I am going to move to Florida and was looking for some affordable places to rent. It is a quiet and safe place with affordable houses, good schools, and amazing job prospects. First to be snowbirds and find a fun n the sun affordable place to live. I currently pay $1850 for 3 bedroom apartment but have lived in my place for 3 years and its about to go up another $200 this Aug 22. It may very well be one of the most affordable places to live in Florida that is truly worth living in. Seriously, move here before everyone else does. Illinois is deep into the list of the states with the highest overall tax burden according to the Tax Foundation and every other source Ive checked with that puts out tax related data. Hi Gary, Its actually not possible to cover the cost of living of each city in a single post. The monthly budget comes in at less than $2400 a month in Gainesville. I am considering moving to Florida from the Oregon Coast, and at 73, its hard to start over when living on a fixed income. Is it cheaper to live in Florida or Wisconsin? - 2023 (2023) So a day trip to the theme parks is definitely possible. The cost of living in Dunedin is 8% lower than the national average. 6. 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. With a population of about 10000 people, Fort Meade is a part of the Lakeland-Winter Haven Metropolitan area. Minnesota, Maryland, Illinois, . 1) Mississippi. 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. For homebuyers, prices grew nearly 30% in Florida between the second quarter of 2021 and 2022, the most of any state. If you are planning to move to Florida, Jacksonville may be a perfect financial destination. 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. There is no shortage of free attractions in Orlando. Weve jotted down the best places to live in Northern Florida for you only. The people here are so caring and very passionate about their community. Health care services may be higher than the national indexes, but overall Quincy is a cheap Florida city to live in. Orlando offers all these things and surprisingly thisCentral Floridaparadise offers low-cost living. A cost of living index above 100 means Florida, Florida is more expensive. 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. There are plenty of job opportunities in and around the Orlando metro area. Compare that to Indiana, which has an individual rate of 3.23% and a business rate of 5.75%. This list is a very helpful part in my researching where to move to. From here you can easily visit Cape Canaveral and the Kennedy Space Center. According to MIT's living wage calculator, food costs in Florida and Texas run $3,351 per year for a single adult. From the waterparks, golf clubs to scenic hiking trails like the Pinellas Trail, Dunedin is packed with recreational outdoor activities. But you can definitely start from any of the cities listed above. The lower crime rate makes it one of the safest places to live in Florida. It has earned a name as Monarch City and the Tree City of the USA. Thank you in advance for your support! Orlando is also known as the Theme Park Capital of the World. 10 Best and Worst States for Health Insurance Costs - HuffPost Lady Lake is located in central Florida adjacent to The Villages, the immensely popular and ever-growing 55+ retirement community. drivers in no-fault states such as Michigan and Florida often pay more for insurance than do drivers in other areas of the country. Moving from Utah have 3 dogs and will be needing work as I am setting out on a new adventure. Whats life like in Lake Wales? Here is our privacy policy that outlines how we handle your data. The biggest attraction is the beach life, as the coastline in New Smyrna Beach is just 10 minutes away from the center of town. Besides the popular theme parks, you can visit Kennedy Space Center and enjoy Boggy Creek Airboat Tour with your family. Tourism, agriculture, digital media, and aviation sectors are booming right now. 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. 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. The average home price is currently $212,000, although there are quite a few options around $175,000. Also, it is the powerhouse of regional economic high-tech companies and subsidiaries along the Space Coast. 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. 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. , 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. This list takes into account the lowest cost of living in Florida, but also desirability to actually live in these cities. 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. Jacksonville is one of the cheapest places to visit in Florida. Virtually every big city amenity can be found here hospitals, clinics, churches, big box stores like Target, Walmart, The Home Depot, and all your favorite restaurants and fast food joints, making it one of the most affordable cities in Florida that also has access to all of these stores and services. FAQ on Cheapest Places to Live in Florida. The city interests seniors as it is considered the cheapest city to live in Florida with no burden of income tax. The average monthly rent in Gainesville is around $1200. The 1.9% increase was the largest of any US state over this period. New York. High cost of living. 