Housing expenses are 33% lower whereas food and grocery prices are 7% higher than the national average. . Above all, the violent crime rate is very low compared to other major cities in Florida. Besides the popular theme parks, you can visit Kennedy Space Center and enjoy Boggy Creek Airboat Tour with your family. 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. Expect to pay around $2000-2500 per month to live a comfortable life. 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. Speaking of affordability, the cost of living in Timber Pines is about 7% cheaper than the rest of Florida, with home prices 20% lower than the rest of the state. I always want to experience blood-curdling thrills like cemeteries, lighthouses, closed schools, theaters, and many more. In the evening, enjoy the beauty of Community Park. You do your homework for sure. Illinois, California, ETC are moving here and buying houses with cash and taking up a lot of the rentals in the . Being in the convenient location of Polk County, you can easily commute to work in Bartow. 3. Stay up to date with what you want to know. The ten states with the lowest property tax rates are: Hawaii, Alabama, Louisiana, Colorado, District of Columbia, Delaware, South Carolina, West Virginia, Wyoming, and Arkansas. The average cost of living in Florida is about 3% higher than the national US average, while median home prices are about $300,000. 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. For reference, here is a summary of the pros and cons of living in Florida. Also, the city draws visitors as it holds a strong position in the entertainment industry. 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. Thank you. It is a quiet and safe place with affordable houses, good schools, and amazing job prospects. Enjoy the vibe of Rock Creek Run and Wekiva River. Read More. Florida come in at 16th among all US states with a rate of just 3.3%. 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. Jacksonville. Valparaiso. Housing is the main factor in the cost of living and median home prices are very favorable for individuals in Orlando. At 48 years young or do you suggest different areas. Please see our disclaimers to learn more about our site. The competition is tough in popular cities like Miami, Tampa, Orlando. I have a cleaning business so I will need condos, beach houses etc My income? Here you can enjoy a more suburban life with a simple standard of living. How can you miss kayaking near Mount Dora? Whats life like in Lake Wales? In the northeast Hillsborough County of Florida between Tampa and Lakeland sits Plant City which was once called Ichepucksassa. But you can definitely start from any of the cities listed above. I am pushing 60 years old and single so I need affordable, small town feel, local gatherings and by the water. There are also modern chain stores like Walmart and Winn-Dixie at the edge of town. . Bartow is located 50 miles southwest of Orlando and 40 miles east of Tampa. If thats not enough, you can also get to Orlando or Tampa in less than 1 hour in either direction, making this one of the mostinexpensive places to live in Florida that also has a top location near other big cities. 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. Fort Meade is a small city in Polk County, located around 50 miles east of Tampa. High cost of living. If what youll save on taxes and the cost of living in Florida will be so minimal that it would take you 20 years to break even on what it cost you to move from Illinois, you may want to do so figuring first. I would start by read this shocking article from US News before doing any school rating research. A family of four spends $9,380 on average on food in Mount Dora. It is affordable and has a very good healthcare system. Living cost in Edgewater is not that expensive. Orlando is also less than an hour away by car. Population: 22,234. 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. Edgewater is one of the bigger cities on our list, but it still retains a small town, seaside community feel. If you are looking for your dream home in Florida at cheap, look no further and move to Quincy. If you buy into the hotter the better, move to a desert where daytime temps are from 120-140 degrees daily and enjoy yourself. 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. But there are also some people who regret moving to Florida. 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. Edgewater has one of the lowest cost of living in Florida, as well as a strong school system. According to my analysis of various publicly available sources, it would be harder to bored in Illinois than in most other states, because the state simply has more things to do and see. Visit the nearby Honeymoon Island State Park, enjoy the surrounding nature, and watch the beautiful sunset. 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. 