Read More. Fort Meade is a small city in Polk County, located around 50 miles east of Tampa. Florida is hotter and more humid than where you moved from, and it doesn't end when summer does. But you can definitely start from any of the cities listed above. 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. But like any other city, there are bad parts too. Where are the cheapest cities to live in Florida? Great and informative article! Food and utilities costs are also not that expensive. Hey, at least they werent dead last. The cost of living index in Dade City is 89.4 based on a US average of 100. I travel continuously and need a place to hold my mail and will be safe when I am away. 5) Which state has better health care quality Illinois or Florida. Stay far from the theme parks. The cost of living in Bartow is 12% lower than the state(Florida) average. Hi moving from Las Vegas to Florida, is Sarasota safe? Florida. The average cost to build an 1,800-square-foot home here is the lowest in the U.S. You have given me so much information; the cities you mentioned appear to be more affordable than the West Coast. Median monthly rent: $1,059 Housing, grocery, transportation, and health expenses are lower than the state average as well as the national average. The city wont break the bank with the median home price just at $233,000. It is home to 50,298 people in America. It is obviously cooler near the beaches, but most of them are expensive. There is not much crime in Fort Meade and the great community and friendly people are the main USP of this city. Meanwhile, the city provides a wide range of entertainment for all ages. Still, there are plenty of reasons to consider Fellsmere. Based on housing costs, utilities, and taxes, the average person could live on a budget of $1800-$2,000 a month. 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. Hi Martin, you can check Lake Highlander Mobile Home Park. Although, Im trying to write about other cities, but as of now you can search the cost of living in x city on Google. Hi Im planning on moving to Fl but needed somewhere with alot of medical options and which is affordable cost of living. . Also, it is 11% safer than other US cities. When you are in Plant City, and tasting strawberries is a must! Cost Of Living: $43,308. Lets find out! Florida has the 9th best economy in the same report. You learn stuff you didnt count on. Its a very informative article and helped me a lot to find some safe and cheap place to live. Orlando is also less than an hour away by car. The best thing is that the average registered nurse salary in Cape Coral is pretty high. Hi can you please guide me on the following; 1. 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. Both states are in the bottom 25 of states with higher rates, but Illinoiss overall crime rate is lower than Florida. 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. Lol. Jacksonville is one of the cheapest places to visit in Florida. When you look at the full picture, however, it's unclearif moving to Florida will prove to be a smart financial decision in the years to come. The average home cost in Bartow is under $275,000. Depending on where you live, property taxes can be a small inconvenience or a major burden. Some people may ultimately choose to move to Florida, but keep their remote job in a higher paying state. Florida's low initial vehicle costs are. Here is our in-depth analysis of the 15 pros and cons of living in Florida. For reference, here is a summary of the pros and cons of living in Florida. 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. I used to love PCB but it has become unbearable to live here with all of the tourist and price gouging. Enrich your history knowledge at East Hillsborough Historical Society. Cost of Living in the U.S. vs. the U.K.: What's the Difference? Lower Employment Winner? 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. Once a tobacco manufacturing hub is now a hub of art and culture. Click through to see the cost of renting versus owning a home in your state. Seriously, move here before everyone else does. Also, you will easily find amenities like a Winn-Dixie and a Chick-fil-A, and growing job opportunities as well. Along Floridas famous Space Coast sits the greater Titusville which is famous for sunrise views, rocket blasts off and home to sea turtles. 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 Luckily, 28 states have property tax rates below 1.00%. 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 youre looking for affordable, small-town feel, Edgewater could be the best option for you. 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. University of Wisconsin economics professor Steven Deller agreed. In Titusville, you have to pay $910 a month as rent which is less than the $1,023 national median monthly rent. Above 100 means more expensive.) Plant City is the 104th most populated city in Florida with 41,276 people residing. Alaska. 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. Hi Chrissy, we update the article(including the data) frequently as required. Job opportunities are skyrocketing in Gainesville. But, they are usually so cheap for a reason high crime, no job opportunities, etc. Florida Museum of Natural History is also a popular tourist attraction in Gainesville. You can explore Apalachicola River Blueway National Recreation Trail, Lake Talquin State Forest, The Shade Tobacco Museum, and many more attractions during the weekend. Plant City already has fame in the world for celebrating the Florida Strawberry Festival. Visit an extraordinary vintage antique store on Main Street. Enjoy the vibe of Rock Creek Run and Wekiva River. It all depends on where you work, which city you live in, and how much risk you're willing to take when it comes to homeownership, insurance, and healthcare. A: You can move to Homestead in southern Florida where the cost of living is affordable, but the option is limited. If safety is your top priority during your search for cheap places to live in Florida, then consider Lake Alfred. From here you can easily visit Cape Canaveral and the Kennedy Space Center. It is affordable and has a very good healthcare system. Which state has more recreational opportunities, places to dine, shop, be entertained, per capita? Located between Daytona Beach and Cape Canaveral Edgewater is a small town on the eastern coast of Florida. I would start by read this shocking article from US News before doing any school rating research. I want somewhere affordable but still close to the city. 