This positive outlook is probably linked to South Daytonas good fortune of being directly next to neighboring Daytona Beach. Meanwhile, Pensacola Beach is only about 40 minutes away. In fact, it is a dream destination for many people. Hacienda Village in Winter Springs is another great option. The cost of living in Bartow is 12% lower than the state(Florida) average. Everybody wants to live in a community where they can feel safe, where unemployment is not an issue, where they can have easy access to grocery stores, restaurants, entertainment, recreation, medical facilities, and more. Thanks for the info. Overall Score 6.0 Quality of Life 6.5 Jacksonville is again lower than the Florida average also, which stands at $237,000. I want somewhere affordable but still close to the city. The average cost to build an 1,800-square-foot home here is the lowest in the U.S. Walmart offers the most employment opportunity to the residents of Plant City. Great and informative article! The housing cost in Pensacola are 27% lower than the national average and the utility cost are 11% lower than the national average. The states with the cheapest average car insurance include Maine, Idaho and Vermont. The median income in Sunny Isles Beach comes in at $51,760 and the median home value is $363,400 for 2023. Where are the cheapest cities to live in Florida? Required fields are marked *. Population: 23,400 Cost of Living Index: 85 Average Home Price: $204,000 (23% below Florida average) Average Rent Price: $804 per month Crime Rate per 1,000 Residents: 20.9 (17% below Florida average) Unemployment Rate: 4.1% 10 Year Job Growth Outlook: +44% Location: See in Google Maps. There are plenty of job opportunities in and around the Orlando metro area. ___ 2) Which state is a safer place to live overall, Illinois or Florida? Change currency (USD) pay 24.2 % more for groceries Show 8 more.. Illinois vs. Florida - Cost of groceries 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. We lived in central Illinois where a summer drive in Continue Reading 9 Is section 8 housing a option in Flordia? 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. Coming in at #1 is Tavares, which is a suburb of Orlando and is in one of the fastest growing counties in Florida. There is not much crime in Fort Meade and the great community and friendly people are the main USP of this city. 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. Its median home value, however, remains in the middle of the pack compared to the rest of the country. Groceries, goods, and services can be really cheap. The Bayou state is the 6th best state for retiring on a budget. If you are planning to move to Florida, Jacksonville may be a perfect financial destination. , 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. With a population of nearly 87,000 and a median home price of $213,400, Palm Coast is speckled with colorful wildlife and magnificent trails. Economy Strength Winner: Unlike the close ratings on cost of living and crime, Florida wins this comparison by a wide margin. Housing, grocery, transportation, and health expenses are lower than the state average as well as the national average. The affordable median home value($145,000) and lower crime rate make it the best and most affordable place to live in Florida. 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. A: Satellite Beach area is less populated and the violent crime rate is very low compared to other cities in Florida. Vero Beach is considered 28% safer than other US cities. Indeed, the lack of an income tax is a major financial perk for Floridians. The people here are so caring and very passionate about their community. Combined with the fact that it also has the 2nd lowest crime rate on our list, Fellsmere is a strong choice for providing a very cheap and safe community. Its pretty easy to find a suitable job in Jax. Median Home Cost: $135,300. Especially, if you love water, then Jax can be a heaven to you. 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. Depending on the source, it's between $173.000 and $180,000, compared to the national average of just over $231,000. Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. In California, they run almost to $4,000 annually. Find out whether you are required to pay a Medicare IRMAA in 2022. It is a great place not only for retirees but also for people looking for recreational activities. 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. A: Florida is famous for its warm climate, beach resorts, amusement parks and so many other attractions. One bedroom studio rent can be found under $1400 per month. Its considered one of the best places to live in Florida on a budget. In addition to delicious food, Louisiana retirees can expect low costs of living, affordable homes, and lower healthcare costs. 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? 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. According to Neighborhood Scout, their crime rate is only 12 per 1,000 residents. The population of Cape Coral is about 175,000. Thats the part Im struggling with is leaving ct and running out of money. The biggest attraction is the beach life, as the coastline in New Smyrna Beach is just 10 minutes away from the center of town. Florida slides into second place with a diverse inventory, and car prices that are 10% below the national average. Florida. Like any other Florida city, Cape Coral also has several pros and cons that you must know before moving here. This is consistent with the fact that Floridians need a higher living wage to survive. 