Orlando offers all these things and surprisingly thisCentral Floridaparadise offers low-cost living. Known as the "City of Five Flags," Pensacola has a long history of other governments laying claim to the area (Spanish, French, British, Confederate, U.S.). Bartow is located 50 miles southwest of Orlando and 40 miles east of Tampa. You're probably surprised to see the most significant metropolitan city in Florida on the list of the cheapest places to live in the state, but Jacksonville is pretty reasonably priced. From here you can easily visit Cape Canaveral and the Kennedy Space Center. But, Lake Alfred is also very affordable cost of living is about 14% lower than the rest of Florida, making it one of the cheapest and safest place to live in Florida. There are four states with property tax rates above 2.00%: New Jersey, Illinois, New Hampshire, and Connecticut. If you buy something through one of those links, you wont pay any extra penny, but Ill get a small commission that encourages me to deliver more helpful content for you. Where would a safe and also wheelchair accessible and friendly place to live be on a budget of 800-900? Florida Estimated cost to build a house: $208,825 Estimated hourly labor cost: $14 A relatively high average structure cost lands Florida among the most expensive places to build. In South Florida, where there is a scarcity of land, prices are higher. Florida Museum of Natural History is also a popular tourist attraction in Gainesville. unemployment and better growth, according to US News annual report. It is just 1 hour away from downtown Tampa as well as the beautiful Clearwater Beach. 3) Which state has a better economy Illinois or Florida? 5) Which state has better health care quality Illinois or Florida. 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. Along Floridas famous Space Coast sits the greater Titusville which is famous for sunrise views, rocket blasts off and home to sea turtles. The cheapest city to live in florida, and safest, is Cape Coral. Residents rave about the strong sense of community that has developed in Lynn Haven, which was especially felt after Hurricane Michael in 2018. Job opportunities are skyrocketing in Gainesville. Both states are in the bottom 25 of states with higher rates, but Illinoiss overall crime rate is lower than Florida. Higher insurance, healthcare, and housing costs mean not everyone will save money. The economy of Bartow is thriving and constantly growing. Alaska. Located on the coast of northeast Florida, Jacksonville is the cheapest place to live in Florida. The state's overall tax burden, however, remains among the lowest in the nation, and is among the reasons so many retirees move there. Melbourne is considered 6% safer than USA cities, you have 1 in 35 chances of becoming a victim of property crime. Neither states rating is in the top 25 states but Illinois is ranked slightly higher. Theres a variety of restaurants, waterparks, shopping choices, and nonexpensive entertainment like fishing, boating, hiking, swimming, and many more. is this a good place to market and get settled? Are there any mobil home parks that may help me lower costs? A cost of living index above 100 means Florida, Florida is more expensive. Among the most expensive states to live in, "Florida's not even in the top 10," University of Illinois economics professor David Albouy to The Associated Presslast October. Is it cooler near a beach? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Thank you. If the move doesnt work out, which happens more than what most people realize, you may need/want to move again. Florida is less expensive to live in, than other states. Contact us at: hello (at) strategistico (dot) com. Lady Lake is located in central Florida adjacent to The Villages, the immensely popular and ever-growing 55+ retirement community. 15. Ill take this info, do other comparable searches including crime rates, COL, average age etc and hope for the best! Michigan drivers pay nearly seven times more than South Dakota drivers. The nearest beach is also only about an hour away around Sarasota. Besides the popular theme parks, you can visit Kennedy Space Center and enjoy Boggy Creek Airboat Tour with your family. Cost of Moving from Illinois to Florida The average cost to move from Illinois to Florida with North American is $3,614.35. In California, they run almost to $4,000 annually. * School ratings vary widely, depending upon the criteria the particular organization uses. A single adult expense in Vero Beach is around $33,640 annually. 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. It has the lowest crime rate out of any city on this list, with a minuscule 6.5 crimes reported per 1,000 residents, which is 3 times lower than Floridas average crime rate. READ ALSO: 15 Most Affordable Hiking Boots: Buying Guide. Florida. Also, the city draws visitors as it holds a strong position in the entertainment industry. The city has direct access to Interstate 95 and is only about two hours south of Savannah, Georgia. 