Florida overtook New York as the third most populous state in 2014, trailing only California and Texas. This increase hasn’t halted in the years since. Florida is predicted to attract more than 300,000 new people each year by November 2020, reaching a population of 23 million by 2025.

Florida welcomes millions of tourists each year in addition to thousands of new inhabitants. Its seemingly infinite beaches, as well as attractions such as Disney World and the Kennedy Space Center, make it a dream come true for adults and a one-of-a-kind destination to raise a family.

Florida’s cost of living isn’t significantly greater than the rest of the country. The median home price in the United States is $231,200, but $237,000 in Florida, according to McKinsey. Florida’s current minimum pay is $8.56, somewhat higher than the $7.25 federal minimum wage. According to economists, Floridians need to earn at least $15.60 per hour to maintain a decent standard of living. This equates to a yearly salary of $32,448. Let us dig deep into which place is best to live in Florida.

What Is the Cheapest Place to Live in Florida?

Fort Meade

It is a fortification in the United States. $74,800 is the average cost of a home. Are you considering relocating to Florida’s Sunshine State? Fort Meade is a small town in Polk County, Florida, with affordable median house prices to consider. In 2020, it is one of the most affordable areas to live in Florida. The city has a solid economy and plenty of work prospects. Canoeing and kayaking are popular outdoor recreation activities at Fort Meade. There are various old structures worth seeing in this area. You can relax after a long day of work to help pay for the low cost of living here.

Kissimmee

$217,500 is the median home price. For the citizens of Kissimmee, the city is much more than a tourist spot. It’s around 22 miles south of Walt Disney World. This city is a fantastic place to live since it has affordable housing, great outdoor activity, entertainment, plenty of wine and dining options, and beautiful scenery. With strong schools and institutions nearby, the locals live a healthy lifestyle. This city attracts visitors and tourists all year due to its proximity to Orlando. Major highways connect the city to major cities throughout the state, making commuting easy. Bonus!

Quincy

The average home costs $91,900. Quincy is as hip as its name suggests. In Florida, it is a cost-effective area to reside. This small town in Gadsden County, in the rolling hills of northern Florida, is known for its affordability and diversity. It used to be recognized as a major tobacco manufacturing center. Quincy is a cultural hotspot with various historic structures to see. This little city is home to the Gadsden Arts Center, Leaf Theater, Quincy Golf Club, and North Florida Research and Education Center.

Macclenny

The average cost of a home is $122,800.

If you’ve ever been to Macclenny, Florida, you’ll know what I’m talking about. Macclenny is a beautiful, under-appreciated tourist attraction. It is located 6 miles from the Florida-Georgia border in Bakers County, in north-central Florida. In 2020, it is one of the most affordable areas to live in Florida. The little city offers several enjoyable outdoor activities. A short drive will take you to the lovely coastline beaches. It has affordable housing alternatives and a low cost of living.

Palm Coast

The median property price in Palm Coast is $213,400.

Palm Coast is a beautiful Florida town with cheap median home prices and a favorable income ratio. It is dotted with breathtaking scenery, mountain routes, and vibrant fauna. Palm Coast is located in Flagler County’s northeastern corner. Palm Coast is the place to be if you want a serene community, magnificent waterfronts, a quiet and reasonable home base, and cost-effective living. It is an excellent location for you to retire and find peace. So, load up the family camper and head to Palm Coast.

Cape Coral is a city in Florida.

The median property price in the area is $227,800. With 400 miles of canals, Cape Coral is known as the “Waterfront Wonderland.” It is one of the cities with the most canals and is included in our list of inexpensive cities in Florida. The locals and visitors here are mesmerized by the beautiful water-clothed areas and natural splendor. Fort Meyers, located across the Caloosahatchee River, is a popular fishing and boating destination.

Which Cities in Florida Have the Most Affordable Housing Expenses?

The Orlando area, which has the nation’s hottest economy, has the lowest cost of living in Florida. Residents can spend weekends in the adjacent Ocala National Forest or Orlando, despite the fact that it is a commuter town to Tampa. Many fresh springs and nature trails may be found throughout the city. Mount Dora, with a typical income of $48,000, is another cheap location. This neighborhood, which is located in Gadsden County, is fast rising, with a median property price of less than $100,000.

Relocating to the booming city of Okeechobee may be the best option for those looking for the lowest cost of living in Florida. This neighborhood has one of the most affordable housing expenses in Florida, as well as a thriving economy. Household median salaries in this area can reach $40K per year. The city boasts a robust economy and a low unemployment rate.

Okeechobee, in northern Florida, has one of the lowest living costs in the state. It is a perfect area for anyone wishing to live on a budget, with a population of around 7,000 people. This community, which has a median home price of $217,500, has a lot of job opportunities and a strong sense of community. There are also several interesting little companies to visit, such as a local craft brewery and kayak rentals.

