unemployment and better growth, according to US News annual report. The nature scene in Tavares is outstanding. An amount below 100 means Florida is cheaper than the US average. In California, they run almost to $4,000 annually. 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. The economy of Bartow is thriving and constantly growing. Hey thank you so much for doing this page Ive been planning on moving and Im so happy I ran across your page here, its giving me A LOT of insight and definitely better choices to live than what I was trying. Unless. If youre looking for affordable, small-town feel, Edgewater could be the best option for you. You can go for a road trip to Walt Disney World, the Everglades, and the Keys at the weekend. The cost of auto insurance can vary by state and insurance company, with an average rate of $1,758 a year nationwide for a good driver with good credit. Living cost in Edgewater is not that expensive. There are many job finding sites like Indeed, Career Builders, Monster which are perfect to find area-specific jobs. Cost of Moving from Illinois to Florida The average cost to move from Illinois to Florida with North American is $3,614.35. They may avoid the most competitive rental markets like Miami-Dade and Orlando. This list is a very helpful part in my researching where to move to. Top employers in the area include the University of Florida and UF Health, followed by the Alachua County School Board and Shands HealthCare and North Florida Regional Medical Center. This city is indeed one of the most affordable places to live in Florida. 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. Situated between Tampa and Miami on Florida's Gulf Coast, Fort Myers is a growing city. File a "Declaration of Domicile" with the clerk of circuit court in the Florida county where you live. It offers the 2nd lowest rent prices on our list of cheapest cities to live in Florida, while its home prices are 35% lower than the rest of Florida. 2. Like any other Florida city, Cape Coral also has several pros and cons that you must know before moving here. Job opportunities are skyrocketing in Gainesville. Population: 15,118 Cost of Living Index: 90 Average Home Price: $219,000 (17% below Florida average) Average Rent Price: $927 per month Crime Rate per 1,000 Residents: 18.8 (26% below Florida average) Unemployment Rate: 3.4% 10 Year Job Growth Outlook: +51% Location: See in Google Maps. Its median home value, however, remains in the middle of the pack compared to the rest of the country. 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. Speaking of affordability, the cost of living in Timber Pines is about 7% cheaper than the rest of Florida, with home prices 20% lower than the rest of the state. Florida also ranks in the bottom half, but not as far deep into the pack as Illinois. is this a good place to market and get settled? Orlando is also less than an hour away by car. With a population of about 10000 people, Fort Meade is a part of the Lakeland-Winter Haven Metropolitan area. Jacksonville offers 850 square miles of stunning beaches, award-winning restaurants, and unique, cultural communities making it one of the best places to live in Florida on a budget. ET TV: SEC Network (Local) Live stream the LSU at Florida men's college basketball game on . Use The Zebra to find and compare auto insurance rates by state. The city is known for its peaceful lifestyle with a large lake as its centerpiece. 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.). Check-in/wait at the airport = 60 minutes Flight time = 2 hours, 4 minutes Orlando International Airport Leaving MCO airport = 144 minutes Total travel time = 6 hours, 17 minutes Driving time = 16 hours, 49 minutes 1 hotel night = $75.00 Extra time for stops = 0 minutes Extra costs (tolls, rental car) = $0.00 Wear and tear cost = $0.10 per mile The safety levels in Haines City are very good, with crime rates 17% below the states average. These cities are safe and perfect for newcomers. Thanks for the info. Residents rave about the strong sense of community that has developed in Lynn Haven, which was especially felt after Hurricane Michael in 2018. Fort Worth, on the 65th spot, has an average rent of $1,341 per month with almost a million residents. Port Orange. Luckily, 28 states have property tax rates below 1.00%. 7 Valid Reasons Not to Move to Florida, Population: 5,565 Cost of Living Index: 86 Average Home Price: $188,000 (29% below Florida average) Average Rent Price: $843 per month Crime Rate per 1,000 Residents: 6.5 (74% below Florida average) Unemployment Rate: 4.1% 10 Year Job Growth Outlook: +44% Location: See in Google Maps. I found places that rated Florida #3 which I found surprising. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Vero Beach is the cheapest place to buy a house in Florida as the median home price is around $341,423, which is 14% lower than the national average. But Florida doesn't just have the weather, the beaches, and Disney World going for it. It is a peaceful safe town where you can buy condos at a very reasonable price. However, transportation and grocery might be a bit pricier but cheaper than nearby Fort Myers. 