15 Cheapest Places To Live in Florida [2023 Data]

When it comes to finding your next home in Florida, you shouldn’t have to sacrifice stunning beaches, excellent eateries, endless adventure, or a bustling community in favor of affordability. Regardless if you’re a first-time home buyer, an empty nester, or a potential renter, one of the cheapest places to live in Florida may have everything you’re looking for and so much more.

If you’re ready to move to a new city that won’t hurt the bank, check out the top 15 most affordable cities the Sunshine State has to offer.

1. Bartow

• Population: 19,823

• Median income: $42,551

• Median rent: $848

• Median home price: $243,669

• Cost of living: -8.4%

Bartow, a town nestled between Tampa and Orlando, tops the charts as the cheapest place to live in Florida. Home to ancient oaks, citrus groves, grand structures, and family-owned shops, Bartow is a gentle hideaway that combines small-town charm with the perfect amount of adventure. You could spend a day exploring the art museum, checking out the antique shops, and admiring the stunning azaleas and dogwoods.

Aside from the fun things to do, Bartow’s real draw is its affordability. This charming town’s cost of living is 8.4% cheaper than the national average, making life in Bartow much more attainable.

2. Pensacola

• Population: 52,342

• Median income: $46,424

• Median rent: $998

• Median home price: $231,418

• Cost of living: -11%

Located in the Florida Panhandle, Pensacola is known for its miles of coastline and crystal clear beaches. Enjoy the blend of a relaxing beach town and bustling metro center within this proud military community — Pensacola is even home to the renowned Blue Angels, the U.S. Navy’s demonstration squadron.

Despite being situated on stunning beaches, Pensacola has one of the lowest costs of living in Florida. Soak in the sun with a median rent of less than $1,000 per month and a cost of living 11% less than the average.

3. Auburndale

• Population: 21,189

• Median income: $40,851

• Median rent: $836

• Median home price: $243,669

• Cost of living: -8.4%

There are currently 21,189 folks who call the suburb of Auburndale home. You can find this affordable place to live in Florida near Tampa. It’s a great location to raise a family due to its endless outdoor activities and proximity to Legoland.

Despite being so close to a theme park, Auburndale has a 8.4% lower cost of living than the national average. This action-packed city’s median rent is less than $900 per month and median home price is less than $250,000, making it more achievable to explore everything from eateries to wildlife habitats.

4. Callaway

• Population: 13,366

• Median income: $49,986

• Median rent: $973

• Median home price: $260,618

• Cost of living: -4.6%

Callaway is one of the smallest and cheapest places to live in Florida. You can find this tiny but mighty town in the western Florida Panhandle in the middle of Pensacola and Tallahassee. Even with a population of less than 14,000, Callaway features plenty of attractions, including spectacular parks like Veterans Park, delicious eateries, and gorgeous beaches.

Regardless of its close proximity to the Gulf Coast, Callaway’s cost of living is much lower than the average. Score a rental for less than $1,000 per month or purchase a home for roughly $260,000. Make Callaway your home base for much cheaper than other beach towns in Florida.

5. Lake Wales

• Population: 16,902

• Median income: $35,785

• Median rent: $883

• Median home price: $243,669

• Cost of living: -8.4%

Lakes Wales is a charming, historic city found in the center of the Florida peninsula that offers a balance of history and adventure. Experience the unordinary scenery with a trip to Bok Tower Gardens or admire the murals throughout downtown.

While the cost of living might be more today than it was in the early 1900s, Lake Wales is still considered one of the cheapest places to live in Florida. This beautiful city has a median rent price of $883, and the median price to purchase a home is $243,669.

6. Lake City

• Population: 12,509

• Median income: $33,571

• Median rent: $866

• Median home price: $250,132

• Cost of living: -14.5%

Only 12,509 people call the beautiful town of Lake City home, which is the gateway between Jacksonville, Tallahassee, and Gainesville. While it may have one of the smallest populations, Lake City is full of things to do for adventurous and laid-back lifestyles alike. You can enjoy a quiet day riding your bike through town or checking out the crystal freshwater springs, or perhaps rocking out at one of the area’s frequent music festivals.

Life in Lake City is much more achievable than you might think — its cost of living is 14.5% cheaper than the national average. You can find rentals for less than $900 per month or purchase a home for roughly $250,000.

7. Winter Haven

• Population: 57,191

• Median income: $36,602

• Median rent: $946

• Median home price: $243,669

• Cost of living: -8.4%

Winter Haven, the city between Tampa and Orlando, is shockingly one of the cheapest places to live in Florida despite its proximity to theme parks. Home to great lakes, delicious eateries, and the largest Legoland in the world, Winter Haven is the sweetest spot to put down roots.

Living close to theme parks is much more attainable when you choose Winter Haven as your stomping ground. This adventurous town’s cost of living is 8.4% less than the national average. Spend a day checking out the vintage aircraft collection, grabbing a bite at Harry’s Old Place, and reading a book at Lake Wailes Park.

8. Lakeland

• Population: 121,380

• Median income: $39,238

• Median rent: $1,056

• Median home price: $243,669

• Cost of living: -8.4%

Lakeland is conveniently located between Tampa and Orlando and is home to the largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture, which can be found at Florida Southern College. Explore the town and feed the swans at Lake Morton, indulge in history at the Polk Museum of Art, or browse the treasures at the Lakeland Antique Mall.

You could make the ever-gorgeous Lakeland your home for less than the average city in Florida. Enjoy an 8.4% cheaper cost of living, a median rent of $1,056, and median home prices of less than $250,000 in one of Lakeland's best neighborhoods.