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. The total cost of car ownership, which includes gas prices and repair costs, is slightly above the national average. Groceries can be slightly pricier, but overall you will see a significant reduction in cost while living in Gainesville. You can also go to many museums or Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge. Tavares took our top spot based on having the best mix of cheap living, low crime, and great job prospects, all within a city that offers its residents an exciting mix of things to do. Then youve just come to the right place. Meanwhile, its future is also bright, with job growth expected to increase by 44%, outpacing the national average by 10%. 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. Wish you a happy and safe retired life. If youre going to spend all your time indoors, does it matter where you live? Arcadia doesnt just offer low housing rates. Located on the Florida panhandle just 30 minutes from Pensacola, Milton is a tight-knit community that balances low cost of living with low crime and good job prospects. It also features several parks and historic buildings like Fort Meade Historical Society worth visiting. Have a great life ahead. You can grow oranges and grapefruit in your own yard. Illinois fell just inside the bottom 25 states in the overall quality of health care provided, according to the US Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. So, where is the cheapest place to live in Florida that is also desirable? Your expense for a doctors visit ranges from $100.00 $112.37. If youre just going to go from my air conditioned house to my air conditioned car then save yourself the expense of moving 1000 miles and stay where you are with your heated house and car. The cheapest place to live in Flordia is Jacksonville. 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. How to Watch LSU at Florida in Men's College Basketball Today: Game Date: March 4, 2023 Game Time: 6 p.m. Medicare Advantage Monthly Cost: $56.36. The cost of living in Orlando, FL is -13.7% lower than in Chicago, IL.You would have to earn a salary of $51,755 to maintain your current standard of living. 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. Fellsmere is a small city nestled in a state park near the eastern coast of Florida. There are so many activities in the Sunshine State to perform that you never heard about it. Florida Museum of Natural History is also a popular tourist attraction in Gainesville. If you are also considering The Villages, then read ourrecommendations for the best neighborhoods in the area. That's a difference of $167 per month, depending on the state where you live. Lets find out! Crime and safety Winner? Median monthly rent: $1,059 Where are the cheapest cities to live in Florida? Hi Shekyra, you can choose Cape Coral. Illinois. Hi Kristen, if you are looking for a safe place with a high employment rate, Ill highly recommend Jacksonville, Gainesville, or Orlando. 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. Hey, at least they werent dead last. Use The Zebra to find and compare auto insurance rates by state. The unemployment rate in Jacksonville is very low. In 2016, Florida was awarded as the fourth fastest-growing state in the United State of America. The lowest-cost silver plan, the MDWise Marketplace Silver Basic, costs $3,432 a year with its higher-than-average monthly premium of $286. Very informative! File a "Declaration of Domicile" with the clerk of circuit court in the Florida county where you live. Hi Martin, you can check Lake Highlander Mobile Home Park. We lived in south Florida our whole life and looking for a place to live that is more relaxing. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Illinois $25,000 per person/$50,00 per accident $20,000 per . Is bound by endless canals Housing expenses, utility prices, and healthcare in Cape Coral are lower than the national average. 2. 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. The best part of moving to this city is its proximity to other major cities like Atlanta, Georgia, Alabama, etc. Neither states rating is in the top 25 states but Illinois is ranked slightly higher. There are numerous parks, lakes, and golf courses across the city along with a terrific range of restaurants that serve a wide range of international cuisines. Thanks. You can find cheaper options on the outskirts of Orlando. READ ALSO: 15 Most Affordable Hiking Boots: Buying Guide. I would suggest you to check Dunedin which is affordable and summer is not that hot. Well, there is a small historic downtown with over 25 specialty shops, boutiques, and restaurants. There are four states with property tax rates above 2.00%: New Jersey, Illinois, New Hampshire, and Connecticut. 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. Based on all these factors, a single individual could be able to live comfortably on an average budget of around $2300-2800 a month. When we put together this list of the cheapest places to live in Florida, we not only considered the latest data on cost of living, but also housing values, crime rates, and desirability to give you the most complete list of cities that you would truly want to live in. Based on housing costs, utilities, and taxes, the average person could live on a budget of $1800-$2,000 a month. Lol. 