3. This post may contain affiliate links. Minnesota, Maryland, Illinois, . At 70 years of age, youre more likely to walk or bike for exercise, than ski or mountain climb (there are no mountains in FL). I am going to move to Florida and was looking for some affordable places to rent. The cost of living in Bartow is 12% lower than the state(Florida) average. If youre looking for affordable, small-town feel, Edgewater could be the best option for you. Some PHAs have long waiting lists, so you may want to apply at more than one PHA to increase your chances of getting approved more quickly. Next, come to a movie setting Geddon Horror Park for a thrilling experience. Like any other Florida city, Cape Coral also has several pros and cons that you must know before moving here. You can click on the link to know more about it but in this post, we will only focus on the most inexpensive cities in Florida to live in. On the east coast of Florida City sits the most vibrant city called Melbourne, famous for the beach and outdoor adventures. The historic downtown of Vero Beach is vibrant with cafes, restaurants, and shops where you can easily spend time strolling around. Best State to Buy a Used Car: Florida. Texas. . Americans are moving to Floridafor better weather and lower taxes. Despite the lack of an income tax, Florida has higher sales and property taxes than some of its peers, and due to Florida law, some newcomers are seeing higher property tax increases than longstanding residents. It may very well be one of the most affordable places to live in Florida that is truly worth living in. The safety levels in Haines City are very good, with crime rates 17% below the states average. Also, it is 11% safer than other US cities. 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. I would start by read this shocking article from US News before doing any school rating research. Americans are moving to Florida for better weather and lower taxes. Hey, at least they werent dead last. Compare that to Indiana, which has an individual rate of 3.23% and a business rate of 5.75%. Keeping the above points in mind I have sorted out the list of the best and cheapest places to live in Florida where you can enjoy warm weather, stunning landscapes, and gorgeous beaches without breaking your bank. Who doesnt like to live in a city with a casual, laid-back atmosphere with amazing attractions, spectacular scenery, and a plethora of job opportunities? Food and utilities costs are also not that expensive. The housing market here is even crazier right now with houses that are appraising at $225,000, selling for over $450,000. This budget includes housing, utilities, food, health care, transportation, and taxes. Whats life like in Lake Wales? don't cover as much of the healthcare costs. Housing, transportation, utilities, goods, and services are lower than the state and national average. Hello, when this article was written? 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. Housing expenses, utility prices, and healthcare in Cape Coral are lower than the national average. For homebuyers, prices grew nearly 30% in Florida between the second quarter of 2021 and 2022, the most of any state. as well as other partner offers and accept our. However, as of this writing, we are enjoying the longest period of time ever without a recession in the history of the US, so that rate only get Illinois rated as the 40th lowest rate. The affordable median home value($145,000) and lower crime rate make it the best and most affordable place to live in Florida. Fear not, whether youre looking for a romantic Florida getaway or planning for a family vacation there is no shortage of fun and free things to do in Miami. You may consider Lake Okeechobee too, but the unemployment rate is high here. Fellsmere is a small city nestled in a state park near the eastern coast of Florida. If youre going to spend all your time indoors, does it matter where you live? While the cost of living in Florida is far from lowest, its considerably cheaper overall than Illinois. With average home prices, this is a cheap place in Florida to live in. Nearby, there is the bustling town of Mount Dora, which is routinely named as one of the best places to live in Florida. Am looking for all the buttons and whistles on a $3k retirement income w/ copd..love the water but no gaters! Weve jotted down the best places to live in Northern Florida for you only. Thats the part Im struggling with is leaving ct and running out of money. South Daytona offers a great blend of low cost living and a strong local economy in a community that provides its residents with a safe environment. Florida has a higher cost of living index than Texas across most categories. It has not been verified or approved by the developer or association. You can go for a road trip to Walt Disney World, the Everglades, and the Keys at the weekend. So a day trip to the theme parks is definitely possible. The city is full of many amenities for residents to enjoy, including spectacular beaches, natural wonderlands, museums, and gardens. This