Thats the part Im struggling with is leaving ct and running out of money. Coming in as the cheapest state to live in in the United States is Mississippi with a cost of living index score of 83.3. Health care services may be higher than the national indexes, but overall Quincy is a cheap Florida city to live in. The cost of living index in Vero Beach is 95.2 based on a US average of 100. 8) Things has more things to do Illinois Versus Florida. You can go for a day trip to Orlando which is just an hours distance by car. You should act now if you want to join this growing community there are newneighborhoods being built with houses for sale that start around $160,000(at the time of this publication), but they are going fast. All the best for your retired life. I found places that rated Florida #3 which I found surprising. But like any other city, there are bad parts too. Looking for the cheapest housing in Florida? Am looking for all the buttons and whistles on a $3k retirement income w/ copd..love the water but no gaters! I want to rent and live in a safe area and where there is high employment A large and robust economy. A cost of living index above 100 means Florida, Florida is more expensive. The average cost of living in the U.K. is 12.21% less than in the U.S., but that number doesn't tell the whole story. This put education in the state above the national average. It has a low crime rate and a population of roughly 183,942. Others might choose to forego a car purchase or look for areas of Florida with more moderate property taxes or insurance costs. Only the utility cost is higher than the national average. You can click on the link to know more about it but in this post, we will only focus on the most inexpensive cities in Florida to live in. While they can likely count on warm temperatures in the years ahead, not everyone will find themselves better off. Flickr/Linda Holloway. Is bound by endless canals The cost of living is somewhat lower over-all; at least when I lived there it was. Cape Coral Nearby Sightseeing The year-round sunny weather is perfect for people looking to soak up some rays. Orlando is also less than an hour away by car. One bedroom studio rent can be found under $1400 per month. Required fields are marked *. Illinoiss overall crime rate (property and violent crime combined) places the state just inside the bottom 25 states with the highest rates, according to FBI reporting. In terms of cost of living, according to the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), Dade City is ranked 108 out of 273 cities across the USA which is 96.6% of the national average. I live in Cape Coral. With a monthly expenditure of $2200-2800, you can expect a happy life with all the basic amenities. It also happens to be on the highest end of the scale when it comes to vehicle registration, and title fees. There is also a thriving downtown on the waterfront that offers countless bars, restaurants, and boutiques. A 2019 Joblist study that compared wages to cost of living in the US ranked Florida last out of all 50 states in terms of affordability. According to Neighborhood Scout, their crime rate is only 12 per 1,000 residents. I would suggest coming to Saint Joe Road to get the most exhilarating zipline ropes courses. You can find cheaper options on the outskirts of Orlando. It all depends on where you work, which city you live in, and how much risk you're willing to take when it comes to homeownership, insurance, and healthcare. The cost of living in Plant City is 94.7 based on a US average of 100. Housing expenses, utility prices, and healthcare in Cape Coral are lower than the national average. Many states enjoy better weather than these two, but if youve limited yourself to just Illinois or Florida, Florida wins this. Furthermore, you can buy a house whose median value is around $155,300, less than the national median home value of $204,900. Population: 9,771 Cost of Living Index: 92 Average Home Price: $192,000 (27% below Florida average) Average Rent Price: $999 per month Crime Rate per 1,000 Residents: 19.8 (22% below Florida average) Unemployment Rate: 3.4% 10 Year Job Growth Outlook: +43% Location: See in Google Maps. There are many lists online that only focus on the cheapest places in Florida. Per the Census Bureau, the median household income in Florida was roughly $62,000 in 2021, below the median US household income of roughly $71,000. This post may contain affiliate links. Enjoy a happy life in the Sunshine State. The monthly budget comes in at less than $2400 a month in Gainesville. Im tired of shoveling snow. Apart from its stunning beaches, you can spend a day