7 Valid Reasons Not to Move to Florida, Population: 5,565 Cost of Living Index: 86 Average Home Price: $188,000 (29% below Florida average) Average Rent Price: $843 per month Crime Rate per 1,000 Residents: 6.5 (74% below Florida average) Unemployment Rate: 4.1% 10 Year Job Growth Outlook: +44% Location: See in Google Maps. Why is Florida so cheap living? The average cost of living in the U.K. is 12.21% less than in the U.S., but that number doesn't tell the whole story. I found places that rated Florida #3 which I found surprising. Health Care Quality Winner? Valparaiso. Miami housing costs are 36.8% more expensive than Chicago housing costs. Single adults average health care is around $4,021, which is less than nationwide. You can consider Edgewater if you want to live near the beach. The healthcare cost of a single adult expense is on average $4,182 per year. 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. #1. 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. There is also easy access to big stores and supermarkets in Lynn Haven. The city scored well on providing future job opportunities, which was tied for the strongest job growth on this list, as well as on offering a good, affordable life with many things to do in the area, especially for seniors. 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. To determine the most affordable places to live in Florida that are also safe and desirable, we compiled data from multiple sources to ensure that you get the most objective recommendations. But it alone is not enough to justify a move to Florida at least from a financial perspective. From the waterparks, golf clubs to scenic hiking trails like the Pinellas Trail, Dunedin is packed with recreational outdoor activities. 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. When it comes to used car sales, Florida tends to has the cheapest prices. Jacksonville. 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. Massachusetts. 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. If you earn $40,000 a year, you can easily survive here. On the other hand, the average annual cost of childcare for two children is around $11,499, again less than the national average. At 48 years young or do you suggest different areas. Hec I would even work at apical pub, wine bar or something of that nature. If youre going to spend all your time indoors, does it matter where you live? In the pine forest on 400 acres, the land sits the most popular Wickham Park welcoming people of every age. Fort Meade offers several outdoor recreation activities like canoeing and kayaking. 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. It is just 1 hour away from downtown Tampa as well as the beautiful Clearwater Beach. Based on all these factors, a single individual could be able to live comfortably on an average budget of around $2300-2800 a month. Located on the coast of northeast Florida, Jacksonville is the cheapest place to live in Florida. In Titusville, you have to pay $910 a month as rent which is less than the $1,023 national median monthly rent. The city boasts several theme parks, concerts, farmers markets, and adventure activities. If you buy into the hotter the better, move to a desert where daytime temps are from 120-140 degrees daily and enjoy yourself. For unemployment rates and job growth, we looked at the most up-to-date figures from Bestplaces job market index. Above 100 means more expensive.) The average rent of a 2 bedroom home in Quincy is around $1500. Overall Score 6.0 Overall Score. Cost of Moving from Illinois to Florida The average cost to move from Illinois to Florida with North American is $3,614.35. Population: 12,734 Cost of Living Index: 88 Average Home Price: $169,500 (36% below Florida average) Average Rent Price: $833 per month Crime Rate per 1,000 Residents: 18.3 (27% below Florida average) Unemployment Rate: 3.7% 10 Year Job Growth Outlook: +43% Location: See in Google Maps. 6) Which state has better overall school ratings Illinois or Florida. 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. From here you can easily visit Cape Canaveral and the Kennedy Space Center. A: Every state has some good areas and some bad areas. In fact, the average price for a house is only $143,000, which is a whopping 46% below the average cost in Florida. Cape Coral also has several pros and cons, housing cost in Mount Dora is around $242,900, 10 Best Anti-Theft Travel Backpacks: Buying Guide, 10 Best Places to Live on The Gulf Coast of Florida, 8 Most Affordable Places in Hawaii to Live in, 15 Most Affordable Hiking Boots: Buying Guide, Top 10 Most Affordable Places to Live in California, 10 Insanely Cheap Places To Travel In The USA, 10 Best Places to Live in Florida in 2023, 11 Most Dangerous Cities In California To Avoid, 10 Insanely Cheap Countries To Live In Europe, 14 Best Places For Snorkeling In Florida A Lifetime Experience, 13 Best Nude Beaches in New York for Sun-Worshippers, 14 Best Botanical Gardens in Florida To Visit, 14 Stunning Yosemite Sunset Spots Secret Trails & Meadows, 23 Free Things to Do in Long Beach, California. I am considering moving to Florida from the Oregon Coast, and at 73, its hard to start over when living on a fixed income. In the evening, enjoy the beauty