Hey, at least they werent dead last. Like any other Florida city, Cape Coral also has several pros and cons that you must know before moving here. This list takes into account the lowest cost of living in Florida, but also desirability to actually live in these cities. The Pros, Cons and Best Places to Live or Retire in Florida. Higher insurance, healthcare, and housing costs mean not everyone will save money. Thank you Melissa for your appreciation. How can you miss kayaking near Mount Dora? 2) Which state is a safer place to live overall, Illinois or Florida? Here is our in-depth analysis of the 15 pros and cons of living in Florida. On the other hand, the national median monthly rent is around $1,023. The information on this page is aggregated from third-party sources and presented as-is for your convenience. Hi Im planning on moving to Fl but needed somewhere with alot of medical options and which is affordable cost of living. Our mission is to provide a digital resource with original insights on lifestyle and travel experiences. 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. Is bound by endless canals READ ALSO: 10 Best Anti-Theft Travel Backpacks: Buying Guide. ___ 2) Which state is a safer place to live overall, Illinois or Florida? Visit an extraordinary vintage antique store on Main Street. The average monthly rent in Gainesville is around $1200. 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 While the cost of living in Florida is far from lowest, its considerably cheaper overall than Illinois. Port Charlotte, Florida. 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. The study found that in all but 10 places, it is indeed cheaper to buy than to rent though in some of those places, the cost difference is minimal. In the center of town, you can find a Publix at the Lynn Haven Shopping Center, which is also across from a Walmart. Your expense for a doctors visit ranges from $100.00 $112.37. There are many job finding sites like Indeed, Career Builders, Monster which are perfect to find area-specific jobs. Alaska. The year-round sunny weather is perfect for people looking to soak up some rays. Illinois $25,000 per person/$50,00 per accident $20,000 per . 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. Along West Baker Street, go to Parkesdale Farm Market. The effect of moving kids from their friends, relatives and environment to somewhere completely different can have consequences. With a monthly expenditure of $2200-2800, you can expect a happy life with all the basic amenities. 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. This is truly an authentic small town as you wont find any big chain stores here. Renningers Vintage Antique Center sponsors an antique fair where more than 200 vendors set up their booths to celebrate. Florida is not Cheap Get Cautious about Tornadoes and Hurricanes: . Offering all the necessary amenities for a low cost of living this city doesnt break the bank with its affordable median home price. While the cost of living in Florida is far from lowest, it's considerably cheaper overall than Illinois. Thank you in advance for your support! It has not been verified or approved by the developer or association. 2. Meanwhile, Arcadias central location makes it an attractive city to consider to be close to some of Floridas biggest cities. A: You can move to Homestead in southern Florida where the cost of living is affordable, but the option is limited. Employment From July 2021 to July 2022, Florida's population grew to over 22 million people, according to new Census Bureau data. If employment is not a consideration for someone who is retired, what towns are most affordable and somewhat rural, or at a slower pace. 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. Are these data still applying to current year? Find out whether you are required to pay a Medicare IRMAA in 2022. Its pretty easy to find a suitable job in Jax. We are looking for a country area and the cheapest place to live in Florida. The cost of living in Jacksonville is lower than the national average but the living cost has increased after the pandemic. The safety levels in Haines City are very good, with crime rates 17% below the states average. 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? Food and utilities costs are also not that expensive. Cost of Living in Florida Our cost of living indices are based on a US average of 100. 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.). 5. That's a whole other house! The only difference is rather than complaining about the cold and snow in Illinois, youll complain about the heat and humidity in Florida. Excellent information as we are planning to retire to Flordia. The small town is an hours drive northeast of Tampa sitting in the hills of NE Pasco County. 