3. The 10 Most Expensive Places To Live In Florida For 2023 - HomeSnacks You can walk, run, ride on a horse, or do whatever you want. There is also a thriving downtown on the waterfront that offers countless bars, restaurants, and boutiques. The Average Cost of Medicare by State | 2022 Medicare Costs But it alone is not enough to justify a move to Florida at least from a financial perspective. The competition is tough in popular cities like Miami, Tampa, Orlando. Location-wise, Haines City is situated in central Florida, right between Tampa and Orlando, making it an ideal place to access some of the best large cities in Florida, but with a cheaper lifestyle. Paul Hennessy/NurPhoto via Getty Images. Unlike many large cities in the US, Jacksonville has maintained its affordability. You may need to visit your current office to sign a release form. A: You can move to Homestead in southern Florida where the cost of living is affordable, but the option is limited. It is not far from either Coast, and there is decent shopping in the next towns, not so far from Fort Meade. The economy of Bartow is thriving and constantly growing. Fellsmere is a small city nestled in a state park near the eastern coast of Florida. I just hope you dont mind making a bunch of U-turns- The Cape as locals call it- The nearest beach is also only about an hour away around Sarasota. This helped out in finding the cheapest city to live. 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. The best thing is that the average registered nurse salary in Cape Coral is pretty high. The minimum wage of $7.25 per hour leaves families at the poverty threshold. Hacienda Village in Winter Springs is another great option. On your budget, you can leave peacefully in Gainesville. 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. It is also less than 2 hours away from Orlando, giving you easy access to many major cities, but in an affordable and quaint suburb. Housing expenses, utility prices, and healthcare in Cape Coral are lower than the national average. Arkansas. 2. 8) Things has more things to do Illinois Versus Florida. This sprawling city has all the charm of a large city and suburban areas that families will love. You can access many Atlantic ocean beaches which are just a short drive away from Edgewater. Top editors give you the stories you want delivered right to your inbox each weekday. Size and Population 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. 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. Florida is hotter and more humid than where you moved from, and it doesn't end when summer does. But, they are usually so cheap for a reason high crime, no job opportunities, etc. One can expect to spend $2000-$2500 monthly to live in Dunedin. University of Wisconsin economics professor Steven Deller agreed. 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. Medicare Advantage Monthly Cost: $56.36. Florida. Florida cost of living is 103.1 100=National Average AVERAGE RENT BY BEDROOM SIZE Fort Meade is included in our list of most affordable cities in Floridafor the low median home price and affordable grocery and healthcare. Crime is also quite low, with less than 20 reported crimes per 1,000 residents, which is almost a quarter lower than the Florida average. You should act now if you want to join this growing community there are newneighborhoods being built with houses for sale that start around $160,000(at the time of this publication), but they are going fast. 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). Is it better to live in Illinois or Florida? - 2023 The downtown Dunedin area may be expensive but the outskirts of Dunedin is one of the cheapest areas to live in Florida. Retirement: Which states cost most, least to retire comfortably? Hi there, There are also modern chain stores like Walmart and Winn-Dixie at the edge of town. Fort Meade offers several outdoor recreation activities like canoeing and kayaking. Higher insurance, healthcare, and housing costs mean not everyone will save money. Florida also ranks in the bottom half, but not as far deep into the pack as Illinois. The city of Bartow and the surrounding area are filled with historical buildings and classic architecture. Best State to Buy a Car - Car and Driver In Titusville, you have to pay $910 a month as rent which is less than the $1,023 national median monthly rent. What is the best way to find a job in the area you suggest? 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. Population: 16,199 Cost of Living Index: 86 Average Home Price: $223,000 (16% below Florida average) Average Rent Price: $907 per month Crime Rate per 1,000 Residents: 17.8 (29% below Florida average) Unemployment Rate: 3.4% 10 Year Job Growth Outlook: +51% Location: See in Google Maps. Methodology to Find the Cheapest Places to Live in Florida, The 12 Cheapest Places to Live in Florida in 2023. This is another worst reason not to live in Florida if you are aware of the sinkhole. Where are the cheapest cities to live in Florida? It would have ranked higher on our list, but its future job prospects are only average compared to the rest of the nation and it can feel a bit secluded. a. Being in the convenient location of Polk County, you can easily commute to work in Bartow. 4. Starting off our list of the cheap places to live in Florida that are actually desirable is Lynn Haven. Lets find out! This change in cost is called the IRMAA (Income-related Monthly Adjustment Amount). Lower Employment Winner? Yes, its safe statistically with a lower crime rate. 2 Roughly 20.5% of Florida's population is at least 65 years old. Americans are moving to Florida for better weather and lower taxes. Michigan drivers pay nearly seven times more than South Dakota drivers. To apply for section 8 housing, you have to contact a nearby PHA(Public Housing Agency) office in your city. Well, there is a small historic downtown with over 25 specialty shops, boutiques, and restaurants. If you are looking for the lowest home prices in a safe community in Florida, then check out Arcadia. Residents rave about the strong sense of community that has developed in Lynn Haven, which was especially felt after Hurricane Michael in 2018. The 10 Cheapest Places To Live In Florida For 2022 - HomeSnacks 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. Kentucky. For example, a state with a cost of living of 110 would be 10% higher than the national average. Per the Census Bureau, the median household income in Florida was roughly $62,000 in 2021, below the median US household income of roughly $71,000. 