9. Tallahassee

• Population: 198,631

• Median income: $39,407

• Median rent: $1,022

• Median home price: $219,045

• Cost of living: -8.8%

Tallahassee, the capital of Florida, is a rustic and historical city packed with sweeping views of hills, trees, and architecture. Enjoy endless fun throughout the town with great restaurants, parks, and museums. Tallahassee is even home to the acclaimed Florida State University (go Noles!).

This history-rich city could be your next stomping ground for $1,022 per month in a rental or $219,045 for a new home. Enjoy an 8.8% cheaper cost of living as you stroll the oak-canopied streets.

10. DeBary

• Population: 23,122

• Median income: $52,258

• Median rent: $1,123

• Median home price: $272,378

• Cost of living: -5.1%
  
  

There are currently 23,122 people who make up the unincorporated city of DeBary, which is a suburb of Orlando. The warm and friendly community is surrounded by oak trees, stunning parks, and the beautiful St. Johns River. Folks in DeBary frequently host holiday celebrations including the Fourth of July, Halloween, and even a large Christmas parade.

The best part is that you can enjoy the community events in DeBary without paying a hefty price — the cost of living is 5.1% cheaper than the national average. You can even purchase a home for a median price of $272,378 or rent a property for $1,123.

11. Edgewater

• Population: 23,493

• Median income: $43,942

• Median rent: $1,054

• Median home price: $272,378

• Cost of living: -6.8%

Edgewater, a community nestled along the Indian River, offers intracoastal living at an affordable price. The city has pristine white sand beaches, historical landmarks, and extensive wildlife preserves.

With an unbeatable location and extensive list of attractions, you would think life in Edgewater would have a high price tag. Enjoy paradise on Earth in a new home for $272,378 or rent a place for a median of $1,022 per month.

12. Haines City

• Population: 33,364

• Median income: $33,305

• Median rent: $1,023

• Median home price: $243,669

• Cost of living: -8.4%

The small town of Haines City is tucked between Winter Haven and Kissimmee. This is one of the most affordable places to live in Florida and is perfect for adventure-seekers. Enjoy limitless biking and hiking trails, fishing spots, and state parks. Spend a day on an airboat ride, book a tee time at Southern Dunes Golf and Country Club, or pick fresh oranges at Ridge Island Groves.

You might think there’s a hefty price tag that comes with this much adventure at your disposal. However, Haines City has an 8.4% cheaper cost of living than the national average, along with a median rent price of $1,023, and median house prices of $243,669.

13. Ormond Beach

• Population: 44,205

• Median income: $49,000

• Median rent: $1,145

• Median home price: $272,378

• Cost of living: -5.1%

Ormond Beach, north of Dayton Beach, is a coastal paradise folks can enjoy at a reasonable price. Enjoy the small-town feel with unbeatable views while also being in close proximity to busier destinations like Orlando. Spend your days partaking in water activities year-round.

Aside from the breathtaking views, enjoy a 5.1% cheaper cost of living than the national average. Ormond Beach also has a median rental price of $1,145 and median home purchase price of $272,378.

14. Panama City

• Population: 36,775

• Median income: $37,453

• Median rent: $964

• Median home price: $260,618

• Cost of living: -4.6%

Panama City is situated in the Florida Panhandle on the Gulf Coast. The town is in close proximity to crystal blue waters for endless water sports. Spend your time dolphin-watching, taste-testing new restaurants, and soaking in the sweet sunshine.

Despite being so close to the water, Panama City has one of the lowest median rent prices of $964. Folks can even purchase a home for roughly $260,618. A coastal lifestyle is much more achievable than you may think!

15. DeLand

• Population: 41,118

• Median income: $37,417

• Median rent: $1,005

• Median home price: $272,378

• Cost of living: -5.1%

DeLand, a charming town between Orlando and Daytona Beach, is home to Florida’s oldest college, Stetson University. This historic and quaint community is full of red-brick buildings, stunning oak trees, and immersive museums. Spend your days time-traveling through history as you stroll through the cottage town of DeLand.

Aside from its historical roots, DeLand’s real draw is its low cost of living. Score a rental for roughly $1,000 per month or put down roots and purchase a property for approximately $272,378.

Additional Cheapest Places To Live in Florida

Learn more about the rest of the top 30 most affordable places to live in Florida below.

FAQ: Affordable Living in Florida

Still unsure if you’re ready to take the plunge and move to Florida? Here are the answers to common questions about affordable living in Florida.

Does Florida have a lower cost of living?

The state of Florida is neither cheap nor expensive — it has the #32 lowest cost of living in the country. Florida has many affordable cities, however, making it a comfortable place to live.

What is the most affordable place to live on the Florida coast?

Pensacola is the most affordable place to live on the Florida coast. Enjoy sunny beaches and an 11% cheaper cost of living than the national average.

What part of Florida is the cheapest to retire?

Central Florida is the cheapest part of Florida to retire. Enjoy the lower cost of living in Auburndale, Winter Haven, and Lakeland without forfeiting the adventure.

Methodology

To paint the full picture of which cities to consider when searching for the cheapest places to live Florida, we gathered data on the 150 most populous cities in the state. Cities with less than 7,000 people were excluded from our studies.

We looked at six affordability factors to rank the cheapest cities to live in Florida. We weighted those factors as noted below:

• Cost of living – 25%

• Median monthly rental price by city – 25%

• Median home price – 25%

• Median income by city – 15%

• Median monthly rental price of a two-bedroom apartment by county – 5%

• Average property tax by county – 5% 

Moving to Florida With UpHomes

You shouldn’t have to choose between affordability and personal appeal. The long list of cheapest places to live in Florida means you can find your dream home without the hefty price tag. There’s bound to be a place that fits your interests, lifestyle, and budget. Contact the experts at UpHomes when you’re ready to make the move to one of these wonderful places in Florida.