Cheapest Places to Live in Florida (2025) Ranked
June 27, 2025
6 minutes
Looking for the cheapest place to live in Florida in 2025? You’re not alone.
With rising prices in Miami and Tampa, thousands are searching for affordable, safe cities in Florida that still offer sunshine, beaches, and low costs. This guide reveals the top 10 cheapest places to live in Florida—from hidden gems like Ocala to college towns like Gainesville.
We break down home prices, rent, cost of living, and why these cities are winning in 2025 for retirees, remote workers, and families alike.
Is Palatka, FL a Good Place to Live?
Palatka, FL is gaining attention in 2025 as an affordable, quiet town for budget-conscious buyers.
Located in northeast Florida along the St. Johns River, Palatka offers:
- Median home price around $240,000 — one of the lowest in the state
- Rich natural beauty — access to Ravine Gardens State Park and the Bartram Trail
- Low population density — ideal for retirees and remote workers
- Local job growth — in manufacturing and logistics hubs nearby
Palatka is a hidden gem for anyone seeking small-town charm, water access, and affordability without being too far from major cities like Gainesville or Jacksonville.
Want more hidden gems like Palatka? Check out Affordable Places to Live in Georgia or Affordable Towns in Arizona.
Cheapest Places to Live in Florida (2025 Cost Comparison)
These Florida cities offer the lowest home prices and cost of living in 2025—perfect for retirees, remote workers, and first-time buyers.
| City | Median Home Price | Rent (Monthly) | Cost of Living | Why It’s Affordable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Lake City | $257,570 | $1,400 | 14% below avg | Small-town charm, low housing & rent |
Ocala | $275,429 | $1,750 | 8% below avg | Nature-rich, peaceful, budget-friendly |
Pensacola | $262,185 | $1,800 | 13% below avg | Lower transport costs, beach lifestyle |
Daytona Beach | $259,120 | $1,589 | 2% below avg | Oceanfront living without high prices |
| Pine Hills | $285,013 | $1,510 | 9% below avg | Near Orlando, family-friendly |
Takeaway: Want to save big and still enjoy Florida sunshine? These cities prove you don’t need to break the bank to live in paradise.
Top 10 Affordable Places to Live in Florida
Here are the 10 most affordable places to live in Florida:
1. Ocala
- 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.
Find the Perfect Mortgage in Florida with Be My Neighbor.
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2. Gainesville
- 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.
3. Lake City
- 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.
If you're buying but worried about monthly payments, recasting your mortgage could lower them without refinancing.
4. Pine Hills
- 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.
5. Daytona Beach
- 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.
Find the Perfect Mortgage in Florida with Be My Neighbor.
Compare options, calculate payments, and get expert guidance—all in one place.
If you're financing through assistance programs, understanding the mortgagee clause ensures your lender is protected.
6. Pensacola
- 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.
7. Deltona
- 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.
Using gifted funds for your down payment? Learn how a gift letter works to meet lender requirements.
8. Jacksonville
- 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.
9. Kissimmee
- 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.
10. Bartow
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.
Florida Is Affordable — But reAlpha Makes It Unbeatable
Living in Florida doesn’t have to drain your savings. Whether you're drawn to Lake City’s small-town charm or Pensacola’s beachside ease, you can still buy smart and save big—especially when you work with reAlpha.
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FAQs
1. What is the cheapest place to live in Florida?
Lake City is one of the cheapest places to live in Florida in 2025. With a median home price of $257,570 and rent around $1,400, it's 14% below the national cost of living.
2. What are the safest and most affordable cities in Florida?
Ocala stands out as both safe and affordable, especially for retirees. It offers a calm lifestyle, beautiful parks, and home prices under $280K—ideal for peace of mind and lower expenses.
3. Where in Florida can I live on a budget near the beach?
Pensacola and Daytona Beach are top picks. Both offer access to stunning coastlines, affordable homes under $270K, and cost of living below national average.
4. Is Florida’s cost of living cheap compared to other states?
Yes—many cities in Florida are 8–14% cheaper than the U.S. average. With no state income tax and affordable housing in cities like Pine Hills or Deltona, Florida remains a smart financial move.
5. Where is the best place to retire in Florida on a budget?
Ocala is a retiree favorite—low home prices, peaceful vibes, and great access to nature trails make it perfect for retirement without breaking the bank.
Find the Perfect Mortgage in Florida with Be My Neighbor.
Compare options, calculate payments, and get expert guidance—all in one place.
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As a great communicator with excellent negotiation skills, I focus more on establishing unbreakable ties between my clients, as opposed to just helping them achieve their real estate dreams. As a representative of both buyers and sellers, I understand how to lead a transaction process to ensure that the needs of both are met. My track record speaks for itself. Since I ventured into the industry in 2013 as a realtor, I have not only helped many buyers land perfect homes, but I have also assisted tons of owners and investors build wealth.