at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, enjoy a day trip to Kingsley Plantation or explore Fort George Island Cultural State Park. Known as the "City of Five Flags," Pensacola has a long history of other governments laying claim to the area (Spanish, French, British, Confederate, U.S.). , Im going to move there to start over Im 60 years old where can you tell me is the best place and the cheapest I have to be pet friendly. If you do get a chance to rent or buy a place, then you will enjoy a quiet and cozy city situated right on a group of lakes. Meanwhile, its future is also bright, with job growth expected to increase by 44%, outpacing the national average by 10%. Are you looking for a place with a high quality of life as well as an affordable cost of living in Florida? The year-round sunny weather is perfect for people looking to soak up some rays. Where is the best area for lower cost housing? This southern state has got it all and it won't leave you penniless. Who doesnt like to live in a city with a casual, laid-back atmosphere with amazing attractions, spectacular scenery, and a plethora of job opportunities? Lake Wales is also located in the Lakeland-Winter Haven metropolitan area like Lake Alfred and benefits from being a quiet and affordable suburb with easy access to its larger and more expensive neighboring cities. Cost Of Living: $43,308. Whereas veterinary visit is around $53.73 with drug costs around $447.16. These comments were consistent with a 2022 CNBC analysis, which said Florida was the 27th best state in terms of cost of living. The average cost of living in Florida is about 3% higher than the national US average, while median home prices are about $300,000. Visit the nearby Honeymoon Island State Park, enjoy the surrounding nature, and watch the beautiful sunset. It is located on Floridas east coast just 30 minutes from Daytona Beach and 1 hour from Orlando. You can walk, run, ride on a horse, or do whatever you want. Hi there, Additionally, while the city does a great job of retaining a small town feel, it still offers many modern conveniences, as there is a Walmart, Publix, and Winn-Dixie located all less than a 10 minute drive from downtown. Combined with the fact that it also has the 2nd lowest crime rate on our list, Fellsmere is a strong choice for providing a very cheap and safe community. Fort Worth, on the 65th spot, has an average rent of $1,341 per month with almost a million residents. Depending on the source, it's between $173.000 and $180,000, compared to the national average of just over $231,000. There is also easy access to big stores and supermarkets in Lynn Haven. More stuff to do winner? Ive seen too many people move to Florida for the warm weather, only to move out because they learned they couldnt handle up to 9 months of a hotter more humid summer. The average American household spends $2,690 on property taxes for their homes each year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, and residents of the 26 states with vehicle property taxes shell out another $444. The cost of living in this sunshine state city is 2% lower than the national average. Illinois $25,000 per person/$50,00 per accident $20,000 per . Florida Estimated cost to build a house: $208,825 Estimated hourly labor cost: $14 A relatively high average structure cost lands Florida among the most expensive places to build. The housing cost in Pensacola are 27% lower than the national average and the utility cost are 11% lower than the national average. IDK why everyone is asking you about affordable places to live when this is literally a list of affordable places to live! New industries, large businesses, and great, Read More 10 Fastest Growing Cities in Florida in 2023Continue, Are you looking for the best places to live in Northern Florida? In the evening, enjoy the beauty of Community Park. If what youll save on taxes and the cost of living in Florida will be so minimal that it would take you 20 years to break even on what it cost you to move from Illinois, you may want to do so figuring first. 