Most Affordable Places to Live in Florida — Plus, The Most Affordable Florida Beach Towns

Welcome to the Sunshine State, where locals enjoy sandy beaches, pleasant weather, and a relaxed way of life year-round in some of the most affordable places to live in Florida. While commonly known as a vacation destination, Florida also boasts numerous affordable beach towns for those longing to call this peninsula home. We’ve carefully selected the ten most budget-friendly cities in Florida, discovered the most inexpensive beach towns, and located new construction homes that are reasonably priced.

Summary:

• Top 10 Most Affordable Cities in Florida

• Most Affordable Beach Towns in Florida

• Affordable New Construction Homes in Florida

• Your Affordable Florida Dream Home Awaits

Top 10 Most Affordable Cities in Florida

With its sunny skies, stunning beaches, and delightful aroma of orange blossoms wafting through the air, the beautiful state of Florida is truly a dream destination. If you're considering making Florida your home, there are plenty of affordable options beyond the flashy city of Miami and luxurious Naples. In fact, you'll be surprised to discover some of the lovely and inexpensive places to live here. So, take note of these hidden gems as we present you with the top ten most affordable places in Florida to live. Get ready to find your perfect home in the Sunshine State.

1. Palm Coast

Palm Coast offers an affordable beach-centric lifestyle where the cost of living is 13% lower than the national average, according to Payscale® as of November 2023. Housing expenses here are an astounding 29% lower than the national average, making your dream of owning a home here a very attainable reality, along with some of the lowest cost of living in Florida. 

One of the most affordable Florida beach towns, Palm Coast, is home to 70 miles of saltwater and freshwater canals. With numerous parks, over 130 miles of connecting trails, and tons of opportunities for fishing, boating, tennis, and golf, Palm Coast is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.

2. Winter Haven

With Best Places reporting a cost of living index of 91.6 in November 2023, Winter Haven is one of the cheapest towns to live in Florida, with a lifestyle that's not just 8.4 percent lower than the U.S. average but an impressive 22.4 percent less expensive than the average Florida home. A typical home here costs $281,200, making it 16.8 percent less than the national average. Renting a two-bedroom unit is a budget-friendly $1,110 per month, a whopping 40.5 percent cheaper than the state average.

Located amid the canal-linked Chain of Lakes in the middle of the peninsula, with tons of lakeside parks, eateries, boat ramps, and water sports rentals, Winter Haven is an aquatic oasis for those who love to be in and around the water. 

3. Lakeland

Lakeland is also one of the least expensive places to live in Florida, with an economical lifestyle 8.4 percent lower than the U.S. average and 11.2 percent lower than the Florida average, per Best Places in November 2023. A typical home here costs $282,500, making it 16.4 percent less expensive than the national average. Renting a two-bedroom unit is a steal at $1,240 per month, 13.3 percent cheaper than the national average.

A popular city situated conveniently along the I-4 between Tampa and Orlando, Lakeland covers 75.16 square miles, with over 38 named lakes providing scenic areas for recreation. Downtown Lakeland, often dubbed "Lakeland's living room," is the heart of the community, featuring quaint shops, casual restaurants, and historic brick buildings surrounding the iconic Munn Park town square. Explore this city further through these new construction homes in Lakeland.

4. Largo 

Payscale® lists Largo’s cost of living as 8% lower than the national average as of November 2023. As one of the cheapest places in Florida to buy a home, housing costs are an astonishing 37% lower than the national average, and utility prices are 3% lower.

The wonders of Largo include an impressive array of 75 parks. Experience the breathtaking beauty of Largo Central Park and immerse yourself in the vibrant arts scene at the esteemed Largo Cultural Center. Largo offers the best of both worlds: the dynamic buzz of Tampa and the relaxation of the Gulf of Mexico's pristine beaches. Embrace the outdoors and the arts, and allow Largo to captivate your senses.

5. Sanford

In November 2023, Payscale® found the cost of living in Sanford to be about 5% lower than the national average, making it one of Florida’s most affordable places to live. 

Situated on the shores of Lake Monroe, Sanford is a growing city of over 58,000 residents, strategically positioned between the allure of Orlando's attractions and the tranquility of nearby beaches. From unique shops and restaurants to art galleries and a burgeoning micro-brewery scene, Sanford's downtown pulses with life. 

6. Titusville

As one of the least expensive places in Florida to live, Titusville offers a lifestyle that’s 4.4 percent lower than the U.S. average, says Best Places as of November 2023. A typical home here costs $267,400, a steal at 20% less than the national average. Renting a two-bedroom unit is just as budget-friendly at $1,210 per month, 15.4 percent cheaper than the national average.

Nestled along the St. Johns River and the Indian River Lagoon, Titusville is a gateway to the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge, Canaveral National Seashore, and the iconic Kennedy Space Center. With a central location and easy access to Daytona International Speedway, Port Canaveral, and Orlando attractions, Titusville is a convenient hub with four international airports nearby.

7. Tallahassee 

According to Payscale®, as of November 2023, the capital of Florida has a cost of living that’s 4% lower than the national average. Housing expenses are a remarkable 12% below the norm, and utility prices are equally friendly at 13% lower. Transportation costs, including bus fares and gas, are easy on your wallet, too, being 8% less than the national average. Despite grocery prices being 8% higher, the city's unique charm and savings in other areas compensate and make Tallahassee one of the cheapest cities to live in Florida. 