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. At roughly $1,420, only five states charged a higher monthly rent for the typical one-bedroom as of October. If you buy into the hotter the better, move to a desert where daytime temps are from 120-140 degrees daily and enjoy yourself. With average home prices, this is a cheap place in Florida to live in. There are many providers and various packages that are offered, many that bundle internet, cable, and phone together. There is not much crime in Fort Meade and the great community and friendly people are the main USP of this city. Fort Meade is a small city in Polk County, located around 50 miles east of Tampa. And the most expensive states are (in order of most expensive to cheaper) . Vero Beach is the cheapest place to buy a house in Florida as the median home price is around $341,423, which is 14% lower than the national average. The lower crime rate makes it one of the safest places to live in Florida. So, where is the cheapest place to live in Florida that is also desirable? Visit the nearby Honeymoon Island State Park, enjoy the surrounding nature, and watch the beautiful sunset. This is definitely one of the reasons for being one of the cheapest places to live in Florida near the beach. Enjoy a happy life in the Sunshine State. Thank you John. 2 spot with 10 cities out of 100 cheapest rents in the nation. Related Post: 10 Fastest-Growing Cities in Florida. #1. Where would you suggest for the safest beach areas that a 2 bedroom water-front home (no condo) could be purchased for $250,000? The city is known for its peaceful lifestyle with a large lake as its centerpiece. Furthermore, you can buy a house whose median value is around $155,300, less than the national median home value of $204,900. Florida is ranked right in the middle that divides the most expensive states from the more affordable. Besides the popular theme parks, you can visit Kennedy Space Center and enjoy Boggy Creek Airboat Tour with your family. The Bicycle Festival and Christmas Festival in Mount Dora draw a lot of visitors here. Hey Donna. 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 cost of living in Bartow is 12% lower than the state(Florida) average. Unlike many large cities in the US, Jacksonville has maintained its affordability. Lets find out! 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. It is also home to five museums and well-known attractions like Mims, Oak Hills, Port St. John, and Scottsmoor. 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. The affordable median home value($145,000) and lower crime rate make it the best and most affordable place to live in Florida. I travel continuously and need a place to hold my mail and will be safe when I am away. Housing costs are lower as well as grocery and healthcare. Florida was rated below the national average in the 29th* spot. Because of its less population(7,972) and small size, Quincy is very affordable to live without breaking your bank. It may very well be one of the most affordable places to live in Florida that is truly worth living in. Utah. 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. It is affordable and has a very good healthcare system. So, Dade City is waiting for many adventures! The cost of living in Plant City is 94.7 based on a US average of 100. 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. 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. If youre going to spend all your time indoors, does it matter where you live? At 48 years young or do you suggest different areas. In South Florida, where there is a scarcity of land, prices are higher. Economy Strength Winner: Unlike the close ratings on cost of living and crime, Florida wins this comparison by a wide margin. If you are also considering The Villages, then read ourrecommendations for the best neighborhoods in the area. Whether youre looking for a permanent place to settle down or, Read More 7 Best Places To Live In Northern FloridaContinue, Florida is known for pristine gorgeous beaches, botanical gardens, and amusement parks. . 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. Additionally, a November Forbes analysis using data from the Kaiser Family Foundation found Florida to be the fourth most expensive state for healthcare in the country, adding that residents with employer-provided family health coverage pay over $7,000 annually, the highest premium of any state. There are four states with property tax rates above 2.00%: New Jersey, Illinois, New Hampshire, and Connecticut. You dont need to pay any income tax, estate tax, inheritance tax if you live in Cape Coral which is also good news for retirees who are on a fixed income. 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. There are so many activities in the Sunshine State to perform that you never heard about it. 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. All of these facts make Tavares our top choice as the cheapest place to live in Florida that you would actually want to live in. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider In the evening, enjoy the beauty of Community Park. A 2019 Joblist study that compared wages to cost of living in the US ranked Florida last out of all 50 states in terms of affordability. There are plenty of job opportunities in and around the Orlando metro area. On your budget, you can leave peacefully in Gainesville. You may consider Lake Okeechobee too, but the unemployment rate is high here. If youre looking for affordable, small-town feel, Edgewater could be the best option for you. The crime rate of these places is lower than the state and national average. 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. Once a tobacco manufacturing hub is now a hub of art and culture. Congratulations, you moved to Florida so now you dont have to shovel snow, but now you have to cut grass twice a week all year long. High cost of living. the entire article is literally a list of EXACTLY that! 33. The city wont break the bank with the median home price just at $233,000. I would suggest you to check Dunedin which is affordable and summer is not that hot. Zero estate taxes. 