4) Which state has more jobs or lower unemployment Illinois or Florida, Illinois has an unemployment rate of just 4.2%, which would normally be a very respectable rate. A: Orlando is the best city for students who are looking to move to Florida. This positive outlook is probably linked to South Daytonas good fortune of being directly next to neighboring Daytona Beach. Despite the lack of an income tax, Florida has higher sales and property taxes than some of its peers, and due to Florida law, some newcomers are seeing higher property tax increases than longstanding residents. For unemployment rates and job growth, we looked at the most up-to-date figures from Bestplaces job market index. Thanks. Top editors give you the stories you want delivered right to your inbox each weekday. Hi moving from Las Vegas to Florida, is Sarasota safe? A: You can move to Homestead in southern Florida where the cost of living is affordable, but the option is limited. Out-of-pocket costs are capped at $6,600. The biggest attraction is the beach life, as the coastline in New Smyrna Beach is just 10 minutes away from the center of town. Methodology to Find the Cheapest Places to Live in Florida, The 12 Cheapest Places to Live in Florida in 2023. I am considering moving to Florida from the Oregon Coast, and at 73, its hard to start over when living on a fixed income. The city might be in the rural part of the state but the great job opportunities and strong economic growth make the city a wonderful place for families, multi-generational families, and even solo professionalsor expat. Pricing for various packages can vary a lot even in the same location. So, where is the cheapest place to live in Florida that is also desirable? According to MIT's living wage calculator, food costs in Florida and Texas run $3,351 per year for a single adult. Quincy is the city where most of the residents own their house. If you buy into the hotter the better, move to a desert where daytime temps are from 120-140 degrees daily and enjoy yourself. The Rotary Park shaded by oak trees, Smyrna Dunes Park, and prehistoric archaeological sites will keep you entertained. Unless. Hi Pamela, you can look for Cape Coral. Strolling through the very walkable downtown is so peaceful. Neither states rating is in the top 25 states but Illinois is ranked slightly higher. Living in the Magnolia state costs around 15% less than the nationwide average. It is one of the most underrated cities in Florida. 6 . Population: 5,629 Cost of Living Index: 91 Average Home Price: $171,000 (35% below Florida average) Average Rent Price: $697 per month Crime Rate per 1,000 Residents: 9.1 (64% below Florida average) Unemployment Rate: 4.2% 10 Year Job Growth Outlook: +38% Location: See in Google Maps. ET TV: SEC Network (Local) Live stream the LSU at Florida men's college basketball game on . Offering all the necessary amenities for a low cost of living this city doesnt break the bank with its affordable median home price. Home United States Is it cheaper to live in Florida or Wisconsin? I used to love PCB but it has become unbearable to live here with all of the tourist and price gouging. Cost of Moving from Illinois to Florida The average cost to move from Illinois to Florida with North American is $3,614.35. Some people may ultimately choose to move to Florida, but keep their remote job in a higher paying state. In one corner of the west of Florida peninsula, sits Tampa, the oldest center of business, bars, and endless entertainment options that vibes up every weekend. You're probably surprised to see the most significant metropolitan city in Florida on the list of the cheapest places to live in the state, but Jacksonville is pretty reasonably priced. When you are in Plant City, and tasting strawberries is a must! Pensacola , cheap , mellow , low crime and Navy federal hired me at age 68 if youre interestedsted in employment. Whether you love to experience the modern aspect or historical sites, you will definitely love this city. The cheapest type of house to build is a rectangular tiny home though your location, materials, and more can impact costs. This is consistent with the fact that Floridians need a higher living wage to survive. This list takes into account the lowest cost of living in Florida, but also desirability to actually live in these cities. The median home price is around $225,000. For more adventure enjoy camping in New Smyrna Beach RV Park and Campground which is just 4 miles away from Edgewater and one of the best campgrounds in Florida. Miami is 14.0% more expensive than Chicago. It is a perfect place for history buffs. Contact us at: hello (at) strategistico (dot) com. Population: 16,199 Cost of Living Index: 86 Average Home Price: $223,000 (16% below Florida average) Average Rent Price: $907 per month Crime Rate per 1,000 Residents: 17.8 (29% below Florida average) Unemployment Rate: 3.4% 10 Year Job Growth Outlook: +51% Location: See in Google Maps. The safety levels in Haines City are very good, with crime rates 17% below the states average. The Pros, Cons and Best Places to Live or Retire in Florida. It also has one massive asset, which is its affordability. I travel continuously and need a place to hold my mail and will be safe when I am away. Wisconsin is 4.6% cheaper than Florida. Visit the Polk County History Center, Municipal Airport Museum, Alafia River State Park, and much more. Zero estate taxes. These three places are very popular among retirees. The nearest beach is also only about an hour away around Sarasota. 