helped out in finding the cheapest city to live. This is definitely one of the reasons for being one of the cheapest places to live in Florida near the beach. Our mission is to provide a digital resource with original insights on lifestyle and travel experiences. Hi Chrissy, we update the article(including the data) frequently as required. Kentucky. Once you select a new doctor and school system, transfer all information. Strolling through the very walkable downtown is so peaceful. There is also easy access to big stores and supermarkets in Lynn Haven. Very informative! This list takes into account the lowest cost of living in Florida, but also desirability to actually live in these cities. A family of four spends $9,380 on average on food in Mount Dora. Considering moving to Florida. Meanwhile, Arcadias central location makes it an attractive city to consider to be close to some of Floridas biggest cities. . Hi Bonnettee, you can read this article on the best beach towns to live in Florida. It has excellent job opportunities and has a well-connected transport system that takes residents and workers to all major cities of the state at a reasonable cost. Im really happy to help you to find your new affordable home in Fl. How can you miss kayaking near Mount Dora? Moreover, it is safe and offers plenty of outdoor activities. Hi Im planning on moving to Fl but needed somewhere with alot of medical options and which is affordable cost of living. Above 100 means more expensive.) The effect of moving kids from their friends, relatives and environment to somewhere completely different can have consequences. The city boasts several theme parks, concerts, farmers markets, and adventure activities. Vero Beach is considered 28% safer than other US cities. , Im going to move there to start over Im 60 years old where can you tell me is the best place and the cheapest I have to be pet friendly. Michigan has the highest average rates for minimum coverage of any state at $196 per month, while South Dakota has the lowest, at $28 per month. Check out Zillow for the latest listings. Florida takes the top marks in the rankings, with relatively low costs of living and a high percentage of retirees to mingle with. Jacksonville is again lower than the Florida average also, which stands at $237,000. 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. Arkansas. These three places are very popular among retirees. . You learn stuff you didnt count on. I moved to SW Florida in 1994. Visit the nearby Honeymoon Island State Park, enjoy the surrounding nature, and watch the beautiful sunset. Population: 22,234. Theres also the Arcadia Antiques Fair that is held on the 4th Sunday of every month. It is 13% safer than other US cities recording 26.91 crime rates (per 1,000 residents). We are looking for a country area and the cheapest place to live in Florida. Along West Baker Street, go to Parkesdale Farm Market. Even you can get a good deal to buy a house. This change in cost is called the IRMAA (Income-related Monthly Adjustment Amount). However, those coming from Georgia the 4th least expensive state might have found themselves worse off financially. Especially, if you love water, then Jax can be a heaven to you. The lower crime rate makes it one of the safest places to live in Florida. In Melbourne, you are always in the mood to stroll along the gorgeous Melbourne Beach Pier for some relaxation and peace. Port Charlotte is an amazing place to live with low taxes and a median housing price of $166,600. The housing price is 13% lower than the national average, around $95,100. 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. Unlike many large cities in the US, Jacksonville has maintained its affordability. Size and Population The median home price in Dunedin is $157,000 which is 5.8% lower than the state average. Hi can you please guide me on the following; 1. Here, I come to the end of the list of cheapest places to live in Florida, giving a complete insight into the cost, expenses, house price, crime rate, employment and healthcare. You can grow oranges and grapefruit in your own yard. Thank you John. What is the best way to find a job in the area you suggest? Conclusion Apart from its stunning beaches, you can spend a day at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, enjoy a day trip to Kingsley Plantation or explore Fort George Island Cultural State Park. But, what about the attractions in the city itself? Hec I would even work at apical pub, wine bar or something of that nature. 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. 95% of people who never lived in Florida full time will disagree with these notes, but 95% of people who have lived in Florida full time will understand. But does better quality of life ratings = higher resident happiness? Lots of Land Contributes to Lower Prices There's even a surprising amount of coastline that is undeveloped, he said. The average cost of living in Florida is about 3% higher than the national US average, while median home prices are about $300,000. While the cost of living in Florida is far from lowest, it's considerably cheaper overall than Illinois. 