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 has earned a name as Monarch City and the Tree City of the USA. 4. Housing costs are also reasonable, but only if you can find a house that is available. New York. The Pros, Cons and Best Places to Live or Retire in Florida. Methodology to Find the Cheapest Places to Live in Florida, The 12 Cheapest Places to Live in Florida in 2023. If you buy something through, Read More Living in Tampa vs Orlando: Which Florida City is Best in 2023Continue, Visiting Miami on a budget? Florida also has more stuff to do and see than most states, its why over 110,000,000 tourist a year now visit the state. Florida. Others might choose to forego a car purchase or look for areas of Florida with more moderate property taxes or insurance costs. I travel continuously and need a place to hold my mail and will be safe when I am away. Even you can find one-bedroom apartment rent as low as $1050 per month. These comments were consistent with a 2022 CNBC analysis, which said Florida was the 27th best state in terms of cost of living. Explore 18 acres of landscape discovering unique trees and waterfalls at McKee Botanical Garden. 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. The nearest beach is also only about an hour away around Sarasota. It made it to #2 on our list of the cheap places to live in Florida mainly due to its extremely low costs across the board Lake Wales cost of living is 14% lower than average, while houses are only $165,000 and rent is around $750 per month, which is one of the lowest on this list. It may very well be one of the most affordable places to live in Florida that is truly worth living in. Nearby, there is the bustling town of Mount Dora, which is routinely named as one of the best places to live in Florida. The best thing is that the average registered nurse salary in Cape Coral is pretty high. Zero estate taxes. You can also read the moving to Florida checklist and guide. I am looking to move from Panama City beach Florida soon. Florida takes the top marks in the rankings, with relatively low costs of living and a high percentage of retirees to mingle with. The information on this page is aggregated from third-party sources and presented as-is for your convenience. Palm Coast, located on Florida's upper east coast, is home to one of Florida's best-kept-secret beaches, so residents don't have to fight tourists for prime beach space. Its no more a secret that the fastest growing cities in Florida have grown exceptionally large with time. This sprawling city has all the charm of a large city and suburban areas that families will love. If you are searching for the cheapest places to buy a house in Florida, Edgewater makes for a great choice. Some people may ultimately choose to move to Florida, but keep their remote job in a higher paying state. I am considering moving to Florida from the Oregon Coast, and at 73, its hard to start over when living on a fixed income. For cost of living and housing data, we used the latest U.S. Census report, the AreaVibes living index, and Zillows housing market data. 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. 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). On the east coast of Florida City sits the most vibrant city called Melbourne, famous for the beach and outdoor adventures. Were young and want to move to Miami or at least close to the city but also are trying to find something very affordable. Home to the University of Florida and Santa Fe College,Gainesville is one of the safest and cheapest places to retire in Florida. While Florida might not be the single most affordable state in the country, contrary to the Joblist study's claim, it's likely not the least affordable either. Hi Ashley, Cape Coral and Dunedin both are comparatively safe places than other Florida cities. Living in the Magnolia state costs around 15% less than the nationwide average. 5. This is definitely one of the reasons for being one of the cheapest places to live in Florida near the beach. It is green all around trees line virtually every street of this city. Am looking for all the buttons and whistles on a $3k retirement income w/ copd..love the water but no gaters! Haines City is also the biggest city on our list, which offers many things to do and makes it a fun place to live. If youre a beach lover, you are lucky to own a house in Jacksonville. Its considered one of the best places to live in Florida on a budget. Hawaii. Contact us at: hello (at) strategistico (dot) com. Floridas overall crime rate is not that different than Illinois, but it is slightly higher. The quality of education can vary from school to school even within the same district in the same state. The Jacksonville airport is a large hub with plenty of major airlines. I want somewhere affordable but still close to the city. The nature scene in Tavares is outstanding. It is only 1 hour by car from Fort Myers and 1.5 hours from Tampa. North Carolina takes the No. Which state has more recreational opportunities, places to dine, shop, be entertained, per capita? Florida is cheap. Are there any mobil home parks that may help me lower costs? Youre welcome, Laura. All the best for your retired life. From housing expenses to dining, utility bills, healthcare, goods, and services, everything is pretty inexpensive in Edgewater. This post may contain affiliate links. Illinois's overall crime rate (property and violent crime combined) places the state just inside the bottom 25 states with the highest rates, according to FBI reporting. 