20 years ago Google.com was just registered and no one used it, and no one ever heard the term global warming yet. Florida slides into second place with a diverse inventory, and car prices that are 10% below the national average. Among the most expensive states to live in, "Florida's not even in the top 10," University of Illinois economics professor David Albouy to The Associated Presslast October. The historic downtown of Vero Beach is vibrant with cafes, restaurants, and shops where you can easily spend time strolling around. Edgewater also has one of the lowest crime rates on our list of the cheapest and safest places to live in Florida, making it an affordable, yet safe place for everyone. A single adult expense in Vero Beach is around $33,640 annually. The people here are so caring and very passionate about their community. In South Florida, where there is a scarcity of land, prices are higher. It has earned a name as Monarch City and the Tree City of the USA. How can you miss kayaking near Mount Dora? If employment is not a consideration for someone who is retired, what towns are most affordable and somewhat rural, or at a slower pace. The cost of living index in Mount Dora is 100.4 based on a US average of 100. Thanks for the info. Utah. You dont need to pay any income tax, estate tax, inheritance tax if you live in Cape Coral which is also good news for retirees who are on a fixed income. Even you can find one-bedroom apartment rent as low as $1050 per month. This is truly an authentic small town as you wont find any big chain stores here. Coming in at #1 is Tavares, which is a suburb of Orlando and is in one of the fastest growing counties in Florida. Florida is less expensive to live in, than other states. It is affordable and has a very good healthcare system. The cost of living index in Dade City is 89.4 based on a US average of 100. My sister is moving out of Florida for work and when she gives up her lease ($1550 for a 3 bedroom house with a ton of issues that dont get address, and she moved in as first occupant) the next tenant will be charged $2300 a month rent. One-bedroom studio or apartment rent can be available for $640 per month. 1) Which state has a lower overall cost of living, Illinois or Florida? To apply for section 8 housing, you have to contact a nearby PHA(Public Housing Agency) office in your city. You still get to enjoy places like Fort Myers Beach, Naples, Bonita Springs (All Short distant drive Beaches) I suggest Cape Coral. Single adults average health care is around $4,021, which is less than nationwide. In the center of town, you can find a Publix at the Lynn Haven Shopping Center, which is also across from a Walmart. Hey Donna. The winter in the Midwest was so cold and depressing and everything dies. a. A cost of living index above 100 means Florida, Florida is more expensive. 2. For example, a state with a cost of living of 110 would be 10% higher than the national average. As per 2022 records of C2ER, the cost of living is around 94.7% of the national average making it an average of US cities, ranking 130 out of 273 cities in the USA. Here you have 1 in 68 chances to be a victim of property crime and 1 in 47 chances to become a victim of violent crime. Check out Zillow for the latest listings. 2. If you're looking for the lowest initial cost, no state can beat Florida. If youre just going to go from my air conditioned house to my air conditioned car then save yourself the expense of moving 1000 miles and stay where you are with your heated house and car. For a 1-2 bedroom. Overall, residents of South Daytona get all the benefits of a larger city, but in a more relaxed atmosphere that is also at a lower total cost, making it a top choice as one of themost affordable cities in Florida that give you thebest bangs for your buck. This tech bomb town is wealthy in terms of history, culture, natural enthusiasm, and job facilities. Lynn Haven has one of the lowest cost of living in Florida, and it even made it onto Niche.coms top quartile of best places to raise a family in Florida. It features various job opportunities such as statistician, cement mason, physician assistant, rodbuster, and many more. All rents are less than $1,600 per month, on average. From the waterparks, golf clubs to scenic hiking trails like the Pinellas Trail, Dunedin is packed with recreational outdoor activities. When you look at the full picture, however, it's