As an expert in the field of affordable living, I have researched and analyzed the data to determine the most budget-friendly cities to live in Florida. While the average cost of living in Florida is 5% higher than the national average, there are still many cities that offer a lower cost of living compared to other states in the U. S. If you're looking for a place with great weather, beautiful beaches, and plenty of entertainment options, Florida may be the perfect place for you.
And with these 10 cities on our list, you can enjoy all that Florida has to offer without breaking the bank. One of the most affordable cities on our list is Bartow. Located in Polk County, Bartow has a cost of living that is 12% lower than the national average. This includes expenses for food, health care, utilities, housing, transportation, and miscellaneous expenses. With its small-town charm and close proximity to major cities like Tampa and Orlando, Bartow is a great option for those looking for an affordable place to call home. Cape Coral is another city that offers a low cost of living.
Located on the Gulf Coast, Cape Coral has a cost of living that is 3% lower than the national average. This includes cheaper health care and public services compared to the national average. With its beautiful beaches and abundance of outdoor activities like fishing and kayaking, Cape Coral is a great choice for those who love nature and want to save money at the same time. Dade City is a small town located in Pasco County that offers a cost of living that is 11% lower than the national average. This includes cheaper housing and transportation costs compared to the national average.
Dade City also has a charming downtown area with local shops and restaurants, making it a great place to live for those who enjoy a slower pace of life. Dunedin is another affordable city in Florida, with a cost of living that is 6% lower than the national average. Dunedin is known for its beautiful beaches and outdoor activities, as well as its vibrant arts and culture scene. With its lower cost of living, Dunedin is a great option for those looking to retire or relocate to Florida. Gainesville, home to the University of Florida, is another city on our list with a low cost of living. With a cost of living that is 7% lower than the national average, Gainesville offers cheaper housing and transportation costs compared to the national average.
This college town also has plenty of entertainment options, including museums, theaters, and sporting events. Jacksonville, the largest city in Florida, also offers a low cost of living. With a cost of living that is 5% lower than the national average, Jacksonville has cheaper health care and public services compared to the national average. Known for its beautiful beaches and outdoor activities, Jacksonville is a great place to live for those who love nature and want to save money at the same time. Kissimmee, located near Orlando, is another affordable city in Florida. With a cost of living that is 3% lower than the national average, Kissimmee offers cheaper housing and transportation costs compared to the national average.
This city also has plenty of entertainment options, including theme parks and outdoor activities like airboat tours. Melbourne, located on Florida's Space Coast, is another city with a low cost of living. With a cost of living that is 4% lower than the national average, Melbourne offers cheaper health care and public services compared to the national average. This city is also known for its beautiful beaches and outdoor activities, as well as its close proximity to the Kennedy Space Center. While Florida may be a cheaper place to live in general compared to other states in the U. S., these 10 cities on our list offer an even lower cost of living.
To determine the most affordable cities in Florida, we compiled a list of all the cities in the state and analyzed data from the U. Census American Consumer Survey. We looked at key expenditures such as food, health care, utilities, housing, transportation, and miscellaneous expenses to determine the overall annual expenditures for each city. Based on our research, these are the 10 cheapest cities to live in Florida:
- Bartow
- Cape Coral
- Dade City
- Dunedin
- Gainesville
- Jacksonville
- Kissimmee
- Melbourne
- Lakeland
- Edgewater
With a cost of living that is 6% lower than the national average, Edgewater offers cheaper health care and public services compared to the national average. This city also has plenty of outdoor activities and attractions, making it a great place for retirees or those looking for a more relaxed lifestyle.
