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. 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. Florida was rated below the national average in the 29th* spot. But it alone is not enough to justify a move to Florida at least from a financial perspective. When it comes to used car sales, Florida tends to has the cheapest prices. If you are searching for the cheapest places to buy a house in Florida, Edgewater makes for a great choice. 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. In December, the place feels so magical, the lights of Hope, and Christmas trees look so beautiful. 5. It is located on Floridas east coast just 30 minutes from Daytona Beach and 1 hour from Orlando. These cities are safe and perfect for newcomers. 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. Miami housing costs are 36.8% more expensive than Chicago housing costs. The city boasts several theme parks, concerts, farmers markets, and adventure activities. Definitely, Cape Coral is one of the least expensive places to live in Florida. Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. 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. 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. Living in Sedona, AZ Pros and Cons, 8 Best Small Towns in Texas to Raise a Family in 2023 Safe & Great Schools, The 9 Cheapest and Safest Places to Live in California in 2023, The 8 Best Areas to Stay in San Francisco Without a Car, Average Home Price at least 10% below Florida average, Average Crime Rate per 1,000 Residents below Florida average. ___ 2) Which state is a safer place to live overall, Illinois or Florida? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. However, those coming from Georgia the 4th least expensive state might have found themselves worse off financially. Whether you love to experience the modern aspect or historical sites, you will definitely love this city. 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. The annual cost of living for a single adult is $37,103 annually. It is a peaceful safe town where you can buy condos at a very reasonable price. Fort Worth, on the 65th spot, has an average rent of $1,341 per month with almost a million residents. The economy of Bartow is thriving and constantly growing. 4. Stay far from the theme parks. 2. 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. 3) Which state has a better economy Illinois or Florida? 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. If you buy something through, Read More Living in Tampa vs Orlando: Which Florida City is Best in 2023Continue, Visiting Miami on a budget? . Hi moving from Las Vegas to Florida, is Sarasota safe? Illinoiss 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. The Bicycle Festival and Christmas Festival in Mount Dora draw a lot of visitors here. Ill take this info, do other comparable searches including crime rates, COL, average age etc and hope for the best! 15. Located on the coast of northeast Florida, Jacksonville is the cheapest place to live in Florida. This post may contain affiliate links. Florida by a wide margin. So, where is the cheapest place to live in Florida that is also desirable? The lowest-cost silver plan, the MDWise Marketplace Silver Basic, costs $3,432 a year with its higher-than-average monthly premium of $286. Once you select a new doctor and school system, transfer all information. 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. But Florida doesn't just have the weather, the beaches, and Disney World going for it. Florida's low initial vehicle costs are. Home United States Is it cheaper to live in Florida or Wisconsin? In California, they run almost to $4,000 annually. How can you miss kayaking near Mount Dora? These cities have a low cost of living but you have to pay later. 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. Next, come to a movie setting Geddon Horror Park for a thrilling experience. 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. Any chance you can lead me to other areas actual cost for everything also. You have landed on the right page. The city might be in the rural part of the state but the great job opportunities and strong economic growth make the city a wonderful place for families, multi-generational families, and even solo professionalsor expat. Your expense for a doctors visit ranges from $100.00 $112.37. But you can definitely start from any of the cities listed above. Wyoming. The average monthly rent in Gainesville is around $1200. I am really glad that the article helped a senior citizen like you. Am looking for all the buttons and whistles on a $3k retirement income w/ copd..love the water but no gaters! The cheapest place to live in Flordia is Jacksonville. This post may contain affiliate links. A lot can change in 20 years. 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? Some beneficiaries may pay higher premiums for their Part B coverage, based on their income. 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. Both states are in the bottom 25 of states with higher rates, but Illinoiss overall crime rate is lower than Florida. Depending on the source, it's between $173.000 and $180,000, compared to the national average of just over $231,000. I just hope you dont mind making a bunch of U-turns- The Cape as locals call it- This sprawling city has all the charm of a large city and suburban areas that families will love. #1. Orlando offers all these things and surprisingly thisCentral Floridaparadise offers low-cost living. 1. Cost of Living in the U.S. vs. the U.K.: What's the Difference? Unlike many large cities in the US, Jacksonville has maintained its affordability. ("Domicile" is a legal . The best thing is that the average registered nurse salary in Cape Coral is pretty high. Coming in at #1 is Tavares, which is a suburb of Orlando and is in one of the fastest growing counties in Florida. 