unclearif moving to Florida will prove to be a smart financial decision in the years to come. Edgewater has one of the lowest cost of living in Florida, as well as a strong school system. Location-wise, it is only a 10 minute drive away from Panama City and only 20 minutes from Panama City Beach. However, as of this writing, we are enjoying the longest period of time ever without a recession in the history of the US, so that rate only get Illinois rated as the 40th lowest rate. On your budget, you can leave peacefully in Gainesville. Check outZillowfor the latest offers. Orlando attracts more than 51 million visitors each year. ___ 2) Which state is a safer place to live overall, Illinois or Florida? To determine the most affordable places to live in Florida that are also safe and desirable, we compiled data from multiple sources to ensure that you get the most objective recommendations. The Jacksonville airport is a large hub with plenty of major airlines. If you cook yourself, you can save a lot of money. US News ranks the states with the best economic affordability, based on the cost of living and housing affordability. Locations are then indexed against this number. Stay up to date with what you want to know. Americans are moving to Floridafor better weather and lower taxes. The cheapest city to live in florida, and safest, is Cape Coral. Hi Ashley, Cape Coral and Dunedin both are comparatively safe places than other Florida cities. Quality of Life 6.5 Quality of Life. The cost of living index in Melbourne is 94.4 based on a US average of 100. In the pine forest on 400 acres, the land sits the most popular Wickham Park welcoming people of every age. The quality of education can vary from school to school even within the same district in the same state. It also features several parks and historic buildings like Fort Meade Historical Society worth visiting. Here you will find 16 acres of land at the museum Pioneer Florida Museum examining and illustrating the state history in the liveliest manner. From here you can easily visit Cape Canaveral and the Kennedy Space Center. That's a whole other house! 5. But there are also some people who regret moving to Florida. You can access many Atlantic ocean beaches which are just a short drive away from Edgewater. Miami is, Read More Top 10 Free Things to do in Miami You Shouldnt Miss in 2023Continue. South Daytona offers a great blend of low cost living and a strong local economy in a community that provides its residents with a safe environment. Gainesvilleis an ideal destination when youre searching for that affordable big town feel. Employment in Bartow is mainly fueled by the county, state, and city governments. Auto insurance rates by state. If you head to the westernmost point on Florida's panhandle, you'll find Pensacola. Based on our cost-of-living assessment, Hawaii is the most expensive state at 181.79 while Mississippi is the least expensive at 85.71. Population: 5,207 Cost of Living Index: 93 Average Home Price: $212,000 (20% below Florida average) Average Rent Price: $895 per month Crime Rate per 1,000 Residents: 20.8 (18% below Florida average) Unemployment Rate: 4.5% 10 Year Job Growth Outlook: +42% Location: See in Google Maps. Both have lots of job opportunities. What is the best way to find a job in the area you suggest? Median Home Cost = $180,000.00 ( Affordable) Yet another area that helps Jacksonville's overall score is the median home cost here. Illinois is deep into the list of the states with the highest overall tax burden according to the Tax Foundation and every other source Ive checked with that puts out tax related data. While almost everyone loves living in Florida the first few months or years, a very high percentage of people eventually find Florida was a big enough mistake to go through the huge expense and hassle of another long distance move, just to get out. Fort Meade is a small city in Polk County, located around 50 miles east of Tampa. The standard Part B premium is $170.10 per month in 2022. It is located about 45 minutes from Port St. Lucie and 1.5 hours from Orlando. The competition is tough in popular cities like Miami, Tampa, Orlando. The downtown Dunedin area may be expensive but the outskirts of Dunedin is one of the cheapest areas to live in Florida. 