of Community Park. This change in cost is called the IRMAA (Income-related Monthly Adjustment Amount). Groceries, utilities, and healthcare are also pretty affordable here. So, while Lake Wales is the second cheapest place to live in Florida, there is actually another city that we think is the best. You can spend your weekend shopping at Renningers Flea and Farmer Market. The city interests seniors as it is considered the cheapest city to live in Florida with no burden of income tax. Hi Chrissy, we update the article(including the data) frequently as required. It is a great place for families, as there is an excellent public school system, as well as for people who enjoy the outdoors. Because of its less population(7,972) and small size, Quincy is very affordable to live without breaking your bank. With 400 miles of canals, the city is also known as Waterfront Wonderland. This post may contain affiliate links. What about Citrus county? Unlike many large cities in the US, Jacksonville has maintained its affordability. 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 considered 13% safer than other US cities. 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. I am going to move to Florida and was looking for some affordable places to rent. If you are looking for a charming and relaxing lifestyle at an affordable price, you can settle in Dunedin which is located on the northwest coast of Florida. While race car drivers may not benefit from low-cost car insurance, the typical Indiana driver enjoys the tenth-lowest car insurance rate in the U.S. Ill take this info, do other comparable searches including crime rates, COL, average age etc and hope for the best! 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 . Hi there, The downtown Dunedin area may be expensive but the outskirts of Dunedin is one of the cheapest areas to live in Florida. The median home value here is around $130,500, less than the national average. In 2016, Florida was awarded as the fourth fastest-growing state in the United State of America. If youre a beach lover, you are lucky to own a house in Jacksonville. www.wikipedia.org. One episode of snow shoveling cancels out a hurricane. The effect of moving kids from their friends, relatives and environment to somewhere completely different can have consequences. 1 spot for the cheapest places to build a home. You may consider Lake Okeechobee too, but the unemployment rate is high here. Wisconsin is 4.6% cheaper than Florida. You dont have to pay any state income tax and the healthcare system and job opportunities are also good. Coming in as the cheapest state to live in in the United States is Mississippi with a cost of living index score of 83.3. 2 Roughly 20.5% of Florida's population is at least 65 years old. 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. Surrounded by exotic beaches, small-town, friendly people, and many more. 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. Starting off our list of the cheap places to live in Florida that are actually desirable is Lynn Haven. the entire article is literally a list of EXACTLY that! Building Wealth 8 Places Where It's Better to Rent Than Buy Buying a home might not always be the best financial strategy. Auto insurance rates by state. The median home price is around $225,000. Of course, there is a great normal life here, too. Hence, if you are in search of the cheapest rent in Florida, Titusville is a good search. It is 13% safer than other US cities recording 26.91 crime rates (per 1,000 residents). Rents are also very affordable the average cost is only $678 per month, which makes it one of the cheapest places to rent in Florida. Health related expenses are 18.2% more in Miami. The average home cost in Bartow is under $275,000. The city has direct access to Interstate 95 and is only about two hours south of Savannah, Georgia. But, they are usually so cheap for a reason high crime, no job opportunities, etc. Quincy is the city where most of the residents own their house. Unlike most quality of life ratings, school ratings are all over the place and often contradict each other. Cost Of Living: $43,308. Housing, transportation, utilities, goods, and services are lower than the state and national average. The competition is tough in popular cities like Miami, Tampa, Orlando. 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 You can also read the moving to Florida checklist and guide. 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. 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. According to the latest reports, Mississippi tops the list of the most affordable states in America in 2019. Overall, residents of South Daytona get all the benefits of a larger city, but in a more relaxed atmosphere that is also at a lower total cost, making it a top choice as one of themost affordable cities in Florida that give you thebest bangs for your buck. It is affordable and has a very good healthcare system. File a "Declaration of Domicile" with the clerk of circuit court in the Florida county where you live. 22: Texas. In South Florida, where there is a scarcity of land, prices are higher. Florida has the 9th best economy in the same report. Watch CBS News MoneyWatch Florida is the least affordable place to live in the U.S. By Irina Ivanova May 2, 2022 / 11:52 AM / MoneyWatch Sally Starkey thought moving from Chicago to Florida. From here, Miami its just 135 miles away.