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. These three places are very popular among retirees. This helped out in finding the cheapest city to live. The average home price is currently $212,000, although there are quite a few options around $175,000. It's also one of the largest cities in the United States. Medicare Advantage Monthly Cost: $56.36. This change in cost is called the IRMAA (Income-related Monthly Adjustment Amount). So, while Lake Wales is the second cheapest place to live in Florida, there is actually another city that we think is the best. Also, the city draws visitors as it holds a strong position in the entertainment industry. Miami is 14.0% more expensive than Chicago. If you are looking for the lowest home prices in a safe community in Florida, then check out Arcadia. Building Wealth 8 Places Where It's Better to Rent Than Buy Buying a home might not always be the best financial strategy. The idyllic temperature and stunning white sand beaches made it a popular romantic getaway in Florida. 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. 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. Florida come in at 16th among all US states with a rate of just 3.3%. Also, it is the powerhouse of regional economic high-tech companies and subsidiaries along the Space Coast. 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. So, whether you just want to sit back and relax or you want to have a beach, Read More 11 Best Beaches In North Florida In 2023: A Descriptive ListContinue, Orlando and Tampa are likely to pop up in your mind once you plan a trip to Florida. 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. The cheapest city to live in florida, and safest, is Cape Coral. You do your homework for sure. For more adventure enjoy camping in New Smyrna Beach RV Park and Campground which is just 4 miles away from Edgewater and one of the best campgrounds in Florida. Vero Beach is home to 16,693 people and is considered the 232nd largest city in Florida. 1. It is just 1 hour away from downtown Tampa as well as the beautiful Clearwater Beach. Youre welcome, Laura. Please see our disclaimers to learn more about our site. For unemployment rates and job growth, we looked at the most up-to-date figures from Bestplaces job market index. 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 am going to move to Florida and was looking for some affordable places to rent. It also happens to be on the highest end of the scale when it comes to vehicle registration, and title fees. These comments were consistent with a 2022 CNBC analysis, which said Florida was the 27th best state in terms of cost of living. An amount below 100 means Florida is cheaper than the US average. The best thing is that the average registered nurse salary in Cape Coral is pretty high. If moving to Florida with school age children, thorough research on education is strongly recommended. You can go to Blanton Park, Chain of Lakes, and Pritchard House. Methodology to Find the Cheapest Places to Live in Florida, The 12 Cheapest Places to Live in Florida in 2023. It has earned a name as Monarch City and the Tree City of the USA. If you buy something through, Read More Living in Tampa vs Orlando: Which Florida City is Best in 2023Continue, Visiting Miami on a budget? It is located on Floridas east coast just 30 minutes from Daytona Beach and 1 hour from Orlando. What would you suggest? The Cost Of Living In Jacksonville Makes Anything Bearable. Being in the convenient location of Polk County, you can easily commute to work in Bartow. Minnesota, Maryland, Illinois, . 6) Which state has better overall school ratings Illinois or Florida. Where are the cheapest cities to live in Florida? Thank you for this list and all the helpful comments. It is obviously cooler near the beaches, but most of them are expensive. Of course, the city is also quite safe, coming in slightly below average in its crime rate compared to the rest of Florida. In addition to delicious food, Louisiana retirees can expect low costs of living, affordable homes, and lower healthcare costs. The average home cost in Bartow is under $275,000. 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. Housing expenses are 33% lower whereas food and grocery prices are 7% higher than the national average. Locations are then indexed against this number. Best State to Buy a Used Car: Florida. Especially on a fixed income. Of course, there is a great normal life here, too. (Utility costs in the two states are about equal.) 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. Florida by a wide margin. The annual cost of living for a single adult is $37,103 annually. Edgewater has one of the lowest cost of living in Florida, as well as a strong school system. You have landed on the right page. 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. Hawaii. Florida is cheap. When it comes to Florida vs California to live, Florida is significantly more affordable than most parts of California. It is a heaven for nature lovers. Hi there, Floridas tax burden is higher overall than what you may think, but it does not have a personal income tax. 