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. 5 minutes in either direction on the main highway through Timber Pines will also get you to a Walmart or Target. Pensacola. While the cost of living in Florida is far from lowest, it's considerably cheaper overall than Illinois. I always want to experience blood-curdling thrills like cemeteries, lighthouses, closed schools, theaters, and many more. 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. Vero Beach is home to 16,693 people and is considered the 232nd largest city in Florida. I am considering moving to Florida from the Oregon Coast, and at 73, its hard to start over when living on a fixed income. Also, the city draws visitors as it holds a strong position in the entertainment industry. If you are also considering The Villages, then read ourrecommendations for the best neighborhoods in the area. 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. The average cost of living in Florida is about 3% higher than the national US average, while median home prices are about $300,000. 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. Your expense for a doctors visit ranges from $100.00 $112.37. Hi Shekyra, you can choose Cape Coral. Here you can enjoy a more suburban life with a simple standard of living. Lots of Land Contributes to Lower Prices There's even a surprising amount of coastline that is undeveloped, he said. Based on housing costs, utilities, and taxes, the average person could live on a budget of $1800-$2,000 a month. The cost of living in Jacksonville is lower than the national average but the living cost has increased after the pandemic. If you buy into the hotter the better, move to a desert where daytime temps are from 120-140 degrees daily and enjoy yourself. 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. But, what about the attractions in the city itself? According to MIT's living wage calculator, food costs in Florida and Texas run $3,351 per year for a single adult. Edgewater is one of the bigger cities on our list, but it still retains a small town, seaside community feel. It has a low crime rate and a population of roughly 183,942. At roughly $1,420, only five states charged a higher monthly rent for the typical one-bedroom as of October. Here is our terms & conditions that stipulates how you can use this site. In California, they run almost to $4,000 annually. Have a great life ahead. Michigan has the highest average rates for minimum coverage of any state at $196 per month, while South Dakota has the lowest, at $28 per month. The cost of construction labor is cheaper in Arizona than in a majority of states. Thank you for this list and all the helpful comments. But there are also some people who regret moving to Florida. Looking for the cheapest housing in Florida? Reasonable cost of living. If itll cost you $50,000 to move to Florida (selling a home + long distance move + buying another home) and you only save $2500 a year, it would take you 20 years to break even. Cape Coral is the place. The unemployment in Quincy sits at 6%. 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. 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. Housing expenses, utility prices, and healthcare in Cape Coral are lower than the national average. In many parts of Florida, you can buy a new home for a relatively cheap price. 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. 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. The city has direct access to Interstate 95 and is only about two hours south of Savannah, Georgia. Being one of the most affordable places in the US, you dont have to spend big money to have fun inJacksonville. 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.). Melbourne is considered 6% safer than USA cities, you have 1 in 35 chances of becoming a victim of property crime. Timber Pines is a peaceful little suburb of Tampa located on the western coast of central Florida. A: You can move to Homestead in southern Florida where the cost of living is affordable, but the option is limited. 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. Enrich your history knowledge at East Hillsborough Historical Society. You can also read the moving to Florida checklist and guide. Florida has the 9th best economy in the same report. All the best for your retired life. Apart from its stunning beaches, you can spend a day at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, enjoy a day trip to Kingsley Plantation or explore Fort George Island Cultural State Park. Jacksonville is one of the cheapest places to visit in Florida. Vero Beach is considered 28% safer than other US cities. The average home price is currently $212,000, although there are quite a few options around $175,000. The median income in Sunny Isles Beach comes in at $51,760 and the median home value is $363,400 for 2023. 15. Keeping the above points in mind I have sorted out the list of the best and cheapest places to live in Florida where you can enjoy warm weather, stunning landscapes, and gorgeous beaches without breaking your bank. 3) Which state has a better economy Illinois or Florida? Very informative! Home to the University of Florida and Santa Fe College,Gainesville is one of the safest and cheapest places to retire in Florida. You can walk, run, ride on a horse, or do whatever you want. A cost of living index above 100 means Florida, Florida is more expensive. So, if you are looking for the absolute cheapest total lifestyle in a safe and desirable community, then look no further than Haines City. At 48 years young or do you suggest different areas. 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. In 2019, New York and Georgia saw the most residents move to Florida. 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. Only the utility cost is higher than the national average. # 10 in Best Places to Live in Florida. Minnesota, Maryland, Illinois, . 