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. Orlando attracts more than 51 million visitors each year. Use The Zebra to find and compare auto insurance rates by state. Lake Dora has recorded a headcount of about 13,000 people with a very affordable cost of living. Many states enjoy better weather than these two, but if youve limited yourself to just Illinois or Florida, Florida wins this. Thank you so much Teri for your kind comment. One bedroom studio rent can be found under $1400 per month. Meanwhile, the city offers many amenities, such as numerous golf courses, a shopping center with a farmers market, a Winn-Dixie, and even a Red Lobster and Chilis. 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. There are currently a fair amount of 2 and 3 bedroom houses available for under $200,000. So a day trip to the theme parks is definitely possible. It may very well be one of the most affordable places to live in Florida that is truly worth living in. Okay, at this point Florida has won 6 of the 9 states versus state quality of life comparisons. We lived in south Florida our whole life and looking for a place to live that is more relaxing. 5) Which state has better health care quality Illinois or Florida. Besides the popular theme parks, you can visit Kennedy Space Center and enjoy Boggy Creek Airboat Tour with your family. The only difference is rather than complaining about the cold and snow in Illinois, youll complain about the heat and humidity in Florida. 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 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 . North Carolina takes the No. Titusville is a small town in Brevard with good breweries, quaint shops, pizza places and hanging out places. Therefore, Lake Wales is one of the most affordable places to live in Florida, that also provides a safe community. Living cost in Edgewater is not that expensive. It is definitely a good choice. 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. Fellsmere made our list based on its excellent scores for housing costs and crime. Illinois taxes individual income at a rate of 4.95% and business income at 7%. Im looking to retire in next few months in Florida and I love how u put the actual cost to live decent in certain areas. Especially Homosassa Springs and Hernando are quiet towns full of nature and wildlife. The housing cost in Pensacola are 27% lower than the national average and the utility cost are 11% lower than the national average. Check out Zillow for the latest listings. You learn stuff you didnt count on. One-bedroom studio or apartment rent can be available for $640 per month. You will definitely get some ideas. Its median home value, however, remains in the middle of the pack compared to the rest of the country. This southern state has got it all and it won't leave you penniless. You can go to Blanton Park, Chain of Lakes, and Pritchard House. It kicks off the rest of the list with Port Charlotte, Florida. So, are you determined to move to Florida? A: Florida is famous for its warm climate, beach resorts, amusement parks and so many other attractions. The town overlooks 4,500 acres of Lake Dora sitting on a 184-foot plateau with a beautiful green canopy of live oak trees making it so unique from others. The hot weather is a concern, as Im not used to it. I found places that rated Florida #3 which I found surprising. On the other hand, the national median monthly rent is around $1,023. 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. Still, there are plenty of reasons to consider Fellsmere. I want to rent and live in a safe area and where there is high employment Unlike most quality of life ratings, school ratings are all over the place and often contradict each other. It also features several parks and historic buildings like Fort Meade Historical Society worth visiting. Ive lived all up and down the west coast. It is also home to five museums and well-known attractions like Mims, Oak Hills, Port St. John, and Scottsmoor. Its a very informative article and helped me a lot to find some safe and cheap place to live. READ ALSO: 10 Best Anti-Theft Travel Backpacks: Buying Guide. 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). We lived in central Illinois where a summer drive in Continue Reading 9 Vero Beach is about sunshine, a sparkling ocean, a laid-back atmosphere, pristine sand, historical sights, eclectic shops, and cultural marvels. You can go for a road trip to Walt Disney World, the Everglades, and the Keys at the weekend. Strolling through the very walkable downtown is so peaceful. It is home to 50,298 people in America. It is a great place not only for retirees but also for people looking for recreational activities. In addition to delicious food, Louisiana retirees can expect low costs of living, affordable homes, and lower healthcare costs. On your budget, you can leave peacefully in Gainesville. For example, a state with a cost of living of 110 would be 10% higher than the national average. Of course, there is a great normal life here, too. If the move doesnt work out, which happens more than what most people realize, you may need/want to move again. Hey, at least they werent dead last. Hello I am a single mom with 3 kids looking for a kid friendly safe neighborhood but something very affordable with good paying jobs. Overall Score 6.0 Quality of Life 6.5 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. You still get to enjoy places like Fort Myers Beach, Naples, Bonita Springs (All Short distant drive Beaches) I suggest Cape Coral. Florida also ranks in the bottom half, but not as far deep into the pack as Illinois. You dont have to pay any state income tax and the healthcare system and job opportunities are also good. Being in the convenient location of Polk County, you can easily commute to work in Bartow. It also happens to be on the highest end of the scale when it comes to vehicle registration, and title fees. I was looking at the Pensacola nicevillie, chrestview area. 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. The housing market here is even crazier right now with houses that are appraising at $225,000, selling for over $450,000. 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. 