There’s just something about Florida. Its warm weather and favorable tax climate have long made it a retirement destination, but it has become a top spot for members of younger generations as well.
Unfortunately, popularity can come at a price. As more folks move in, the Sunshine State has seen more than its fair share of overheated housing markets. Still, not everywhere in the state is expensive.
Many popular spots in Florida have a cost of living that is lower than the national average, according to data from Salary.com.
Here’s a look – in alphabetical order – at some of the cheapest places to live in Florida.
Brandon
How the cost of living compares with the national average: 5.7% lower
Population as of the 2020 Census: 114,626
Brandon isn’t a proper city but rather an unincorporated community located outside Tampa. It’s what the Census Bureau calls a census-designated place. In Brandon, you’ll find parks, a children’s museum and lots of shopping and restaurants.
Daytona Beach
How the cost of living compares with the national average: 7% lower
Population as of the 2020 Census: 72,647
Located on Florida’s Atlantic coast, Daytona Beach is a popular tourist destination thanks to its sandy beaches, extensive trails and, of course, the Daytona International Speedway. However, you might want to consider living here rather than just visiting: The city’s cost of living is 7% lower than the national average.
Gainesville
How the cost of living compares with the national average: 6.6% lower
Population as of the 2020 Census: 141,085
If you’re looking for a home in north-central Florida, Gainesville can be an affordable choice. The community offers residents a full range of services and provides access to quality higher education and health care facilities nearby. And for those who want beautiful weather, Gainesville boasts an average of 2,800 hours of sunshine each year.
Jacksonville
How the cost of living compares with the national average: 7.4% lower
Population as of the 2020 Census: 949,611
Jacksonville is the largest city on this list, with nearly 1 million residents. A big city means plenty of activities to keep residents busy. Jacksonville has performing arts centers, professional sports teams and the largest park system in North America.
Melbourne
How the cost of living compares with the national average: 6.3% lower
Population as of the 2020 Census: 84,678
History and high-tech industry come together in this community located southeast of Orlando. Melbourne has a unique historic downtown, but it isn’t stuck in the past. The city also is part of Florida’s Space Coast, which is an area surrounding the Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral.
Palm Bay
How the cost of living compares with the national average: 6.3% lower
Population as of the 2020 Census: 119,760
The city of Palm Bay can be found midway between Orlando and Miami, and it prides itself on its natural beauty. Fishing, kayaking, camping and hiking are a few of the activities that both visitors and residents of this city can enjoy.
Pensacola
How the cost of living compares with the national average: 11.8% lower
Population as of the 2020 Census: 54,312
Pensacola is the least-populated entry on this list of affordable communities in Florida, but it also has the lowest cost of living when compared with the national average. The city is located in Florida’s Panhandle and has 50 miles of coastline. It’s also home to the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels demonstration squadron.
Spring Hill
How the cost of living compares with the national average: 6.1% lower
Population as of the 2020 Census: 113,568
Spring Hill is another census-designated place that hasn’t been incorporated into a city. As part of Hernando County, it is located on what is known as Florida’s Adventure Coast, which is known for its waterways and Gulf of Mexico coastline as well as state forests and preserves.
St. Petersburg
How the cost of living compares with the national average: 5.5% lower
Population as of the 2020 Census: 258,308
It’s the Sunshine City in the Sunshine State, and St. Petersburg attracts those seeking a vibrant and affordable place to live. Known to most simply as St. Pete, the city boasts 361 days of sunshine each year. It also has professional sports teams, arts centers, cultural events and a warm and welcoming LGTBQ+ community.
Tallahassee
How the cost of living compares with the national average: 6% lower
Population as of the 2020 Census: 196,169
Don’t overlook Florida’s capital city of Tallahassee as an affordable place to live. In recent years, the city has made considerable investments to revitalize neighborhoods, protect the environment and create affordable housing. It also has a commitment to the community that includes funding a neighborhood health care clinic and providing free or subsidized tickets to a variety of events.
Tampa
How the cost of living compares with the national average: 5.6% lower
Population as of the 2020 Census: 384,959
The Tampa Bay area is apparently an affordable place to live, with Tampa joining its neighbors Brandon and St. Petersburg on this list. It isn’t known just for its cost of living though. Tampa has found itself named by multiple organizations as one of the best cities in the nation for recreation, sports, startups and more.
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