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. Valparaiso is a small city in northwest Florida. Vero Beach is about sunshine, a sparkling ocean, a laid-back atmosphere, pristine sand, historical sights, eclectic shops, and cultural marvels. This helped out in finding the cheapest city to live. Located on the coast of northeast Florida, Jacksonville is the cheapest place to live in Florida. Let's take a look at some of the cons of living in Florida. 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. Moreover, it is safe and offers plenty of outdoor activities. In fact, it is a dream destination for many people. . If you want to live in a Cheap, well maintained, VERY CLEAN and VERY POLICED and Low Crime City- Is bound by endless canals Hello, when this article was written? Wish you a happy and safe retired life. 6 . A cost of living index above 100 means Florida, Florida is more expensive. There are also lots of affordable condos in Dunedin to rent. 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. This list is a very helpful part in my researching where to move to. 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. The minimum wage of $7.25 per hour leaves families at the poverty threshold. The city boasts several theme parks, concerts, farmers markets, and adventure activities. 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. 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. ET TV: SEC Network (Local) Live stream the LSU at Florida men's college basketball game on . 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. It has the 14th-highest average cost to build a home. That's a difference of $167 per month, depending on the state where you live. 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. It is a family-friendly city and offers countless outdoor recreational activities. The affordable median home value($145,000) and lower crime rate make it the best and most affordable place to live in 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. Excellent information as we are planning to retire to Flordia. 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. Dunedin is a small beach town with good schools, a low crime rate, a low cost of living, average job prospects. 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. A single adult expense in Vero Beach is around $33,640 annually. 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. You can visit Honeymoon Island State Park Dog Beach, a popular dog beach in Florida. Explore 18 acres of landscape discovering unique trees and waterfalls at McKee Botanical Garden. Besides the popular theme parks, you can visit Kennedy Space Center and enjoy Boggy Creek Airboat Tour with your family. We are moving to Florida for the winter months only. But does better quality of life ratings = higher resident happiness? Thank you in advance for your support! Of course, there is a great normal life here, too. I would suggest you to check Dunedin which is affordable and summer is not that hot. Bartow is located 50 miles southwest of Orlando and 40 miles east of Tampa. There are plenty of job opportunities in and around the Orlando metro area. But, they are usually so cheap for a reason high crime, no job opportunities, etc. The median home value here is around $130,500, less than the national average. From here you can easily visit Cape Canaveral and the Kennedy Space Center. You do your homework for sure. Hi Kristen, if you are looking for a safe place with a high employment rate, Ill highly recommend Jacksonville, Gainesville, or Orlando. The cost of living is somewhat lower over-all; at least when I lived there it was. The nature scene in Tavares is outstanding. First to be snowbirds and find a fun n the sun affordable place to live. Hawaii. Illinois is one of the 10 most expensive states to live in according to information derived from the Cost of Living Index produced by the Council for Community and Economic Research. The Jacksonville airport is a large hub with plenty of major airlines. For me, it was always different. If you're looking for the lowest initial cost, no state can beat Florida. But, each major city in Florida is a bit different. The city features several family-friendly attractions including public parks, lakes, scenic walking trails. 2023 Compare Cities Cost of Living:Chicago, IL vs Miami, FL. The cheapest city to live in florida, and safest, is Cape Coral. The safety levels in Haines City are very good, with crime rates 17% below the states average. 1) Which state has a lower overall cost of living, Illinois or Florida? 6. One episode of snow shoveling cancels out a hurricane. In a Gallup poll way back in 2013 on how residents liked their state, Illinois again took the 49th spot. 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. You must visit Ichetucknee Springs State Park during the summer months and enjoy the cool activities in this popular Florida springs to beat the heat. Miami is 14.0% more expensive than Chicago. Unlike most quality of life ratings, school ratings are all over the place and often contradict each other. Some people may ultimately choose to move to Florida, but keep their remote job in a higher paying state. 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. 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. Some beneficiaries may pay higher premiums for their Part B coverage, based on their income. Floridas overall crime rate is not that different than Illinois, but it is slightly higher. If the move doesnt work out, which happens more than what most people realize, you may need/want to move again. Required fields are marked *. The hot weather is a concern, as Im not used to it. Coming in as the cheapest state to live in in the United States is Mississippi with a cost of living index score of 83.3. The Cost Of Living In Jacksonville Makes Anything Bearable. Cost-of . 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. Specifically, the state is known for these good things and not so good things too: No state income taxes. Median Home Cost: $135,300. Enjoy the vibe of Rock Creek Run and Wekiva River. It boasts a crime rate about 70% lower than the rest of the state, a lower-than-average cost of living and cost of gas, along with a 9% higher graduation rate. 