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). Very informative! Florida is hotter and more humid than where you moved from, and it doesn't end when summer does. New York. You can access many Atlantic ocean beaches which are just a short drive away from Edgewater. The average health cost and food costs of a single adult are around $3,937 and $ 3,280 per year respectively. Its a very informative article and helped me a lot to find some safe and cheap place to live. Population: 7,934 Cost of Living Index: 93 Average Home Price: $143,000 (46% below Florida average) Average Rent Price: $678 per month Crime Rate per 1,000 Residents: 19.5 (23% below Florida average) Unemployment Rate: 4.0% 10 Year Job Growth Outlook: +39% Location: See in Google Maps. Median home price: $185,700. Specifically, the state is known for these good things and not so good things too: No state income taxes. Americans are moving to Floridafor better weather and lower taxes. Florida's low initial vehicle costs are. Considering moving to Florida. 25 Cheapest Places to Live; . Like any other Florida city, Cape Coral also has several pros and cons that you must know before moving here. 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. 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. Others might choose to forego a car purchase or look for areas of Florida with more moderate property taxes or insurance costs. If the move doesnt work out, which happens more than what most people realize, you may need/want to move again. Cost Of Living: $43,308. Explore the downtown area, and go to museums and boutiques. If everything were equal, such as you would earn the same income in Florida as Illinois, it would be hard to argue against moving to Florida from Illinois. 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. 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. 7) Which state has a lower overall tax burden Illinois Versus Florida. According to Neighborhood Scout, their crime rate is only 12 per 1,000 residents. . BudgetTravelBuff.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. When you are in Plant City, and tasting strawberries is a must! Illinois, California, ETC are moving here and buying houses with cash and taking up a lot of the rentals in the . # 10 in 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! According to MIT's living wage calculator, food costs in Florida and Texas run $3,351 per year for a single adult. It is definitely a good choice. You can consider Edgewater if you want to live near the beach. In fact, job growth in Edgewater is expected to increase by 43%, which is above the national average of 33%. There is no shortage of free attractions in Orlando. Illinois ranked a respectable 15th* of the 50 states on K-12 overall, according to a report by the education research center Education Week. READ ALSO: 15 Most Affordable Hiking Boots: Buying Guide. The averagehomelisting pricein Gainesville is approximately $200,000, while the median sales price is around $120,000. From the waterparks, golf clubs to scenic hiking trails like the Pinellas Trail, Dunedin is packed with recreational outdoor activities. 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. Paul Hennessy/NurPhoto via Getty Images. How to Watch LSU at Florida in Men's College Basketball Today: Game Date: March 4, 2023 Game Time: 6 p.m. 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. I would suggest coming to Saint Joe Road to get the most exhilarating zipline ropes courses. File a "Declaration of Domicile" with the clerk of circuit court in the Florida county where you live. I live in Cape Coral. 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. The cost of living index in Melbourne is 94.4 based on a US average of 100. Complete a change of address. If safety is your top priority during your search for cheap places to live in Florida, then consider Lake Alfred. The cost of living is relatively low in much of the state (though not everywhere). I want somewhere affordable but still close to the city. 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. 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. Starting off our list of the cheap places to live in Florida that are actually desirable is Lynn Haven. A comfortable retirement in Iowa will cost an estimated $1,024,201, less than in most states and below the national average of $1,134,687. 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. Hi Bonnettee, you can read this article on the best beach towns to live in Florida. Health related expenses are 18.2% more in Miami. 1) Mississippi. Cheap labor and building costs help Oklahoma land in the No. "There's just no way for people living here to afford it the salaries that they pay here don't add up to the cost of rent," Nicole Panesso, a millennial who lived in Florida her whole life before moving to Tennessee last year, previously told Insider. I moved to SW Florida in 1994. Rank Last Year: 4 (No Change) Home Price To Income Ratio: 7.0x (14th most expensive) Income To Rent Ratio: 29.5x (2nd most expensive) More on Sunny Isles Beach: Real Estate | Data | Photos. Have a great life ahead. Here is our privacy policy that outlines how we handle your data. With 400 miles of canals, the city is also known as Waterfront Wonderland. I am pushing 60 years old and single so I need affordable, small town feel, local gatherings and by the water. What are the cheapest and most expensive states for car insurance in 2023? It is only 1 hour by car from Fort Myers and 1.5 hours from Tampa. 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. Crime and safety Winner? 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.