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. 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. 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. A family of four spends $9,380 on average on food in Mount Dora. * School ratings vary widely, depending upon the criteria the particular organization uses. Housing expenses are 33% lower whereas food and grocery prices are 7% higher than the national average. 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.). The bigger city offers numerous resorts on the beachfront as well as Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach International Airport, and many other shopping and nightlife options. For me, it was always different. The small town is an hours drive northeast of Tampa sitting in the hills of NE Pasco County. Flickr/Linda Holloway. If you head to the westernmost point on Florida's panhandle, you'll find Pensacola. . Florida cost of living is 102.8. 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. Size and Population 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. Furthermore, you can buy a house whose median value is around $155,300, less than the national median home value of $204,900. 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. Cost Of Living: $43,308. 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. Cost of Living in Florida Our cost of living indices are based on a US average of 100. The city has an amazing home value to income ratio(2.8) if youre looking for the cheapest town to live in Florida. 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. This quiet, tree-lined suburb of Panama City is located right on the water of Floridas panhandle. Explore the downtown area, and go to museums and boutiques. Explore 18 acres of landscape discovering unique trees and waterfalls at McKee Botanical Garden. The cost of living in this sunshine state city is 2% lower than the national average. The Bayou state is the 6th best state for retiring on a budget. I always want to experience blood-curdling thrills like cemeteries, lighthouses, closed schools, theaters, and many more. 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. It is a family-friendly city and offers countless outdoor recreational activities. From there come to cherish time at Golden Sands Beach, Jaycee Park, or Wabasso Beach Park to enjoy the salty air. Your email address will not be published. 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. Plant City is the 104th most populated city in Florida with 41,276 people residing. Great and informative article! Cities like Chapel Hill, Charlotte and Greensboro made the list. The standard Part B premium is $170.10 per month in 2022. It is located about 45 minutes from Port St. Lucie and 1.5 hours from Orlando. Situated between Tampa and Miami on Florida's Gulf Coast, Fort Myers is a growing city. Rent in Monmouth is the seventh cheapest statewide, with a median price tag of $580. Whereas veterinary visit is around $53.73 with drug costs around $447.16. An amount below 100 means Florida is cheaper than the US average. Located between Daytona Beach and Cape Canaveral Edgewater is a small town on the eastern coast of Florida. Also, it is 11% safer than other US cities. The cost of living in Dunedin is 8% lower than the national average. There is also easy access to big stores and supermarkets in Lynn Haven. If youre looking for affordable, small-town feel, Edgewater could be the best option for you. Hello, when this article was written? Population: 9,771 Cost of Living Index: 92 Average Home Price: $192,000 (27% below Florida average) Average Rent Price: $999 per month Crime Rate per 1,000 Residents: 19.8 (22% below Florida average) Unemployment Rate: 3.4% 10 Year Job Growth Outlook: +43% Location: See in Google Maps. Also, you will easily find amenities like a Winn-Dixie and a Chick-fil-A, and growing job opportunities as well. Florida has a higher cost of living index than Texas across most categories. Crime and safety Winner? Hi Chrissy, we update the article(including the data) frequently as required. Are you looking for a place with a high quality of life as well as an affordable cost of living in Florida? According to Neighborhood Scout, their crime rate is only 12 per 1,000 residents. 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. On the other hand, the average annual cost of childcare for two children is around $11,499, again less than the national average. How to Watch LSU at Florida in Men's College Basketball Today: Game Date: March 4, 2023 Game Time: 6 p.m. Located in the southwestern part of Florida near Fort Myers, Cape Coral tops in our list of top 10 cheap places to live in Florida. 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. Health related expenses are 18.2% more in Miami. There are numerous parks and rivers in Milton as well as hiking trails through state parks nearby. 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. Hec I would even work at apical pub, wine bar or something of that nature. Illinois ranked a respectable 15th* of the 50 states on K-12 overall, according to a report by the education research center Education Week. The cost of living in Jacksonville is lower than the national average but the living cost has increased after the pandemic. From July 2021 to July 2022, Florida's population grew to over 22 million people, according to new Census Bureau data. Let's take a look at some of the cons of living in Florida. I am pushing 60 years old and single so I need affordable, small town feel, local gatherings and by the water. If you are also considering The Villages, then read ourrecommendations for the best neighborhoods in the area. 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. 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. 10 Best States To Retire In 2020 New Hampshire. the entire article is literally a list of EXACTLY that! Surrounded by rolling hills, refreshing air, walkable streets, rare gorgeous downtown, and pasture lands, Dade City is the prime escapade location in Florida.