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. Definitely, Cape Coral is one of the least expensive places to live in Florida. If you head to the westernmost point on Florida's panhandle, you'll find Pensacola. The cheapest type of house to build is a rectangular tiny home though your location, materials, and more can impact costs. 6. The Magic City of Florida offers families the chance to have an amazing time without spending a single penny. Starting off our list of the cheap places to live in Florida that are actually desirable is Lynn Haven. Overall Score 6.0 Overall Score. Our mission is to provide a digital resource with original insights on lifestyle and travel experiences. As of October, the cost of a one-bedroom apartment in the state had increased 36% since the start of the pandemic, per Apartment List, with only New Mexico and Idaho seeing a higher uptick. The annual cost of living for a single adult is $37,103 annually. But, it is only 20 minutes from the nearest beach. * School ratings vary widely, depending upon the criteria the particular organization uses. Titusville is a small town in Brevard with good breweries, quaint shops, pizza places and hanging out places. Florida ranks in the top half of states with a lower tax bite, and the higher your income is, the greater this advantage over Illinois becomes. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider 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. Hi Pamela, you can look for Cape Coral. You should have dinner at Shilohs Steak & Seafood, from where you get spectacular views of NASAs Kennedy Space Center. You can also go to many museums or Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge. Also, it is the powerhouse of regional economic high-tech companies and subsidiaries along the Space Coast. Florida is hotter and more humid than where you moved from, and it doesn't end when summer does. Meanwhile, the city provides a wide range of entertainment for all ages. Sign up for notifications from Insider! The "City of Palms" has long. The downtown Dunedin area may be expensive but the outskirts of Dunedin is one of the cheapest areas to live in Florida. However, those coming from Georgia the 4th least expensive state might have found themselves worse off financially. If you love entertainment this beautiful city in Florida wont disappoint you. But like any other city, there are bad parts too. But, unlike most other large cities, Jacksonville is one of the most affordable places to live if you love Florida. 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. While almost everyone loves living in Florida the first few months or years, a very high percentage of people eventually find Florida was a big enough mistake to go through the huge expense and hassle of another long distance move, just to get out. I found places that rated Florida #3 which I found surprising. Lets find out! Some PHAs have long waiting lists, so you may want to apply at more than one PHA to increase your chances of getting approved more quickly. In the pine forest on 400 acres, the land sits the most popular Wickham Park welcoming people of every age. These three places are very popular among retirees. The nearest beach is also only about an hour away around Sarasota. One can expect to spend $2000-$2500 monthly to live in Dunedin. This is another worst reason not to live in Florida if you are aware of the sinkhole. University of Wisconsin economics professor Steven Deller agreed. Okay, if you don't know it then give me a chance to explain it to you. Whereas veterinary visit is around $53.73 with drug costs around $447.16. If safety is your top priority during your search for cheap places to live in Florida, then consider Lake Alfred. And the most expensive states are (in order of most expensive to cheaper) . Expect to pay around $2000-2500 per month to live a comfortable life. Compare that to Indiana, which has an individual rate of 3.23% and a business rate of 5.75%. 20 years ago Google.com was just registered and no one used it, and no one ever heard the term global warming yet. There are many job finding sites like Indeed, Career Builders, Monster which are perfect to find area-specific jobs. Yes, its safe statistically with a lower crime rate. 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. Where is the best area for lower cost housing? 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. If you are looking for your dream home in Florida at cheap, look no further and move to Quincy. Florida. Stay up to date with what you want to know. Florida by a large gap. I want somewhere affordable but still close to the city. Auto insurance rates by state. Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. They may avoid the most competitive rental markets like Miami-Dade and Orlando. ("Domicile" is a legal . 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. The city of Bartow and the surrounding area are filled with historical buildings and classic architecture. This list takes into account the lowest cost of living in Florida, but also desirability to actually live in these cities. So, we made sure to only accept cheap places to live in Florida that had a strong sense of community and actually offer things to do, like access to the beach, parks, good restaurants, and shopping areas. Titusville is home to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, you cannot miss Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum, and the American Space Museum & Space Walk of Fame. You can expect to live here for less than $2000 per month. 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: Satellite Beach area is less populated and the violent crime rate is very low compared to other cities in Florida. It is obviously cooler near the beaches, but most of them are expensive. 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. Apparently, a whole lot of Illinois residents have been unhappy with their state for many years. Above 100 means more expensive.) Health care services may be higher than the national indexes, but overall Quincy is a cheap Florida city to live in. Better Weather winner? 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.