a city in Florida’s Central Region. It is the county seat of Polk County, located on the Peace River, northeast of Tampa. Bartow has several recreational activities including golf courses, tennis courts, and parks. You can also find swimming pools, basketball courts, and soccer fields in many parts of the city. Some popular tourist attractions in the Orlando area include Lake Eola Park, MOSI (Museum of Science and Industry), and Bok Tower Gardens. These attractions offer visitors a chance to enjoy the outdoors, learn about science and history, and take in the beauty of nature. Bartow is one of the most economical places to reside in Florida, with a population of more than 20,600 and a median home price of around $140,000.