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. , 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. I want somewhere affordable but still close to the city. These comments were consistent with a 2022 CNBC analysis, which said Florida was the 27th best state in terms of cost of living. It is a peaceful safe town where you can buy condos at a very reasonable price. With charming historic attractive streets, wider sidewalks, and a unique combination of the cute landscape of hills and lakes, Mount Dora is one of the most cherished places in Florida. I travel continuously and need a place to hold my mail and will be safe when I am away. 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. Edgewater has one of the lowest cost of living in Florida, as well as a strong school system. Paul Hennessy/NurPhoto via Getty Images. Especially on a fixed income. This put education in the state above the national average. The nature scene in Tavares is outstanding. Even you can find one-bedroom apartment rent as low as $1050 per month. There is no shortage of natural trails, state parks, and museums. Due in part to weather concerns, the average Florida resident pays more than almost anyone else in the country for property insurance and car insurance. You do your homework for sure. While the cost of living in Florida is far from lowest, it's considerably cheaper overall than Illinois. We lived in central Illinois where a summer drive in Continue Reading 9 To find the area-specific jobs you can check My Florida Jobs, or Indeed. To find area-specific jobs, you can check out My Florida Jobs, Career Builders, or Indeed. We know that money is not the only factor to consider when deciding on where to live, so we created a unique scoring formula that takes into account all of these variables: Above all, you also have to want to live in a city. Thank you in advance for your support! Plant City is the 104th most populated city in Florida with 41,276 people residing. Hi Martin, you can check Lake Highlander Mobile Home Park. A: You can move to Homestead in southern Florida where the cost of living is affordable, but the option is limited. For cheaper options, you may consider Ocala and Lakeland too. 22: Texas. Whether you love to experience the modern aspect or historical sites, you will definitely love this city. 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. The city interests seniors as it is considered the cheapest city to live in Florida with no burden of income tax. There are plenty of job opportunities in and around the Orlando metro area. Fort Meade is included in our list of most affordable cities in Floridafor the low median home price and affordable grocery and healthcare. Edgewater is one of the bigger cities on our list, but it still retains a small town, seaside community feel. Meanwhile, the city provides a wide range of entertainment for all ages. If you want to live in a Cheap, well maintained, VERY CLEAN and VERY POLICED and Low Crime City- 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. 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. Jacksonville is not only one of the largest cities in the United States, with an estimated population of 911,507 it is the most populous city in Florida. Florida is cheap. The average home cost in Bartow is under $275,000. You have landed on the right page. Additionally, while the city does a great job of retaining a small town feel, it still offers many modern conveniences, as there is a Walmart, Publix, and Winn-Dixie located all less than a 10 minute drive from downtown. Building Wealth 8 Places Where It's Better to Rent Than Buy Buying a home might not always be the best financial strategy. It also has the lowest average housing costs in the nation at 33.7%. As per 2022 records of C2ER, the cost of living is around 94.7% of the national average making it an average of US cities, ranking 130 out of 273 cities in the USA. Hey thank you so much for doing this page Ive been planning on moving and Im so happy I ran across your page here, its giving me A LOT of insight and definitely better choices to live than what I was trying. 5 minutes in either direction on the main highway through Timber Pines will also get you to a Walmart or Target. "Florida is above the national average, but it's not even close to the most expensive place to live," he said. From there come to cherish time at Golden Sands Beach, Jaycee Park, or Wabasso Beach Park to enjoy the salty air. On the other hand, medical . It is a family-friendly city and offers countless outdoor recreational activities. The city is known for its peaceful lifestyle with a large lake as its centerpiece. Explore the downtown area, and go to museums and boutiques. Also, it is the powerhouse of regional economic high-tech companies and subsidiaries along the Space Coast. These places ensure excellent warm weather, varied outdoor activities, mouth-watering foods, a great place to hang out, job opportunities, good hospitals, schools, and a strongly knitted community feel. But Florida doesn't just have the weather, the beaches, and Disney World going for it. Moving from Utah have 3 dogs and will be needing work as I am setting out on a new adventure. This sprawling city has all the charm of a large city and suburban areas that families will love. This city is indeed one of the most affordable places to live in Florida. Coming in at #1 is Tavares, which is a suburb of Orlando and is in one of the fastest growing counties in Florida. At roughly $1,420, only five states charged a higher monthly rent for the typical one-bedroom as of October. Being in the convenient location of Polk County, you can easily commute to work in Bartow. 