10 Cheapest Places to Live in Florida, 2024

Despite being a haven for beachfront homes, celebrities, and year-round tourism, you can still find an affordable cost of living in Florida if you have flexibility when moving to the Sunshine State. As if that wasn't enough, Florida residents are off the hook for personal state income taxes.

Ready to become a year-round snowbird on a budget? Discover some of the cheapest places to live in Florida, and don't forget to check out @Acrosstheglobechannel's awesome take on the most affordable spots for renters.

Note: The rental data provided below comes from our rent estimates. Additional data about demographics comes from U.S. Census data. For further information, learn about our methodology.

10 Cheapest Places to Live in Florida

1. Daytona Beach

• Population: 77,958
• Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,432
• Rent Change in the Past Year: -1.3%
• Median Property Value: $176,800
• Median Household Income: $42,392

Residents settle into Daytona Beach for a lifestyle filled with sunshine, waterfront fun, and high-rise condominiums. Yet, despite the upscale touches, Daytona Beach is among the cheapest places to live in Florida.

The median age in Daytona Beach is 39.3, making it an ideal location for professionals looking to grow into their careers or remote workers looking to relocate to the surfside. College students also flock to the city to study, work and play at Daytona State College, Daytona College, Bethune-Cooking University, and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

Many locals work at NASCAR racing at Daytona International Speedway or businesses focused on advanced manufacturing, aviation and aerospace, and logistics. This laid-back town welcomes entrepreneurs as well, emphasizing innovation. Of course, with 23-miles of sandy beachfront, hospitality jobs are also available in area hotels and restaurants.

There's plenty to do around Daytona other than top-rated beaches in the world. Of course, getting caught up in the adrenaline at the Daytona International Speedway is a must. For something calmer, the Museum of Arts & Sciences attracts visitors to its global art, artifacts, and exhibits on Florida history.

The Boardwalk is the perfect place for rides, games, and shoreside attractions. However, beyond the waterfront and Main Street Pier, you can camp or stroll through Tonka State Park to get in touch with nature.

Learn more about the average rent in Daytona Beach.

2. Gainesville

• Population: 145,214
• Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,207
• Rent Change in the Past Year: 1.1%
• Median Property Value: $182,400
• Median Household Income: $40,937

Beyond higher education, Gainesville boasts culture, state parks, and 100 miles of trails for biking and hiking. The vibe around Gainesville is all about being a college town with craft breweries and live music. Fine dining and cocktail lounges are never far.

The University of Florida, one of the state’s premier colleges, attracts college students and faculty. Like any booming college town, service businesses cater to the student body and visitors. Beyond the university, Gainesville is also appealing to families for quality schools, green space, and a lively town that still retains a laid-back vibe.

The University of Florida is another significant employer in Gainesville, though there are plenty of options that provide Gainesville with a diverse job market. Some other booming industries include agriculture, oil and gas, construction, and manufacturing. There's also a hospitality job market that attracts visitors to Gainesville's beautiful nature, museums, and parks.

Learn more about the average rent in Gainesville.

3. Tallahassee

• Population: 201,731
• Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,353
• Rent Change in the Past Year: -2.6%
• Median Property Value: $223,400
• Median Household Income: $49,077

As the capital of Florida, Tallahassee is home to Florida State University, Florida A&M University, the state capitol, the Supreme Court of Florida, and Florida Governor's Mansion. Although Tallahassee is a booming city, it's still a Southern town with a genteel feel lined with oak trees and plantation homes.

Tallahassee attracts 80,000 college students to its higher education institutions, though is also the perfect place for government workers and young professionals looking to flex their ambitions. You're never more than about ten miles to area attractions and apartments and a close drive to vacation destinations like Orlando. The city is steadily growing, and there's always construction working on new projects and apartment complexes.

The unemployment in Tallahassee is currently lower than in the rest of the U.S., with promising job growth. Industries in Tallahassee include government, trade and transportation, utilities, education, health services, and leisure. Plus, with so much construction going on, you're bound to find work at construction sites and new apartment complexes.