While Florida’s least cost of living isn’t the cheapest, it is an excellent choice for individuals who enjoy the outdoors. The state’s bright weather is good for outdoor enthusiasts; however, its flat geography isn’t suitable for mountain climbers. The state is home to a slew of invasive species and isn’t great for hikers or climbers.

Lake Wales is the ideal spot to buy a property in Florida if you’re seeking a low-cost, safe, and pleasant environment. Lake Wales has a typical property price of $165,000 and a monthly rent of around $700. Housing prices in Lakewood are slightly lower than the national average when compared to the state average. Kissimmee is a fantastic choice if you’re seeking the lowest cost of living in Florida.

Florida has a high cost of living. If you’re looking for low-cost housing in Florida, you’ll find a variety of options. For example, single-family homes start at under $100, and the median rent in Layfayette County is less than $2,000 per month. Although buying a home in this state isn’t inexpensive, it’s still a good alternative for families and people who don’t mind the high crime rate.

Why is Cape Coral a Good Place to Move to in Florida?

Cape Coral is a renowned tourist resort and is one of the cheapest areas to reside in Florida. There are 400 miles of canals in this coastal city, as well as in other water-filled regions. It’s ideal for boating and fishing enthusiasts. The average home costs $150,000. You might save even more money if you look for a condo in a smaller neighborhood. In this town, a small, nice house will cost you less than $100 per month, but you must evaluate your income and spending ability.

Cape Coral, a vacation area just south of Fort Meyers, has the least cost of living in Florida. This city is incredibly inexpensive and has stunning views. It’s an excellent area to retire because the median property price is roughly $117,500. It is a reasonably priced region in which to purchase a property. For about $100, you may even live in a one-room condo.

The cheapest areas to reside in Florida are those with populations of less than 5,000 people. Rent and house prices in Florida are significantly cheaper than the national average. Purchasing a home in Florida is an excellent method to avoid the high costs of living in a major US city. The cost of living in Miami, however, is higher than in any other major city. If you’re thinking about buying a home in Florida, keep in mind that the city has a reputation for being an expensive tourist destination.

Where in Florida Has the Lowest Cost of Living?

After in-depth research, I have convinced myself that Cape Coral is the best place to move. Cape Coral, located near Fort Myers in southwestern Florida, is first on our list of the top 10 cheapest locations to live in Florida. The city is also known as ‘Waterfront Wonderland’ because of its 400 miles of canals. Cape Coral has a population of around 175,000 people. It is one of the safest areas to reside in Florida due to the low crime rate.

Cape Coral has lower housing costs, electricity costs, and healthcare costs than the national average. However, transportation and groceries may be more expensive, but they are still less expensive than in adjacent Fort Myers.

If you live in Cape Coral, you won’t have to pay any income tax, estate tax, or inheritance tax, which is great news for retirees on a fixed income. Of course, affordability extends beyond the cost of a home. You can enjoy a wide range of low-cost or free recreational opportunities in Cape Coral, including beaches, wildlife preserves, fishing, and more. Food, transportation, and electricity are all reasonably priced, so you can live better for less in Cape Coral.

In Cape Coral, you will have no trouble finding work. The local job market is sizzling, according to a recent Forbes study. The unemployment rate is still at a low level. And, because so many retirees and working-class families are moving to the area, it’s expected that there will be a steady demand for workers, particularly in the healthcare, construction, and education sectors.

Utilities are another expense of living in Cape Coral that is lower than the national average. They’re 1% cheaper than the national average, which means you’ll save a small amount of money every month. In Cape Coral, FL, you’ll save a smidgeon above the national average on things like utility bills. This implies that things like salon appointments, eating out, and entertainment will be reduced. It’s nothing to write home about, but every little bit helps, as we usually say.

Conclusion

Every year, thousands of people relocate to the beaches or within a few miles of Disney. You do not, however, have to be standing precisely next to these icons to access them. Even relocating half an hour away from theme parks or resorts will assist you in finding affordable housing. You might choose to live outside of Orlando, Miami, and other major cities. Lakeland, for example, is an hour outside of Orlando and halfway between the two cities. The residences are less expensive, and you can get to the amusement parks and the beaches in the same amount of time.

Florida has established itself as a destination that provides a wide range of amenities at a reasonable price. Residents in Cape Coral, on the other hand, have a higher worth. Cape Coral has been ranked as Florida’s third most inexpensive city.

While Cape Coral isn’t the cheapest city in Florida, it is still reasonable. The city receives a score of 104 out of 100, which is only 4% higher than the national average. Sure, being cheaper is fantastic, but being on a level with the national average for housing expenditures isn’t half awful either. You won’t save money, but you also won’t spend a lot more. Let’s face it: Cape Coral is located on the beautiful Gulf Coast in one of Florida’s most beautiful locations.