15. 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. 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. The median income in Sunny Isles Beach comes in at $51,760 and the median home value is $363,400 for 2023. Jacksonville is located right at the top of the state, close to the border between Florida and Georgia. 1 spot for the cheapest places to build a home. Hi Maria, my vote is for Brownsville and Gladeview for young adults. Population: 21,892 Cost of Living Index: 92 Average Home Price: $207,000 (22% below Florida average) Average Rent Price: $1,005 per month Crime Rate per 1,000 Residents: 16.7 (34% below Florida average) Unemployment Rate: 3.7% 10 Year Job Growth Outlook: +43% Location: See in Google Maps. Those from New York, which CNBC's analysis named the second most expensive state in terms of cost of living, might have benefitted from the move. 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 . In South Florida, where there is a scarcity of land, prices are higher. Better Weather winner? Due to the citys close proximity toTampa and Orlando, you can go for a weekend trip to the famous theme parks and can have the best of these places. Visit the Polk County History Center, Municipal Airport Museum, Alafia River State Park, and much more. And the most expensive states are (in order of most expensive to cheaper) . Thank you for this list and all the helpful comments. 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. There are also lots of affordable condos in Dunedin to rent. The monthly rent for a one-bedroom studio in a normal area is around $1100. Top employers in the area include the University of Florida and UF Health, followed by the Alachua County School Board and Shands HealthCare and North Florida Regional Medical Center. # 10 in Best Places to Live in Florida. These cities have a low cost of living but you have to pay later. 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. The "City of Palms" has long. Cost of Living in Florida Our cost of living indices are based on a US average of 100. For unemployment rates and job growth, we looked at the most up-to-date figures from Bestplaces job market index. Here is our privacy policy that outlines how we handle your data. 1) Which state has a lower overall cost of living, Illinois or Florida? recommendations for the best neighborhoods in the area, The 16 Best Places to Live in Florida for 2022, Here are the 12 Cheapest Beach Towns in California, California vs Florida - Our Full Comparison, 8 Fastest Growing Small Towns in Texas in 2023 Charming & Desirable, Is Sedona a Good Place to Live? The people here are so caring and very passionate about their community. It is a resident-owned and self-governed park located in a prime location within Dunedin. Of course there are many variables that will determine the actual cost such as exact distance of the move, the number of items being moved, and additional services such as packing and unpacking. Which state is the cheapest to live in? 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. Housing, grocery, transportation, and health expenses are lower than the state average as well as the national average. Both have lots of job opportunities. Being one of the most affordable places in the US, you dont have to spend big money to have fun inJacksonville. Unlike many large cities in the US, Jacksonville has maintained its affordability. Florida cost of living is 102.8. Here is our terms & conditions that stipulates how you can use this site. The cost of living in Plant City is 94.7 based on a US average of 100. 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. Valparaiso is a small city in northwest Florida. Pensacola , cheap , mellow , low crime and Navy federal hired me at age 68 if youre interestedsted in employment. 2 spot with 10 cities out of 100 cheapest rents in the nation. There is also easy access to big stores and supermarkets in Lynn Haven. Visit an extraordinary vintage antique store on Main Street. We are looking for a country area and the cheapest place to live in Florida. Our mission is to provide a digital resource with original insights on lifestyle and travel experiences. You should have dinner at Shilohs Steak & Seafood, from where you get spectacular views of NASAs Kennedy Space Center. The 1.9% increase was the largest of any US state over this period. The effect of moving kids from their friends, relatives and environment to somewhere completely different can have consequences. In fact, job growth in Edgewater is expected to increase by 43%, which is above the national average