91.3% of Florida homes sold at or below the list price in January, putting buyers firmly in the driver’s seat of the market. Listed homes also spent over 73 days on average before going under contract. These are promising numbers for buyers!
Living in Lake City and Deltona costs 14.5% and 5% less than the US median. But these are just two examples; some cities cost even less. Plus, warm beaches and no state income tax make Florida ideal to move to in 2025. Explore where you can save the most!
10 Cheapest Places to Live in Florida in 2025
| City | Median Home Value | Median House Rent | Cost of Living Compared to National Average | Median Household Income | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Deltona | $301,596 | $1,900 | 5.1% lower ⬇️ | $72,967 | 98,739 |
| 2. Lakeland | $313,108 | $1,758 | 8.4% lower ⬇️ | $60,947 | 122,264 |
| 3. Kissimmee | $369,957 | $2,246 | 1.9% lower ⬇️ | $51,277 | 81,269 |
| 4. Gainesville | $292,878 | $1,570 | 7.8% lower ⬇️ | $45,611 | 145,812 |
| 5. Jacksonville | $287,628 | $1,604 | 4.3% lower ⬇️ | $66,981 | 985,843 |
| 6. Pensacola | $254,255 | $1,742 | 11% lower ⬇️ | $72,699 | 53,724 |
| 7. Lake City | $250,365 | $1,400 | 14.5% lower ⬇️ | $51,175 | 12,602 |
| 8. Panama City | $269,885 | $1,819 | 4.6% lower ⬇️ | $61,125 | 35,660 |
| 9. Bartow | $266,085 | $1,845 | 8.4% lower ⬇️ | $66,944 | 20,584 |
| 10. Edgewater | $297,436 | $2,200 | 5.1% lower ⬇️ | $58,805 | 23,636 |
*These cities are ranked based on our research methodology.
We have divided the top 10 most affordable places to live in Florida into three categories: for families, for young adults, and for retirees. Each city is evaluated based on key components of the Florida real estate market: median home value, median house rent and cost of living.
3 Cheapest Places to Live In Florida for Families 👨🏻👩🏻👧🏻👦🏻
1. Deltona
- Median House Rent: $1,900
- Median Home Value: $301,596
- Cost of Living: 5.1% cheaper than the national average.
Deltona is a suburban paradise for families looking for affordable places to live in Florida. Besides quiet neighborhoods, it has excellent schools like Deltona High School and Timbercrest Elementary.
For recreation, you could hike on one of the trails at Green Springs Park or spend a day fishing with family at Deltona Lake. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good fishing story?
» Deltona Homes for Sale: View homes in one of the most inexpensive places to live in Florida.
2. Lakeland
- Median House Rent: $1,758
- Median Home Value: $313,108
- Cost of Living: 8.4% cheaper than the national average.
Lakeland offers affordable living in Florida with lower food, health, housing, and transportation costs than the US median. Moreover, you can indulge in the city’s rich history at landmarks such as Hollis Garden and the Polk Theatre.
For recreation, visit Safari Wilderness Ranch with your kids on the weekend for a scenic stroll. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a giraffe or two just don’t let them borrow your car keys.
» Lakeland Homes for Sale: Explore houses in one of the cheapest cities to live in Florida.
3. Kissimmee
- Median House Rent: $2,246
- Median Home Value: $369,957
- Cost of Living: 1.9% cheaper than the Florida average.
Once known as “Kowtown,” the city offers affordable housing at 11.1% below the national average. And before you forget, it’s just minutes from popular attractions like Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld.
Additionally, Celebration High School and Osceola Science Charter School are top institutions in this area. Living in Kissimmee is like having a permanent vacation pass, except you don’t have to deal with hotel room service.
» Kissimmee Homes for Sale: Browse homes in one of the cheapest areas to live in Florida.
3 Affordable Places to Live In Florida for Young Adults 🧑🏻💻
1. Gainesville
- Median House Rent: $1,570
- Median Home Value: $292,878
- Cost of Living: 7.8% cheaper than the national average.
Gainesville is a vibrant college town centered around the prestigious University of Florida. Medical and insurance companies, such as Exactech and Tower Hill Insurance, are prominent here.
If you love the outdoors, explore trails in the Paynes Prairie Preserve. Just watch out for the bison, they’re not great at sharing the trail. Also, the city’s music scene, art galleries, and coffee shops make it a cultural hub, and the Gators’ football games are a must-attend event.
» Gainesville Homes for Sale: Find a home in one of the cheapest places to live in the Sunshine State.
2. Jacksonville
- Median House Rent: $1,604
- Median Home Value: $287,628
- Cost of Living: 4.3% cheaper than the national average.
Jacksonville is Florida’s fastest-growing city. Southeastern Grocers and Mayo Clinic are key employers locally and provide several jobs. Besides, Riverside, Five Points, and The Beaches are popular local spots to hang out.
Whether you are networking at a tech startup event or kayaking at Big Talbot Island, ‘Jax’ has a little bit for everyone. And by “a little bit,” we mean a lot of sunshine, seafood, and Southern charm.