5 minutes in either direction on the main highway through Timber Pines will also get you to a Walmart or Target. Florida takes the top marks in the rankings, with relatively low costs of living and a high percentage of retirees to mingle with. Fort Meade offers several outdoor recreation activities like canoeing and kayaking. It is a large city and located in Alachua County. And the most expensive states are (in order of most expensive to cheaper) . To find area-specific jobs, you can check out My Florida Jobs, Career Builders, or Indeed. On the other hand, medical . Ill take this info, do other comparable searches including crime rates, COL, average age etc and hope for the best! The average home cost in Bartow is under $275,000. Indeed, the lack of an income tax is a major financial perk for Floridians. Size and Population I would suggest you to check Dunedin which is affordable and summer is not that hot. This is definitely one of the reasons for being one of the cheapest places to live in Florida near the beach. Considering moving to Florida. For cost of living and housing data, we used the latest U.S. Census report, the AreaVibes living index, and Zillows housing market data. Of course, there is a great normal life here, too. Florida by a wide margin. Change currency (USD) pay 24.2 % more for groceries Show 8 more.. Illinois vs. Florida - Cost of groceries We lived in south Florida our whole life and looking for a place to live that is more relaxing. . Haines City enters our list at number 8 of cheap places to live in Florida and offers the lowest cost of living index on this list. On the other hand, the average annual cost of childcare for two children is around $11,499, again less than the national average. 4. High cost of living. To find the area-specific jobs you can check My Florida Jobs, or Indeed. The cost of living is relatively low in much of the state (though not everywhere). Although, there are still plenty of things to do, from the numerous parks that surround the lake to the cute historic district on East Stuart Avenue that is filled with shops and restaurants. With 400 miles of canals, the city is also known as Waterfront Wonderland. I would start by read this shocking article from US News before doing any school rating research. Which state is the cheapest to live in? Hello, when this article was written? Vero Beach is considered 28% safer than other US cities. Here are. Melbourne is considered 6% safer than USA cities, you have 1 in 35 chances of becoming a victim of property crime. Lol. Above 100 means more expensive.) Groceries, utilities, and healthcare are also pretty affordable here. 12 Best Christmas Towns in Florida To Celebrate Holidays in 2023, 8 Best Breweries in Gainesville to Visit in 2023, 9 Magical Secret Spots and Hidden Gems in Miami, 10 Fastest Growing Cities in Florida in 2023, 7 Best Places To Live In Northern Florida, 13 Most Insane Abandoned Places In Florida You Have To See, 11 Best Beaches In North Florida In 2023: A Descriptive List, Living in Tampa vs Orlando: Which Florida City is Best in 2023, Top 10 Free Things to do in Miami You Shouldnt Miss in 2023. This sprawling city has all the charm of a large city and suburban areas that families will love. Cost-of . Plant City is the 104th most populated city in Florida with 41,276 people residing. With a housing index of 69, median rent prices of about $1,000, utility index of 89, grocery index of 91, and transportation index of 90 . It may very well be one of the most affordable places to live in Florida that is truly worth living in. So, while Lake Wales is the second cheapest place to live in Florida, there is actually another city that we think is the best. 95% of people who never lived in Florida full time will disagree with these notes, but 95% of people who have lived in Florida full time will understand. It has not been verified or approved by the developer or association. As someone who lives in the city limits of Orlando, I would not say affordable. READ ALSO: 15 Most Affordable Hiking Boots: Buying Guide. Orlando offers all these things and surprisingly thisCentral Floridaparadise offers low-cost living. According to the latest reports, Mississippi tops the list of the most affordable states in America in 2019. Housing, transportation, utilities, goods, and services are lower than the state and national average. Florida ranks in the top half of states with a lower tax bite, and the higher your income is, the greater this advantage over Illinois becomes. Although, Im trying to write about other cities, but as of now you can search the cost of living in x city on Google. Great and informative article! Thank you John. With a population of about 10000 people, Fort Meade is a part of the Lakeland-Winter Haven Metropolitan area. Okay, at this point Florida has won 6 of the 9 states versus state quality of life comparisons. At 70 years of age, youre more likely to walk or bike for exercise, than ski or mountain climb (there are no mountains in FL). Your email address will not be published.