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. You can also go to many museums or Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge. You can find affordable accommodation and it has plenty of job opportunities for nursing graduates. Michigan drivers pay nearly seven times more than South Dakota drivers. Employment Americans are moving to Florida for better weather and lower taxes. 5 minutes in either direction on the main highway through Timber Pines will also get you to a Walmart or Target. I wanted to know what places you recommend for a single 25 year old who just graduated with a nursing degree. The city is full of many amenities for residents to enjoy, including spectacular beaches, natural wonderlands, museums, and gardens. Haines City is also the biggest city on our list, which offers many things to do and makes it a fun place to live. 6) Which state has better overall school ratings Illinois or Florida. This post may contain affiliate links. We lived in south Florida our whole life and looking for a place to live that is more relaxing. While they can likely count on warm temperatures in the years ahead, not everyone will find themselves better off financially. 4. 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. Better Weather winner? Florida by a wide margin. Florida is not Cheap Get Cautious about Tornadoes and Hurricanes: . 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. File a "Declaration of Domicile" with the clerk of circuit court in the Florida county where you live. Once you select a new doctor and school system, transfer all information. This is another worst reason not to live in Florida if you are aware of the sinkhole. 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. The city features several family-friendly attractions including public parks, lakes, scenic walking trails. 5. Housing expenses, utility prices, and healthcare in Cape Coral are lower than the national 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. Florida's climate means that it can be victim to some crazy tropical storms. Dunedin is a small beach town with good schools, a low crime rate, a low cost of living, average job prospects. Okay, if you don't know it then give me a chance to explain it to you. On the other hand, the average annual cost of childcare for two children is around $11,499, again less than the national average. A September ADP report, however, found that Florida's wage growth had outpaced the national inflation rate if not the state's cost of living over the prior 12 months. And the most expensive states are (in order of most expensive to cheaper) . Illinois relies more than Indiana on individual and business income taxes. 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. Thank you so much Teri for your kind comment. 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. With a population of about 10000 people, Fort Meade is a part of the Lakeland-Winter Haven Metropolitan area. 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 fact, the average price for a house is only $143,000, which is a whopping 46% below the average cost in Florida. The city boasts several theme parks, concerts, farmers markets, and adventure activities. 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. Cost-of . You have landed on the right page. Meanwhile, Arcadias central location makes it an attractive city to consider to be close to some of Floridas biggest cities. 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. Massachusetts. , How about for a new Real estate agent? Hello, when this article was written? 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. But does better quality of life ratings = higher resident happiness? Zero estate taxes. My husband and I are planning to move to Florida. The winter in the Midwest was so cold and depressing and everything dies. There is quite some demand to enter this small community, so start looking now if you want to move here eventually. These cities are safe and perfect for newcomers. In California, they run almost to $4,000 annually. The housing price is 13% lower than the national average, around $95,100. On average, the median income of an individual is $24,436. You can go for a road trip to Walt Disney World, the Everglades, and the Keys at the weekend. It has the 14th-highest average cost to build a home. You can go for a day trip to Orlando which is just an hours distance by car. It also features several parks and historic buildings like Fort Meade Historical Society worth visiting. Furthermore, you can buy a house whose median value is around $155,300, less than the national median home value of $204,900. As someone who lives in the city limits of Orlando, I would not say affordable. It also happens to be on the highest end of the scale when it comes to vehicle registration, and title fees. Florida is less expensive to live in, than other states. 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. That was before Americans flocked to the state over the last few years and caused home and rent prices to surge. You can visit Honeymoon Island State Park Dog Beach, a popular dog beach in Florida. The city interests seniors as it is considered the cheapest city to live in Florida with no burden of income tax. 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. Florida also did poorly in both polls, but it will almost certainly be an improvement for many over the Prairie State. 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. Conclusion Only the utility cost is higher than the national average. For a 1-2 bedroom. 25 Cheapest Places to Live; . 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. 