6) Which state has better overall school ratings Illinois or Florida. Hawaii. Lower Cost of living Winner? It is affordable and has a very good healthcare system. Here you can enjoy a more suburban life with a simple standard of living. 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. 2 Roughly 20.5% of Florida's population is at least 65 years old. There are also modern chain stores like Walmart and Winn-Dixie at the edge of town. This is consistent with the fact that Floridians need a higher living wage to survive. It sits along the Atlantic coast in Indian River County giving locals easy access to other coastal towns and national parks. Located in the southwestern part of Florida near Fort Myers, Cape Coral tops in our list of top 10 cheap places to live in Florida. I always want to experience blood-curdling thrills like cemeteries, lighthouses, closed schools, theaters, and many more. Of course, the city is also quite safe, coming in slightly below average in its crime rate compared to the rest of Florida. The best thing is that the average registered nurse salary in Cape Coral is pretty high. But, they are usually so cheap for a reason high crime, no job opportunities, etc. Population: 5,629 Cost of Living Index: 91 Average Home Price: $171,000 (35% below Florida average) Average Rent Price: $697 per month Crime Rate per 1,000 Residents: 9.1 (64% below Florida average) Unemployment Rate: 4.2% 10 Year Job Growth Outlook: +38% Location: See in Google Maps. Wish you a happy and safe retired life. Valparaiso. In Titusville, you have to pay $910 a month as rent which is less than the $1,023 national median monthly rent. Your email address will not be published. What about Citrus county? If youre looking for a safe place to live in Florida where median home prices for newer homes are lower, Fort Meade is worth consideration. In 2022, five of the 20 most competitive US rental markets were in Florida, per RentCafe, with Miami-Dade county and Orlando at number one and three respectively. Health care services may be higher than the national indexes, but overall Quincy is a cheap Florida city to live in. It is a resident-owned and self-governed park located in a prime location within Dunedin. High cost of living. Flickr/Linda Holloway. 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. If you are searching for the cheapest places to buy a house in Florida, Edgewater makes for a great choice. 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. Lake Dora has recorded a headcount of about 13,000 people with a very affordable cost of living. This post may contain, Read More 13 Most Insane Abandoned Places In Florida You Have To SeeContinue, The Sunshine State, Florida is famous for its beautiful, pristine beaches. Groceries can be slightly pricier, but overall you will see a significant reduction in cost while living in Gainesville. Walmart offers the most employment opportunity to the residents of Plant City. FAQ on Cheapest Places to Live in Florida. The "City of Palms" has long. The Jacksonville airport is a large hub with plenty of major airlines. Enjoy a happy life in the Sunshine State. Cost of Living in the U.S. vs. the U.K.: What's the Difference? The cost of living index in Vero Beach is 95.2 based on a US average of 100. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider Dunedin is a small beach town with good schools, a low crime rate, a low cost of living, average job prospects. These cities are safe and perfect for newcomers. You can also read the moving to Florida checklist and guide. That's a difference of $167 per month, depending on the state where you live. Two weeks before you move, visit your local post office (it doesn't have to be in Tampa), complete a change-of-address card or do it online. Employment in Bartow is mainly fueled by the county, state, and city governments. Only the utility cost is higher than the national average. 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). Additionally, it retains a small town charm that is perfect for young families. Required fields are marked *. 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. In a Gallup poll way back in 2013 on how residents liked their state, Illinois again took the 49th spot. As per 247wallst.com, the median home value in Plant City is around $154,300, less than the national average.