10 Best Affordable Places to Live in Florida (2025)

Americans love Florida for its warm climate, 0$ state income tax, and beautiful beaches. Although property prices have risen in several cities, the Sunshine State offers affordable living. 

In the affordable cities, the average home price is around $280,000. Lower than Florida’s median home value. In addition, some cities have a cost of living 10% below the national average.

For retirees who want peace and nature, cities like Ocala are perfect, with homes around $275,429. These towns offer a peaceful lifestyle without high costs. On the other hand, young professionals might prefer Gainesville, a city known for its healthcare and tech jobs. The average home price is $298,729, and the cost of living is around 6% lower than the national average.

Here are the 10 most affordable places to live in Florida:

• Median Home Value: $275,429
• Median Rent: $1,750
• Cost of Living: 8% lower than the national average
• Median Household Income: $50,618

Ocala offers affordable living and beautiful nature. Moreover, the city is known for its horse farms. 

In addition, Ocala is close to parks like Tuscawilla Park and Jervey Gantt Park. It offers plenty of outdoor activities. With a median home price of $275,429, overall, Ocala is a top pick for cheap places to live in Florida.

If you're thinking of buying a home in Ocala, understanding the cost to build a house in Florida can give you more flexibility when choosing between new builds and existing homes.

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• Median Home Value: $298,729
• Median Rent: $1,550
• Cost of Living: 6% below the national average
• Median Household Income: $43,783

Gainesville is one of the affordable Florida cities to live in and has a lively college town, home to the University of Florida. The economy is strong, and jobs are available in education, healthcare, and technology. For example, you will find major employers like UF Health Shands Hospital and Exactech, a company focused on medical technology.

Gainesville offers many outdoor activities. You can visit the Butterfly Rainforest or explore Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park. If you enjoy arts and culture, visit the Harn Museum of Art or watch a show at the Curtis M. Phillips Center.

• Median Home Value: $257,570
• Median Rent: $1,400
• Cost of Living: 14% lower than the national average
• Median Household Income: $40,397

Lake City, known as the “Gateway to Florida,” is a welcoming town with affordable living. It sits where major highways meet, making it easy to get around. 

In addition, jobs in construction are available with companies like Custom Windows and REX Construction Services. With low rent and home prices, Lake City is a great choice if you want a friendly and one of the affordable towns to live in Florida.

Planning to settle in Lake City? Don’t forget to explore how much a home inspection costs in Florida —a key step in the mortgage approval process.

• Median Home Value: $285,013
• Median Rent: $1,510
• Cost of Living: 9% lower than the national average.
• Median Household Income: $43,387

Pine Hills is one of the affordable cities to live in Florida, situated just a short drive from Orlando. Known for its lower cost of living and family-friendly vibe, Pine Hills gives you access to all the entertainment Orlando offers without the high costs. In addition, it’s close to parks like Barnett Park on the shores of Lawne Lake, adding outdoor fun to the mix.

• Median Home Value: $259,120
• Median Rent: $1,589
• Cost of Living: 2% lower than the national average
• Median Household Income: $47,608

Daytona Beach is a famous city with beautiful beaches and is known as one of the affordable places to live in Florida. Besides the beach, there are many attractions, such as the Daytona Beach Boardwalk and Daytona International Speedway. With a median home price of around $259,120, Daytona Beach offers a fun and affordable lifestyle by the ocean.

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• Median Home Value: $262,185
• Median Rent: $1,800
• Cost of Living: 13% below the national average
• Median Household Income: $67,722

Pensacola is a great option if you love the beach and are looking for inexpensive places to live in Florida. Here, the transportation costs are about 10% lower than the national average; you save more on getting around. With local spots like McGuire’s Irish Pub and easy access to beautiful beaches, Pensacola offers a relaxed coastal lifestyle.

• Median Home Value: $309,696
• Median Rent: $1,800
• Cost of Living: 13% lower than the national average
• Median Household Income: $67,722

Deltona offers a small-town feel but is close to Orlando. Here, you will find beautiful spots like Green Springs Park and Lake Monroe. Deltona also has fantastic job opportunities, with employers such as United Community Bank and Citizens First Financial hiring locally. 

Want to time your home purchase right in Deltona? Learn when is the best time to buy a house in Florida to save more on mortgage rates and closing costs.

• Median Home Value: $296,379
• Median Rent: $1,498
• Cost of Living: 7% below the national average
• Median Household Income: $73,194

As Florida’s largest city, Jacksonville has something for everyone. Jacksonville has a low cost of living and multiple job options. Big companies like Availity and Southeastern Grocers are the main job providers. Families and young professionals enjoy Jacksonville for its mix of urban fun, beaches, and affordable living.

• Median Home Value: $378,397
• Median Rent: $1,803
• Cost of Living: 8% lower than the national average
• Median Household Income: $45,319

If you want to live near Orlando’s famous attractions without the high cost, Kissimmee is a great choice. Known for its affordability and entertainment, it also offers local job opportunities with companies like Jr. Davis Construction. Kissimmee gives you the best of both worlds—budget-friendly living close to exciting things to do.

• Median Home Value: $273,945
• Median Rent: $1,541
• Median Household Income: $60,974

Bartow combines the charm of a small town with affordability. It’s located near Orlando and Tampa, so you can enjoy nearby big cities without the high cost. Local employers like Bartow Ford Co. help create a stable job market. If you like a relaxed pace and a close-knit community, Bartow is a smart choice.

If you're evaluating property in Bartow, consider reading about the cost approach in real estate —a method that lenders often use when approving mortgages.

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Because moving to Florida shouldn’t just be affordable. It should feel empowering.

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If you're also trying to stretch your budget without compromising on safety, don’t miss our guide to the safest places to live in Florida —because peace of mind shouldn’t come at a premium.

And if you're still weighing your options, wondering whether to rent or buy, you're not the only one asking that question right now. Our Rent vs. Buy comparison breaks down the pros, cons, and long-term trade-offs—so you can move forward with clarity, confidence, and a plan that fits your life.

Lake City has one of the lowest costs of living in Florida, at about 14% below the national average. With a median home price of $257,570 and affordable rent, it’s a budget-friendly choice for many residents.

Ocala is known for its affordable cost of living and safe, peaceful environment, making it an ideal location for retirees or anyone seeking a quieter lifestyle. The city offers beautiful natural surroundings and has a median home price of $275,429.

Lake City offers some of the most affordable rental rates in Florida, with a median rent of $1,400. It’s a popular choice for those looking for budget-friendly housing without compromising on convenience and accessibility.

Florida’s cost of living varies, but many cities offer affordable options. Some cities, like Lake City, Pensacola, and Ocala, have a cost of living that is 10-14% below the national average, making Florida a viable choice for budget-conscious residents, especially with no state income tax.

Save Big when you Buy a Home with reAlpha!

Discover how our all-in-one homebuying platform can increase your buying power and put money back in your pocket. Start your journey today!

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