4. These comments were consistent with a 2022 CNBC analysis, which said Florida was the 27th best state in terms of cost of living. I moved to SW Florida in 1994. Moving from Utah have 3 dogs and will be needing work as I am setting out on a new adventure. Hello, when this article was written? If you want to live in a Cheap, well maintained, VERY CLEAN and VERY POLICED and Low Crime City- This sprawling city has all the charm of a large city and suburban areas that families will love. Health related expenses are 18.2% more in Miami. The cost of living and average home prices are slightly below the Florida average, but the very low crime rates and opportunity to live right on the water make Lynn Haven quite appealing. This small town in Pasco County is home to 6,966 people. Visit the nearby Honeymoon Island State Park, enjoy the surrounding nature, and watch the beautiful sunset. Some PHAs have long waiting lists, so you may want to apply at more than one PHA to increase your chances of getting approved more quickly. Watch CBS News MoneyWatch Florida is the least affordable place to live in the U.S. By Irina Ivanova May 2, 2022 / 11:52 AM / MoneyWatch Sally Starkey thought moving from Chicago to Florida. Melbourne is considered 6% safer than USA cities, you have 1 in 35 chances of becoming a victim of property crime. Many have also been drawn there because it's one of nine states with no state income tax, which could potentially save them thousands of dollars per year. 20 years ago Google.com was just registered and no one used it, and no one ever heard the term global warming yet. Hi Gary, Its actually not possible to cover the cost of living of each city in a single post. 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 states with the highest average car insurance include California, Florida, and Louisiana. The job prospects for South Daytona are also very strong, with an estimated 10 year growth of 43%, which is 10% more than the U.S. average. Looking for the cheapest housing in Florida? In 2016, Florida was awarded as the fourth fastest-growing state in the United State of America. It has the 14th-highest average cost to build a home. 12019. Lower Overall Tax Burden Winner? It is located about 45 minutes from Port St. Lucie and 1.5 hours from Orlando. Fellsmere is a small city nestled in a state park near the eastern coast of Florida. 16 Best Places to Live in Florida Newest 2023 Rankings, 9 Top Beaches in Florida with the Highest Quality Waters & Sand, 8 Best Places to Live on the Gulf Coast of Florida. In Titusville, you have to pay $910 a month as rent which is less than the $1,023 national median monthly rent. Then youve just come to the right place. Finally, we took a weighted average of each of the below category to create our final score and ranking: Please note that some links below are affiliate links, which means that we receive a small commission if you make a purchase through our links, but at no extra cost to you. At roughly $1,420, only five states charged a higher monthly rent for the typical one-bedroom as of October. Located in the southwestern part of Florida near Fort Myers, Cape Coral tops in our list of top 10 cheap places to live in Florida. With a monthly expenditure of $2200-2800, you can expect a happy life with all the basic amenities. Two weeks before you move, visit your local post office (it doesn't have to be in Tampa), complete a change-of-address card or do it online. You can also read the moving to Florida checklist and guide. What is the best way to find a job in the area you suggest? The cost of living in Bartow is 12% lower than the state(Florida) average. The city features several family-friendly attractions including public parks, lakes, scenic walking trails. California. Orlando is also known as the Theme Park Capital of the World. It is just 1 hour away from downtown Tampa as well as the beautiful Clearwater Beach. From here, Miami its just 135 miles away. Congratulations, you moved to Florida so now you dont have to shovel snow, but now you have to cut grass twice a week all year long. Economy Strength Winner: Unlike the close ratings on cost of living and crime, Florida wins this comparison by a wide margin. The elevated health insurance rates are in part because Florida's employers generallydon't cover as much of the healthcare costs as those in other states do. 22: Texas. Many states enjoy better weather than these two, but if youve limited yourself to just Illinois or Florida, Florida wins this. You can spend your weekend shopping at Renningers Flea and Farmer Market. The city scored well on providing future job opportunities, which was tied for the strongest job growth on this list, as well as on offering a good, affordable life with many things to do in the area, especially for seniors. 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. Enjoy a happy life in the Sunshine State. Illinois is a great place to grow up and raise kids and the summers are great, but Florida has more things to do and the winter time is a paradise. Hi can you please guide me on the following; 1. It is affordable and has a very good healthcare system. So, what is the cheapest and safest place to live in Florida that you would actually want to move to? High cost of living. Compare that to Indiana, which has an individual rate of 3.23% and a business rate of 5.75%. While they can likely count on warm temperatures in the years ahead, not everyone will find themselves better off financially. Florida's climate means that it can be victim to some crazy tropical storms. According to MIT's living wage calculator, food costs in Florida and Texas run $3,351 per year for a single adult. The cost of living index in Dade City is 89.4 based on a US average of 100. The housing price is 13% lower than the national average, around $95,100. This budget includes housing, utilities, food, health care, transportation, and taxes. Housing costs are also reasonable, but only if you can find a house that is available. The city is full of many amenities for residents to enjoy, including spectacular beaches, natural wonderlands, museums, and gardens. 10 Best States To Retire In 2020 New Hampshire. 