» Jacksonville Homes for Sale: Browse homes in one of the best affordable places to live in Florida.
3. Pensacola
- Median House Rent: $1,742
- Median Home Value: $254,255
- Cost of Living: 11% cheaper than the national average.
Pensacola is the cheapest place to live in Florida by the beach, and groceries cost 3.4% less than the US median. Renowned hospitality businesses like McGuire’s Irish Pub and the Greater Pensacola Chamber boost the economy.
Besides, Palafox Street and Pensacola Beach are renowned for weekend nightlife and entertainment. And let’s be real, who doesn’t want to live where every day feels like a vacation?
» Pensacola Homes for Sale: Explore properties in one of the cheapest places to live in FL.
4 Cheapest Places to Live In Florida for Retirees 🏖️
1. Lake City
- Median House Rent: $1,400
- Median Home Value: $250,365
- Cost of Living: 14.5% cheaper than the national average
» Lake City Homes for Sale: Discover homes in the cheapest part of Florida to live.
2. Panama City
- Median House Rent: $1,819
- Median Home Value: $269,885
- Cost of Living: 4.6% cheaper than the national average.
Panama City is the cheapest and safest place to live in Florida, which also offers retirees a beautiful beachside environment. For recreation, spend your weekend boating at Lake Isabella, or play golf at Bay Point Golf Club.
Besides, local seafood spots like Captain Crab and Phish Tales are frequently visited by locals and tourists alike. And if you’re lucky, you might even catch a fish that’s bigger than your golf score.
» Panama City Homes for Sale: View homes in one of the cheapest beach towns to live in Florida.
3. Bartow
- Median House Rent: $1,845
- Median Home Value: $266,085
- Cost of Living: 8.4% cheaper than the national average.
Located near Orlando and Tampa, Bartow is among the cheapest towns to live in Florida. Healthcare is top-notch, with facilities like Bartow Regional Medical Center offering specialized senior care.
Retirees would also enjoy the boardwalk at Mosaic Peace River Park, which offers scenic views of the Peace River. Plus, the city’s historic downtown is full of character, and the nearby parks are perfect for morning walks or afternoon picnics.
» Bartow Homes for Sale: Explore homes in one of the cheapest places in Florida to live.
4. Edgewater
- Median House Rent: $2,200
- Median Home Value: $297,436
- Cost of Living: 5.1% cheaper than the national average.
Also known as ‘Hawks Park’, homes in Edgewater cost 29.5% less than the US average. Besides, AdventHealth New Smyrna Beach is the top medical care center here, which makes it ideal for seniors.
Besides, walkers, bicyclists, and nature lovers often visit Riverside Drive for recreation on the weekends. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try your hand at kayaking at Menard-May Park.
» Edgewater Homes for Sale: Find your dream home in one of the cheapest Florida cities to live.
So, Where Is the Cheapest Place to Live in Florida?
You will find cheap houses for sale in Florida under 200K in cities like Deltona, Lake City, and Pensacola. They offer stable job opportunities, and the cost of living is more affordable than other Florida cities.
Plus, moving to Florida comes with added perks like tax benefits, making it an even smarter financial move. Want to save more? Get a mortgage pre-approval. This will help you stand out in the competition before buying a house in Florida.
📢 Browse Cheap Houses for Sale in Florida
Here are a few options of cheap houses for sale in FL.
Find Your Affordable House With Houzeo
With thousands of property listings, Houzeo.com is one of the biggest home search websites in the US. Find condos, townhouses, co-ops, and tiny homes for sale in Florida on Houzeo.
» Need More Clarity? Read these exclusive Houzeo reviews and learn why the platform is the best in Florida’s competitive housing market.
Research Methodology for Cheapest Places to Live in Florida
This study ranks cities using a weighted average scoring model based on four parameters. We’ve linked the resources used in our study of the cheapest places to live in the Sunshine State:
- Zillow[1]: Median House Price, Rental Price
- Bestplaces.net[2] : Cost of Living
- U.S. Census Bureau[3]: Median Household Income
- Florida Demographics[4]: Population
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the least expensive place to live in Florida?
The cheapest city to live in Florida is Lake City. It offers affordable transportation, which is 26.4% lower than the national average.
» 10 Cheapest Places to Live in Florida: Find out the other cheapest places to live in Florida.
Where is the best place to live in Florida?
The best place to live in Florida is Gainesville, followed by Jacksonville, Tallahassee, Palm Coast, and Daytona Beach. Cities like Ocala, Punta Gorda, Tampa, and Sebastian also feature among the best places to live in Florida.
Is Florida the cheapest place to live in?
No, it is not. The median home value is $385,541. If you're looking for cities with affordable housing and a low cost of living, you can try your luck in some of these cheapest places in America.
What are the living expenses in Florida?
The living expenses in Florida are 5% higher than the national average. However, healthcare and utilities are cheaper than the national average, 3% and 1% respectively.
