The Sunshine State: Cheapest Places To Live In Florida
Homeownership Cheapest Places In Florida

The Sunshine State: Cheapest Places To Live In Florida

April 22, 2024 at 4:15 PM PST

The Sunshine State attracts all types of people. From young college graduates to retirees, people of all ages love soaking up the sun in Florida. With tons of beaches, theme parks, entertainment options, dining and waterparks, Florida has something for everyone. Living in the South can be cheaper than other states while offering a certain level of comfort. Florida is one of those states, offering a low cost of living with lots of activities.

From large cities to charming beach towns to college towns to state parks, Florida has so much to offer for people who love both the indoors and outdoors. If you’re looking for an affordable place to live in a city or by the beach, here are some of the cheapest places to live in Florida.

Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach is one of the cheapest places to live in Florida by the beach. Pictured: Daytona Beach

  • Population: 77,958
  • Public School Rating: A
  • Average Home Price: $265,009
  • Walkability: Moderate

With a lower housing cost, Daytona Beach is one of the cheapest places to live in Florida. With access to the beach, affordable living, waterparks and tons of museums, Daytona Beach is great for young professionals and families. The average home price is around $265, making it one of Florida’s less expensive areas.

For Black Families: If you’re looking for a diverse city in Florida, Daytona Beach has a 32 percent population of Black residents. With a low cost of living in this diverse area and family-friendly activities, this is the perfect place to raise a family.

For Young Professionals: If you’re a college grad or in your 20s or 30s, Daytona Beach is a great place to live. Not only do you have access to the beach, outdoor activities, museums and restaurants, but the average rent is lower, at around $1500.

Jacksonville

Jacksonville is one of the cheapest places to live in Florida and the largest city in the state. Pictured: Jacksonville Beach

  • Population: 971,319
  • Public School Rating: A
  • Average Home Price: $290,000
  • Walkability: Moderate

If you want to live in Florida’s largest city, Jacksonville is one of the best and cheapest places to live in Florida. From shopping to art galleries to museums, residents are drawn to the amenities offered along with the low cost of living. The average home price is around $290,000 in this city, slightly larger than the cost of living in Daytona Beach and Tallahassee.

For Black Families: 30 percent of Black residents call Jacksonville home and love to enjoy the waterparks, beaches, restaurants and shopping options the city has.

For Young Professionals: For those pursuing careers in hospitality, healthcare, retail or higher education, Jacksonville is a great place to live. The city is fairly affordable for young professionals, with the average rent around $1500.

Tallahassee

Tallahassee is one of the cheapest places to live in Florida for young professionals. Pictured: Palm trees on the beach

  • Population: 201,731
  • Public School Rating: B
  • Average Home Price: $277,731
  • Walkability: Low to Moderate

Home to two major universities, Florida State University and Florida A&M, Tallahassee is a great city for college students, young professionals and those pursuing careers in higher education. This Florida city is smaller, with over 200,000 residents. Professionals and families are drawn to this area because of the smaller size and low housing prices, with an average of around $277,731.

For Black Families: 35 percent of Black residents love living in Tallahassee because of its family-friendly activities and amenities. Because it’s one of the cheapest places to live in Florida, it’s ideal to buy a home in this area.

For Young Professionals: Pursue opportunities in higher education, hospitality, healthcare, retail and technology in this Florida city. The average rent in this area is around $1200, drawing in a crowd of recent college students and young professionals because of the pricing.

Gainesville

Gainesville is one of the cheapest places to live in Florida for families and recent college grads. Pictured: Gainesville, Florida

  • Population: 145,214
  • Public School Rating: A
  • Average Home Price: $297,461
  • Walkability: Low to Moderate

Located in Northern Florida and home to the University of Florida, Gainesville offers a small-town feel in a big city. With the average home price of $297,000, many families are drawn to this area because of the lower cost of living. Gainesville is just a short hour and a half drive to the beach and has plenty of parks, gardens and museums to enjoy.

For Black Families: 21 percent of Black residents live in Gainesville. This city is one of the best and cheapest places to live in Florida for families. From art and history museums to restaurants to beautiful landscaping, Gainesville has something for everyone of all ages.

For Young Professionals: For those graduating college, Gainesville offers opportunities in higher education, healthcare and technology. Rent is slightly higher in Gainesville than in other inexpensive Florida cities, averaging around $1600.



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