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. ___ 2) Which state is a safer place to live overall, Illinois or Florida? The cheapest type of house to build is a rectangular tiny home though your location, materials, and more can impact costs. Here is our privacy policy that outlines how we handle your data. Pricing for various packages can vary a lot even in the same location. Florida is the second cheapest state to buy a car, and the state has a wonderful inventory. Lady Lake is located in central Florida adjacent to The Villages, the immensely popular and ever-growing 55+ retirement community. Along West Baker Street, go to Parkesdale Farm Market. Location-wise, Haines City is situated in central Florida, right between Tampa and Orlando, making it an ideal place to access some of the best large cities in Florida, but with a cheaper lifestyle. Visit an extraordinary vintage antique store on Main Street. I would suggest you to check Dunedin which is affordable and summer is not that hot. Check outZillowfor the latest offers. Surrounded by rolling hills, refreshing air, walkable streets, rare gorgeous downtown, and pasture lands, Dade City is the prime escapade location in Florida. Indeed, the lack of an income tax is a major financial perk for Floridians. 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. Hi there, You can visit Honeymoon Island State Park Dog Beach, a popular dog beach in Florida. Thanks. There are plenty of job opportunities in and around the Orlando metro area. The unemployment rate in Jacksonville is very low. From the waterparks, golf clubs to scenic hiking trails like the Pinellas Trail, Dunedin is packed with recreational outdoor activities. It is a family-friendly city and offers countless outdoor recreational activities. The year-round sunny weather is perfect for people looking to soak up some rays. Because of its less population(7,972) and small size, Quincy is very affordable to live without breaking your bank. Moreover, it is safe and offers plenty of outdoor activities. 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. I was looking at the Pensacola nicevillie, chrestview area. Auto insurance rates by state. If you buy into the hotter the better, move to a desert where daytime temps are from 120-140 degrees daily and enjoy yourself. Hi Janice, you can apply for section 8 housing only if you are a full time resident in Florida with low income and clean rental history. 1) Which state has a lower overall cost of living, Illinois or Florida? A family of four spends $9,380 on average on food in Mount Dora. Titusville is home to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, you cannot miss Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum, and the American Space Museum & Space Walk of Fame. I want somewhere affordable but still close to the city. 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. Housing expenses are 33% lower whereas food and grocery prices are 7% higher than the national average. . Offering all the necessary amenities for a low cost of living this city doesnt break the bank with its affordable median home price. Once a tobacco manufacturing hub is now a hub of art and culture. Furthermore, you can buy a house whose median value is around $155,300, less than the national median home value of $204,900. You can find cheaper options on the outskirts of Orlando. Located on the Florida panhandle just 30 minutes from Pensacola, Milton is a tight-knit community that balances low cost of living with low crime and good job prospects. , Thank you for your comment.i have lived in miami Beach and now Hollywood and I have to mkve.the traffic is making me crazy.i am looking at the west coast and your description is very inviting.thank you..I am newly widowed and on a fixed I come..I will be investigating this area, I Agree I Lived There Between 2005 And Left 2011 But My Family Is Still There And Im Looking To Return Soon. Living in the Magnolia state costs around 15% less than the nationwide average. Hi moving from Las Vegas to Florida, is Sarasota safe? So, if you are looking for the absolute cheapest total lifestyle in a safe and desirable community, then look no further than Haines City. Hey, at least they werent dead last. The average cost to build an 1,800-square-foot home here is the lowest in the U.S. Additionally, a November Forbes analysis using data from the Kaiser Family Foundation found Florida to be the fourth most expensive state for healthcare in the country, adding that residents with employer-provided family health coverage pay over $7,000 annually, the highest premium of any state. Valparaiso is a small city in northwest Florida. It also features several parks and historic buildings like Fort Meade Historical Society worth visiting. The minimum wage of $7.25 per hour leaves families at the poverty threshold. Cheap labor and building costs help Oklahoma land in the No. Fort Meade is included in our list of most affordable cities in Floridafor the low median home price and affordable grocery and healthcare. Cape Coral is the place. Thank you in advance for your support! 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. Here is our in-depth analysis of the 15 pros and cons of living in Florida. So, whether you just want to sit back and relax or you want to have a beach, Read More 11 Best Beaches In North Florida In 2023: A Descriptive ListContinue, Orlando and Tampa are likely to pop up in your mind once you plan a trip to Florida. It is a resident-owned and self-governed park located in a prime location within Dunedin. You have landed on the right page. 