10 cheapest places to live in Florida (with average living costs)
The cheapest places to live in Florida include Lake City, Winter Haven, and Lakeland. Whether you’re a retiree, young professional, or family looking to relocate, these places will allow you to enjoy a lower cost of living without sacrificing quality of life.
Source: Getty Images
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Key takeaways
- Areas away from the coast, like Ocala, Lakeland, and Lake City, offer lower housing and rental costs than beachfront locations.
- Affordable small towns in Florida, like Leesburg and Lake City, offer a slower pace of life, making them ideal for retirees and families.
- Cities like Gainesville and Tallahassee combine affordability with access to education, healthcare, and cultural activities.
Most affordable places to live in Florida
To rank the most affordable places to live in Florida, we considered factors like median home price, average rent, and cost of living. We relied on data from Zillow and the Economic Research Institute. Here are the cheapest cities to live in Florida.
| Place | Cost of living (compared to the national average) |
| Pensacola | -12% |
| Lake City | -11% |
| Ocala | -11% |
| Gainesville | -10% |
| Winter Haven | -8% |
| Leesburg | -8% |
| Tallahassee | -7% |
| Lakeland | -6% |
| Melbourne | -3% |
| Kissimmee | +4% |
1. Pensacola
Source: Getty Images
- Median home price: $264,116
- Average rent: $1750
- Cost of living: 12% below the national average
Pensacola is the least expensive place to live in Florida. It is located in Florida's Panhandle and offers a laid-back, beach-town atmosphere with a rich military history and vibrant downtown. The city is known for its white-sand beaches, historic district, and outdoor activities.
Pensacola is affordable, especially in terms of housing and day-to-day expenses. It's a strong choice for military families (due to Naval Air Station Pensacola), remote workers, or beach lovers looking for value.
2. Lake City
Source: Instagram
- Median home price: $$263,047
- Average rent: $1,420 monthly
- Cost of living: 11% below the national average
Lake City is a small, budget-friendly town in northern Florida, about an hour west of Jacksonville. It’s known for its abundance of freshwater springs and outdoor recreational opportunities, and offers a quiet, rural lifestyle.
With low housing costs and relatively cheap daily expenses, it’s ideal for retirees, nature lovers, or anyone seeking a slower pace. However, its small-town nature means limited access to big-city amenities, job opportunities, and entertainment.
3. Ocala
Source: Getty Images
- Median home price: $272,939
- Average rent: $1800 monthly
- Cost of living: 11% below the national average
Ocala is often called the "Horse Capital of the World" due to its vast equestrian community and rolling farmland. It's located in north-central Florida and offers country charm and suburban living.
Over recent years, the city has seen infrastructure, healthcare, and retail growth, making it more attractive for new residents. While housing prices have risen slightly due to demand, they remain below state and national averages.
4. Gainesville
Source: Getty Images
- Median home price: $301,833
- Average rent: $1622 monthly
- Cost of living: 10% below the national average
Gainesville, home to the University of Florida, is an active college town with a youthful population, a great healthcare system, and an arts scene. Despite its dynamic environment, it remains surprisingly affordable, especially in terms of real estate and rent. The city also has good public schools, walkable neighbourhoods, and plenty of green space.
5. Winter Haven
Source: Getty Images
- Median home price: $281,353
- Average rent: $1,875 monthly
- Cost of living: 8% below the national average
Winter Haven is in Central Florida, between Tampa and Orlando. This city has over 50 lakes, making it a haven (literally) for boating and fishing enthusiasts. It’s also home to LEGOLAND Florida, which offers some tourism-based economic activity.
Despite its central location, housing remains very affordable, and the cost of living is well below Florida's average. The city is growing, but still maintains a small-town atmosphere. It's a strong choice for families, retirees, or those commuting to nearby towns.
6. Leesburg
Source: Getty Images
- Median home price: $283,699
- Average rent: $1,650 monthly
- Cost of living: 8% below the national average
Leesburg is a quiet, lake-filled town in Central Florida's Lake County. Retirees love it because of its peaceful pace and access to outdoor recreation. There’s a charming downtown, good healthcare facilities, and easy access to nearby cities like Orlando.
7. Tallahassee
Source: Getty Images
- Median home price: $294,605
- Average rent: $1,500 monthly
- Cost of living: 7% below the national average
Florida’s capital city, Tallahassee, offers an affordable urban lifestyle with a strong presence of government and education. It's home to Florida State University and Florida A&M, which give the city a youthful, energetic feel.
Tallahassee has a decent job market, a walkable downtown, and plenty of parks and green spaces. Its cost of living is significantly lower than in South Florida or coastal cities, and housing is especially reasonable. It’s an ideal spot for students, state workers, or families seeking affordability without giving up city life.
8. Lakeland
Source: Getty Images
- Median home price: $314,664
- Average rent: $1749 monthly
- Cost of living: 6% below the national average
Lakeland is another Central Florida gem. It’s also strategically positioned between Tampa and Orlando, making it perfect for commuters. It has a charming downtown, over 30 lakes, and is home to Florida Southern College, which features buildings designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.
While it's growing steadily, Lakeland remains affordable, with housing costs and rent far lower than those in nearby metro areas. Lakeland balances affordability with access to amenities, including restaurants, parks, and job opportunities in nearby cities.
9. Melbourne
Source: Getty Images
- Median home price: $364,131
- Average rent: $2100
- Cost of living: 3% below the national average
Melbourne sits on Florida's Space Coast and offers coastal living and affordability. It has beautiful beaches, a thriving aerospace and tech industry (thanks in part to nearby NASA facilities), and family-friendly neighbourhoods. While it’s not the cheapest city to live in FL, it’s very affordable for a coastal area, especially when compared to places like Miami or Naples.
10. Kissimmee
Source: Getty Images
- Median home price: $369,015
- Average rent: $2,270 monthly
- Cost of living: 4% above the national average
Kissimmee is located just south of Orlando. It is a popular spot for those who want proximity to Central Florida’s theme parks, without paying Orlando prices. The city has a strong Hispanic community, a growing downtown, and easy shopping, dining, and entertainment access.
While home prices have risen, there are some affordable options. Its location makes it ideal for hospitality workers, commuters to Orlando, or families looking for affordability near the action.
Final word
The cheapest places to live in Florida, like Ocala, Lake City, Lakeland, and Winter Haven, are ideal for families, retirees, and professionals. Whether you value nature, community, or proximity to major cities, there's a low-cost Florida destination that fits your lifestyle.
Tuko.co.ke has published an article about the best place to live in Montana if you're raising a family. Choosing a place to live in Montana depends on what you value most: outdoor adventure, affordability, community spirit, or cultural richness. Each place has unique benefits, from the vibrant college town of Bozeman to the peaceful charm of Glendive. Read this article for more.
Proofreading by Masolo Mabonga, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
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