When you think of Tallahassee, you might not expect glamour. The more you explore, you’ll discover the star-studded charm of Tallahassee, a dynamic destination that boasts a roster of celebrity residents, and a magnificent skyline with the third tallest capitol building in the United States. The very name "Tallahassee" holds a rich history, derived from a Muskogean Indian word meaning "Old Fields" or "Old Towns." Just a short drive away, you can bask in the beauty of the Gulf of Mexico beaches or immerse yourself in its thriving art scene, with an abundance of art galleries and museums to explore. Let Tallahassee's warmth and charm captivate you in this enticing hub of culture and natural beauty.

8. Port Orange

Port Orange’s cost of living is 3% lower than the national average as of November 2023, reports Payscale®. With housing expenses that match the national average and utility prices just 3% higher, Port Orange offers a well-balanced living experience. 

A thriving community with a rich history spanning 150 years, Port Orange has earned the prestigious Tree City USA award for four decades, putting community and design front and center and creating a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere for all. With a population of 61,000, this city beautifully balances tranquility and excitement. Relax and enjoy the waterfront views, or indulge in fishing, boating, and golf. Discover the wonders of Port Orange and make unforgettable memories in this incredible city.

9. Daytona Beach

Known as the “World's Most Famous Beach,” Payscale® finds that, as of November 2023, Daytona Beach has a cost of living that’s 3% lower than the national average, making it a great option for an affordable beach hometown. Housing expenses in Daytona Beach are on par with the national average, and utility prices are just a touch higher by 3%. However, transportation costs, including bus fares and gas prices, are a helpful 7% lower than the national average. 

Whether you're into fast-paced sporting events, leisurely strolls on the beach, or anything in between, Daytona Beach is much more than just a destination you call home.

10. Kissimmee

Rounding out our list, Payscale® states that Kissimmee's cost of living is 2% lower than the national average, housing expenses are 17% lower than the national average, and utility prices are 7% below the norm as of November 2023. While transportation costs might be 1% higher, the overall picture is one of affordability. Even grocery prices, slightly above the national average, are a small trade-off for the magic of living just south of Orlando, where enchanting amusement parks, including the renowned Walt Disney World Resort, await your arrival. 

Most Affordable Florida Beach Towns

If you dream of coastal living without the high price tag, we've handpicked some of the most affordable places to live in Florida that offer sun, sand, and savings. These seaside cities boast beautiful shorelines and come with a reasonable cost of living and attractive home prices, making the dream of owning a beachfront property more achievable than you might think.

• Pensacola: Along the Gulf of Mexico, Pensacola is both a historic city and an affordable gateway to the beach. As of November 2023, Payscale® finds this city one of the most economical places to live in Florida, with the cost of living 5 % below the national average. Realtor.com shares that this charming city’s 2023 median home sale price is currently $280,000, making beachfront living a realistic option without burning a hole in your wallet.

• Daytona Beach: Along with a legendary racing history and economical beachfront living, Payscale® lists Daytona Beach as having a cost of living 3% lower than the national average as of November 2023. The median home price here is $277,000, according to Realtor.com in 2023, making this city one of the cheapest places to buy a house in Florida by the beach.

• Navarre: If you crave a quieter coastal retreat, Navarre is a hidden gem along Florida's panhandle. With Payscale® reporting its cost of living as 5% lower than the national average as of November 2023, Navarre combines chill vibes with low-cost living. For 2023, the median home price in Navarre is $370,000, per Realtor.com, offering beach lovers an opportunity to settle down without paying beachfront prices.

• Fort Walton Beach: Situated along the Emerald Coast, Fort Walton Beach is both a vacation destination and an affordable seaside community. Payscale® finds the cost of living around the national average in November 2023, and Realtor.com lists the median home price in this coastal town as $330,000 in 2023, making Fort Walton Beach an enticing option for residents to enjoy the Gulf of Mexico without overspending. 

Affordable New Construction Homes in Florida

Imagine owning a property in your favorite Florida beach town and making your dream of homeownership a reality. You can find new homes within your budget that can give you a fresh start. With affordable new construction homes in Florida from Centex® starting in the $200Ks, explore these communities to find the ideal fit for your budget and lifestyle: 

• New construction homes in Fort Myers

• New construction homes in Jacksonville

• New construction homes in Lakeland

• New construction homes in Orlando

• New construction homes in Sarasota

• New construction homes in Tampa

Your Affordable Florida Dream Home Awaits

Discover your ideal coastal city with affordable living options and a quintessential beach lifestyle. From the stunning landscapes of Palm Coast to the enchanting canal-linked lakes in Winter Haven, each city on this list has something special to offer. Whether you're seeking the most budget-friendly states and cities, the cheapest place in Florida to buy a house, or simply looking to see if your favorite coastal city fits your budget, Centex can help guide you. Start your search today to find your dream destination.

Explore affordable new construction homes in Florida today or browse more Centex blogs. 

Written By: Jordan Thomson, Freelance Writer

Last Updated: 12/31/24