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. Crime is also quite low, with less than 20 reported crimes per 1,000 residents, which is almost a quarter lower than the Florida average. Illinois: According to the Latest Gallup Sharecare well-being Index, residents answered more negatively in Illinois about their community and life, than all others states but one and it wasnt Florida. What would you suggest? Based on all these factors, a single individual could be able to live comfortably on an average budget of around $2300-2800 a month. Home United States Is it cheaper to live in Florida or Wisconsin? The cheapest place to live in Flordia is Jacksonville. But there are also some people who regret moving to Florida. It is definitely a good choice. With a population of nearly 20,640 and a median home price of $139,500,Bartowhappens to be one of the most affordable places in Florida to live in. Depending on where you live, property taxes can be a small inconvenience or a major burden. You cannot miss out on Bing Rooming House African American Museum. Based on our research, the cheapest and safest place to live in Florida is Tavares, Florida, where the average home prices are 16% below the Florida average while crime rates are 29% lower than the state average. Hi Kat, for a peaceful retired life, Citrus county is no doubt a good place where the overall cost of living is lower than the state and country average(Utilities cost is a little bit high though). The cost of construction labor is cheaper in Arizona than in a majority of states. Apparently, a whole lot of Illinois residents have been unhappy with their state for many years. However being expensive or not, is relative. The people here are so caring and very passionate about their community. The average home price is currently $212,000, although there are quite a few options around $175,000. Are these data still applying to current year? For a 1-2 bedroom. Cost of Living in Florida Our cost of living indices are based on a US average of 100. Lets find out! Fear not, whether youre looking for a romantic Florida getaway or planning for a family vacation there is no shortage of fun and free things to do in Miami. Considering moving to Florida. Housing, grocery, transportation, and health expenses are lower than the state average as well as the national average. Vero Beach is home to 16,693 people and is considered the 232nd largest city in Florida. Thank you Linda for your kind comment. Health care services may be higher than the national indexes, but overall Quincy is a cheap Florida city to live in. 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. From there come to cherish time at Golden Sands Beach, Jaycee Park, or Wabasso Beach Park to enjoy the salty air. The housing market here is even crazier right now with houses that are appraising at $225,000, selling for over $450,000. Check out Zillow for the latest listings. It also has one massive asset, which is its affordability. I am really glad that the article helped a senior citizen like you. Its 10 year job growth outlook was the strongest on this list, expected to grow 51% compared to the national average of 33%. Hi Luann, if you are looking for a cheap and pet-friendly place to live in Florida, I will highly recommend Jacksonville. Plant City is the 104th most populated city in Florida with 41,276 people residing. 1) Mississippi. If you head to the westernmost point on Florida's panhandle, you'll find Pensacola. Okay, at this point Florida has won 6 of the 9 states versus state quality of life comparisons. It is a perfect place for history buffs. 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. , How about for a new Real estate agent? The average rent of a 2 bedroom home in Quincy is around $1500. The cost of living in Jacksonville is lower than the national average but the living cost has increased after the pandemic. The ten states with the lowest property tax rates are: Hawaii, Alabama, Louisiana, Colorado, District of Columbia, Delaware, South Carolina, West Virginia, Wyoming, and Arkansas. Timber Pines is a peaceful little suburb of Tampa located on the western coast of central Florida. The quality of education can vary from school to school even within the same district in the same state. In fact, the average price for a house is only $143,000, which is a whopping 46% below the average cost in Florida. The average monthly rent in Gainesville is around $1200. 25 Cheapest Places to Live; . Illinoisans wellbeing based on the latest surveys came in at 49th. You can explore Apalachicola River Blueway National Recreation Trail, Lake Talquin State Forest, The Shade Tobacco Museum, and many more attractions during the weekend. Related Post: 10 Fastest-Growing Cities in Florida. Enjoy the vibe of Rock Creek Run and Wekiva River. Meanwhile, the city provides a wide range of entertainment for all ages. The city is situated between 3 major lakes and there are parks all around the water. The only difference is rather than complaining about the cold and snow in Illinois, youll complain about the heat and humidity in Florida. 6) Which state has better overall school ratings Illinois or Florida. Zero estate taxes. It features various job opportunities such as statistician, cement mason, physician assistant, rodbuster, and many more. Along Floridas famous Space Coast sits the greater Titusville which is famous for sunrise views, rocket blasts off and home to sea turtles. 6 . Once you select a new doctor and school system, transfer all information. recommendations for the best neighborhoods in the area, The 16 Best Places to Live in Florida for 2022, Here are the 12 Cheapest Beach Towns in California, California vs Florida - Our Full Comparison, 8 Fastest Growing Small Towns in Texas in 2023 Charming & Desirable, Is Sedona a Good Place to Live?