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. 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 not been verified or approved by the developer or association. Lower Cost of living Winner? If you are searching for the cheapest places to buy a house in Florida, Edgewater makes for a great choice. The "City of Palms" has long. a. Top editors give you the stories you want delivered right to your inbox each weekday. Single adults average health care is around $4,021, which is less than nationwide. More stuff to do winner? Contact us at: hello (at) strategistico (dot) com. I just hope you dont mind making a bunch of U-turns- The Cape as locals call it- A large and robust economy. Healthcare expense in Dade City are 5% lower 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. New industries, large businesses, and great, Read More 10 Fastest Growing Cities in Florida in 2023Continue, Are you looking for the best places to live in Northern Florida? 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. (Utility costs in the two states are about equal.) This is definitely one of the reasons for being one of the cheapest places to live in Florida near the beach. 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. 12019. Indeed, the lack of an income tax is a major financial perk for Floridians. 3. There are numerous parks and rivers in Milton as well as hiking trails through state parks nearby. 3. Situated between Tampa and Miami on Florida's Gulf Coast, Fort Myers is a growing city. Size and Population Im really happy to help you to find your new affordable home in Fl. A single adult expense in Vero Beach is around $33,640 annually. Renningers Vintage Antique Center sponsors an antique fair where more than 200 vendors set up their booths to celebrate. On the east coast of Florida City sits the most vibrant city called Melbourne, famous for the beach and outdoor adventures. 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. Orlando is also known as the Theme Park Capital of the World. It is a heaven for nature lovers. I would suggest you to check Dunedin which is affordable and summer is not that hot. The city is situated between 3 major lakes and there are parks all around the water. Jacksonville is located right at the top of the state, close to the border between Florida and Georgia. In fact, it is a dream destination for many people. Arkansas. Jacksonville is again lower than the Florida average also, which stands at $237,000. With around $2500 per month, you will be able to cover all of your basic costs. Groceries, goods, and services can be really cheap. This small town in Pasco County is home to 6,966 people. The cost of living is somewhat lower over-all; at least when I lived there it was. One episode of snow shoveling cancels out a hurricane. Explore the downtown area, and go to museums and boutiques. Check out Zillow for the latest listings. While the cost of living in Florida is far from lowest, it's considerably cheaper overall than Illinois. Housing costs are also reasonable, but only if you can find a house that is available. 20 years ago Google.com was just registered and no one used it, and no one ever heard the term global warming yet. 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. The 1.9% increase was the largest of any US state over this period. It may very well be one of the most affordable places to live in Florida that is truly worth living in. Youre welcome, Laura. Here is our privacy policy that outlines how we handle your data. 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. It offers the 2nd lowest rent prices on our list of cheapest cities to live in Florida, while its home prices are 35% lower than the rest of Florida. Especially on a fixed income. 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. In 2016, Florida was awarded as the fourth fastest-growing state in the United State of America. 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. It is located about 45 minutes from Port St. Lucie and 1.5 hours from Orlando. The minimum wage of $7.25 per hour leaves families at the poverty threshold. Reasonable cost of living. Vero Beach is home to 16,693 people and is considered the 232nd largest city in Florida. Starting off our list of the cheap places to live in Florida that are actually desirable is Lynn Haven. 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. 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. Fellsmere is a small city nestled in a state park near the eastern coast of Florida. 22: Texas. Change currency (USD) pay 24.2 % more for groceries Show 8 more.. Illinois vs. Florida - Cost of groceries the entire article is literally a list of EXACTLY that! Your email address will not be published. For cost of living and housing data, we used the latest U.S. Census report, the AreaVibes living index, and Zillows housing market data. Above all, the violent crime rate is very low compared to other major cities in Florida. But there are also some people who regret moving to Florida. Are you looking for a place with a high quality of life as well as an affordable cost of living in Florida? The cheapest place to live in Flordia is Jacksonville. #1. 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. Quality of Life 6.5 Quality of Life. 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. 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. Illinoisans wellbeing based on the latest surveys came in at 49th. Florida cost of living is 102.8. Flickr/Linda Holloway. At roughly $1,420, only five states charged a higher monthly rent for the typical one-bedroom as of October. The cost of living index in Mount Dora is 100.4 based on a US average of 100. Where would you suggest for the safest beach areas that a 2 bedroom water-front home (no condo) could be purchased for $250,000? 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. Enjoy a happy life in the Sunshine State. This tech bomb town is wealthy in terms of history, culture, natural enthusiasm, and job facilities. Thank you John. However, the housing cost in Mount Dora is around $242,900 which is greater than the national median home value.