of 33%. Are these data still applying to current year? Hi Luann, if you are looking for a cheap and pet-friendly place to live in Florida, I will highly recommend Jacksonville. There is also a thriving downtown on the waterfront that offers countless bars, restaurants, and boutiques. Illinois: According to the Latest Gallup Sharecare well-being Index, residents answered more negatively in Illinois about their community and life, than all others states but one and it wasnt Florida. Locations are then indexed against this number. You may consider Lake Okeechobee too, but the unemployment rate is high here. Florida ranks in the top half of states with a lower tax bite, and the higher your income is, the greater this advantage over Illinois becomes. Reasonable cost of living. Fort Worth, on the 65th spot, has an average rent of $1,341 per month with almost a million residents. Quality of Life 6.5 Quality of Life. A single adult needs $1,800-$2,200 per month to live in Bartow. Median home price: $185,700. A large and robust economy. Now, it is true that Indiana counties assess income tax, too. Thank you Melissa for your appreciation. unemployment and better growth, according to US News annual report. Minnesota, Maryland, Illinois, . where to apply for senior low cost housing or section 8 housing? Illinois taxes individual income at a rate of 4.95% and business income at 7%. ?? The cost of living index in Melbourne is 94.4 based on a US average of 100. Vero Beach is about sunshine, a sparkling ocean, a laid-back atmosphere, pristine sand, historical sights, eclectic shops, and cultural marvels. It is a great place for families, as there is an excellent public school system, as well as for people who enjoy the outdoors. Orlando offers all these things and surprisingly thisCentral Floridaparadise offers low-cost living. To live in a safe area and zoned for a good school, our area averages about $1800+ for a 2 bedroom apartment or condo. The average monthly rent in Gainesville is around $1200. The averagehomelisting pricein Gainesville is approximately $200,000, while the median sales price is around $120,000. There were no federal stimulus checks in 2022, but at least 22 states gave money back to residents -- primarily in the form of income and property tax rebates, child tax credits and direct relief . Some beneficiaries may pay higher premiums for their Part B coverage, based on their income. 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. Plant City already has fame in the world for celebrating the Florida Strawberry Festival. If you are looking for the lowest home prices in a safe community in Florida, then check out Arcadia. 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. The average cost to build an 1,800-square-foot home here is the lowest in the U.S. The city interests seniors as it is considered the cheapest city to live in Florida with no burden of income tax. 8) Things has more things to do Illinois Versus Florida. 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. I am going to move to Florida and was looking for some affordable places to rent. Sign up for notifications from Insider! The hot weather is a concern, as Im not used to it. With a monthly expenditure of $2200-2800, you can expect a happy life with all the basic amenities. 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. Illinois ranks in the bottom half of states that have fewer sunny days and or higher humidity according to data derived from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. #1. Alaska. The incomes and the cost of living in most states are proportionate to how you perceive your income. The average health cost and food costs of a single adult are around $3,937 and $ 3,280 per year respectively. Cost Of Living: $43,308. 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. 3. Indeed, the lack of an income tax is a major financial perk for Floridians. Cape Coral is the place. Population: 15,118 Cost of Living Index: 90 Average Home Price: $219,000 (17% below Florida average) Average Rent Price: $927 per month Crime Rate per 1,000 Residents: 18.8 (26% below Florida average) Unemployment Rate: 3.4% 10 Year Job Growth Outlook: +51% Location: See in Google Maps. Its 10 year job growth outlook was the strongest on this list, expected to grow 51% compared to the national average of 33%. The cost of living in Dunedin is 8% lower than the national average. Although, there are still plenty of things to do, from the numerous parks that surround the lake to the cute historic district on East Stuart Avenue that is filled with shops and restaurants. a. Used vehicles in Florida can be nearly 10% cheaper than the national average because of an aging population that's giving up their cars each year, whether due to death or just impaired eyesight or driving abilities. Population: 5,207 Cost of Living Index: 93 Average Home Price: $212,000 (20% below Florida average) Average Rent Price: $895 per month Crime Rate per 1,000 Residents: 20.8 (18% below Florida average) Unemployment Rate: 4.5% 10 Year Job Growth Outlook: +42% Location: See in Google Maps.