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. * School ratings vary widely, depending upon the criteria the particular organization uses. However, transportation and grocery might be a bit pricier but cheaper than nearby Fort Myers. In 2019, New York and Georgia saw the most residents move to Florida. If you buy into the hotter the better, move to a desert where daytime temps are from 120-140 degrees daily and enjoy yourself. Have a great life ahead. Others might choose to forego a car purchase or look for areas of Florida with more moderate property taxes or insurance costs. 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. Wish you a happy and safe retired life. Wyoming. While the cost of living in Florida is far from lowest, it's considerably cheaper overall than Illinois. So where are the most affordable places in Florida? The states with the cheapest average car insurance include Maine, Idaho and Vermont. The nature scene in Tavares is outstanding. Best State to Buy a Used Car: Florida. But like any other city, there are bad parts too. You learn stuff you didnt count on. This small town in Pasco County is home to 6,966 people. 6. Population: 20,768 Cost of Living Index: 99 Average Home Price: $238,000 (10% below Florida average) Average Rent Price: $1,120 per month Crime Rate per 1,000 Residents: 15.5 (39% below Florida average) Unemployment Rate: 3.6% 10 Year Job Growth Outlook: +34% Location: See in Google Maps. This put education in the state above the national average. Is It Cheaper To Live In Florida Or Illinois? - CLJ A: Every state has some good areas and some bad areas. Because of its less population(7,972) and small size, Quincy is very affordable to live without breaking your bank. Florida by a wide margin. 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 . Quincy is small but one of the most desired cities in northern Florida that lies in Gadsden County. Its no more a secret that the fastest growing cities in Florida have grown exceptionally large with time. Hi Bonnettee, you can read this article on the best beach towns to live in Florida. Overall, with a monthly budget of $2200-$2500, one person can live comfortably in Quincy, Florida. 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. Cost of Living in Florida - Best Places 1) Which state has a lower overall cost of living, Illinois or Florida? 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. Explore the downtown area, and go to museums and boutiques. Florida. 16 Best Places to Live in Florida Newest 2023 Rankings, 9 Top Beaches in Florida with the Highest Quality Waters & Sand, 8 Best Places to Live on the Gulf Coast of Florida. It is home to 50,298 people in America. Read on to get more context on the study, including the factors we considered to determine the cheapest states. Sign up for notifications from Insider! In California, they run almost to $4,000 annually. Florida is not Cheap Get Cautious about Tornadoes and Hurricanes: . The only difference is rather than complaining about the cold and snow in Illinois, youll complain about the heat and humidity in Florida. 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. 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. From there come to cherish time at Golden Sands Beach, Jaycee Park, or Wabasso Beach Park to enjoy the salty air. My sister is moving out of Florida for work and when she gives up her lease ($1550 for a 3 bedroom house with a ton of issues that dont get address, and she moved in as first occupant) the next tenant will be charged $2300 a month rent. The cost of living is somewhat lower over-all; at least when I lived there it was. Both states have more than most, but Florida wins this match-up. The Cost Of Living In Jacksonville Makes Anything Bearable. 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. Indiana vs. Illinois: Cost of Living and Taxes Comparison Guide Specifically, the state is known for these good things and not so good things too: No state income taxes. Lots of Land Contributes to Lower Prices There's even a surprising amount of coastline that is undeveloped, he said. On the other hand, the national median monthly rent is around $1,023. Real Florida Pros and Cons Revealed 2022 - Moving to Florida In the center of town, you can find a Publix at the Lynn Haven Shopping Center, which is also across from a Walmart. With 400 miles of canals, the city is also known as Waterfront Wonderland. In Melbourne, you are always in the mood to stroll along the gorgeous Melbourne Beach Pier for some relaxation and peace. We are looking for a country area and the cheapest place to live in Florida. Port Charlotte is an amazing place to live with low taxes and a median housing price of $166,600. While the cost of living in Florida is far from lowest, its considerably cheaper overall than Illinois. Miami is, Read More Top 10 Free Things to do in Miami You Shouldnt Miss in 2023Continue. 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. The Magic City of Florida offers families the chance to have an amazing time without spending a single penny. Employment Employment in Bartow is mainly fueled by the county, state, and city governments. The total cost of a single adult is around $33,980 a year which is less than the annual cost of living in other towns in Florida. Home to the University of Florida and Santa Fe College,Gainesville is one of the safest and cheapest places to retire in Florida. Before moving to the Sunshine State, it's worth considering how Florida's cost of living compares to where you live now, and to your potential employment opportunities. A: Florida is famous for its warm climate, beach resorts, amusement parks and so many other attractions. Check out Zillow for the latest listings. How to Establish Residency in Florida for Tax Purposes | Kiplinger A cost of living index above 100 means Florida, Florida is more expensive. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider Conclusion Value 5.7 Value. The Pros, Cons and Best Places to Live or Retire in Florida. The median home value here is around $130,500, less than the national average. Apparently, a whole lot of Illinois residents have been unhappy with their state for many years. 5) Which state has better health care quality Illinois or Florida. Wisconsin is 4.6% cheaper than Florida. Illinois $25,000 per person/$50,00 per accident $20,000 per . Your email address will not be published. And the most expensive states are (in order of most expensive to cheaper) . The city is full of many amenities for residents to enjoy, including spectacular beaches, natural wonderlands, museums, and gardens. The best part of moving to this city is its proximity to other major cities like Atlanta, Georgia, Alabama, etc. The cost of construction labor is cheaper in Arizona than in a majority of states. The cost of living and average home prices are slightly below the Florida average, but the very low crime rates and opportunity to live right on the water make Lynn Haven quite appealing. It is just 1 hour away from downtown Tampa as well as the beautiful Clearwater Beach. However, those coming from Georgia the 4th least expensive state might have found themselves worse off financially. It has not been verified or approved by the developer or association. It is a perfect place for history buffs. 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. 33. Groceries, goods, and services can be really cheap. On the east coast of Florida City sits the most vibrant city called Melbourne, famous for the beach and outdoor adventures. If you are also considering The Villages, then read ourrecommendations for the best neighborhoods in the area. 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. Utah. You can expect to live here for less than $2000 per month. Cost of Living in Florida Our cost of living indices are based on a US average of 100. Thank you John. Use The Zebra to find and compare auto insurance rates by state. 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. It is a large city and located in Alachua County. But Florida doesn't just have the weather, the beaches, and Disney World going for it. Illinois. It is affordable and has a very good healthcare system. Situated between Tampa and Miami on Florida's Gulf Coast, Fort Myers is a growing city. I would start by read this shocking article from US News before doing any school rating research. The unemployment rate in Jacksonville is very low. Hi Luann, if you are looking for a cheap and pet-friendly place to live in Florida, I will highly recommend Jacksonville. The housing price is 13% lower than the national average, around $95,100. Food and utilities costs are also not that expensive. The monthly rent for a one-bedroom studio in a normal area is around $1100. Unlike most quality of life ratings, school ratings are all over the place and often contradict each other. These cities have a low cost of living but you have to pay later. Along Floridas famous Space Coast sits the greater Titusville which is famous for sunrise views, rocket blasts off and home to sea turtles. Rent in Monmouth is the seventh cheapest statewide, with a median price tag of $580. . The average home cost in Bartow is under $275,000. If you buy something through, Read More Living in Tampa vs Orlando: Which Florida City is Best in 2023Continue, Visiting Miami on a budget? 10 Affordable Beach Towns In Florida | Neighborhoods.com 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. Reasonable cost of living. Stay far from the theme parks. But, what about the attractions in the city itself? Texas. Overall Score 6.0 Overall Score. It sits along the Atlantic coast in Indian River County giving locals easy access to other coastal towns and national parks. Thanks. Titusville is a small town in Brevard with good breweries, quaint shops, pizza places and hanging out places. Of course, there are also many shopping areas for a city of this size. 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. You can find cheaper options on the outskirts of Orlando. What Is the Cheapest Type of House to Build in 2023? It is a resident-owned and self-governed park located in a prime location within Dunedin. 100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. 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. In fact, it is a dream destination for many people. The 10 Cheapest Places To Live In Illinois For 2022 - HomeSnacks California vs Florida - Which State is Better to Live In? 2022 Full Our mission is to provide a digital resource with original insights on lifestyle and travel experiences. In South Florida, where there is a scarcity of land, prices are higher. You can explore Apalachicola River Blueway National Recreation Trail, Lake Talquin State Forest, The Shade Tobacco Museum, and many more attractions during the weekend. In many parts of Florida, you can buy a new home for a relatively cheap price. Okay, at this point Florida has won 6 of the 9 states versus state quality of life comparisons. 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. The average cost of living in Florida is about 3% higher than the national US average, while median home prices are about $300,000. 10 Best States To Retire In 2020 New Hampshire. These cities are safe and perfect for newcomers. There are currently a fair amount of 2 and 3 bedroom houses available for under $200,000. Ill take this info, do other comparable searches including crime rates, COL, average age etc and hope for the best! 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. How to Watch LSU at Florida in Men's College Basketball Today: Game Date: March 4, 2023 Game Time: 6 p.m. Fly or Drive from Illinois to Florida This is truly an authentic small town as you wont find any big chain stores here. It is located about 45 minutes from Port St. Lucie and 1.5 hours from Orlando. Its a very informative article and helped me a lot to find some safe and cheap place to live.