Learn more about the average rent in Tallahassee.

4. Winter Garden

• Population: 47,049
• Median Gross Rent (Census Data): $1,360
• Median Property Value: $545,443
• Median Household Income: $90,157

As a suburb of Orlando, Winter Garden boasts 236 days of sunshine a year and attracts families and professionals with its tree-lined streets and booming job growth. Rents are more reasonable than nearby Orlando and leave more in your budget to take advantage of dining and area attractions.

The 17-mile commute to Orlando from Winter Garden opens up job opportunities in the city. Or locals can stay in Winter Garden and work in hospitality, healthcare, wholesale, and commercial equipment and supplies. Colleges in the area include Full Sail University, Rollins College, and Herzing University, making Winter Garden an affordable place for students.

Though you need to head into Orlando for bustling nightlife options, Winter Park still has plenty to offer for locals. Its leafy outdoor spaces attract outdoor lovers to the city’s Central Park, Mead Botanical Garden, and the Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens. The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art features the Tiffany glass and infamous lamp collection.

5. Sanford

• Population: 63,154
• Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,433
• Rent Change in the Past Year: -3.2%
• Median Property Value: $196,100
• Median Household Income: $55,428

Tourism is booming in Sanford, bringing in visitors and newcomers looking for opportunities at area theme parks, the nearby University of Central Florida, and Deloitte. College students also settle in Sanford for the Seminole State College of Florida. Sanford is also centrally located and is home to the Orlando Sanford International Airport.

Of course, there’s more to see and do around Sanford besides Disney World. For example, the mile-long Sanford RiverWalk park stretches past a yacht basin and several great restaurants. Locals and visitors also explore historic Downtown Sanford and the beloved Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens.

If you’re looking for a nature fix, The Black Bear Wilderness area loops around a 7.2-mile trail. You can also enjoy plenty of waterfront activities like Katie's Wekiva River Landing.

Dive deeper into the average rent in Sanford.

6. Jacksonville

• Population: 971,319
• Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,383
• Rent Change in the Past Year: -3.7%
• Median Property Value: $203,400
• Median Household Income: $58,263

Jacksonville is the most populous city in Florida and the largest city by area in the contiguous United States. The city attracts business executives, entrepreneurs, and families thanks to its affordable cost of living and urban amenities. Of course, the proximity to the beach provides the perfect backdrop for Florida living. Jacksonville is also home to several military bases and the University of North Florida that attracts military personnel and students.

The city attracts a range of businesses and industries, including advanced manufacturing, aviation and aerospace, finance and insurance, Information Technologies, Life Sciences, and Logistics and Distribution.

Jacksonville is also home to world-class attractions, like the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens and Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. Outdoor stops include Big Talbot Island with wetlands, bike paths, and beaches. However, perhaps most impressive, Jacksonville is known for its most extensive urban park system in the nation, with 80,000 acres of parks, seven state parks, two national parks, and city greenspace.

Consider reading more about the average rent in Jacksonville.

7. Fort Myers

• Population: 95,949
• Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,541
• Rent Change in the Past Year: 0.5%
• Median Property Value: $263,800
• Median Household Income: $51,682

While newcomers arrive in Fort Myers for year-round recreation, scenic waterfront views, and job opportunities, it is most famous as a shelling destination. Like Daytona Beach, the median age around Fort Myers is just over 40, and many residents come for new job opportunities. Fort Myers is family-friendly and laid-back but is also home to its share of nightlife. Area colleges include Florida Gulf Coast University and Florida SoutWestern State College.

The future job market in Fort Myers looks promising with industries like healthcare, retail, and construction. Local Job growth is outpacing the U.S. job growth, and, like most beach towns around Florida, the hospitality industry is booming. Whether you want to tend a bar on the beachfront or start your own shelling and tour business, you can find new opportunities in Fort Myers.

Many celebrate Fort Myers for its plentiful shelling opportunities. Visiting Fort Myers Beach is a must, though make sure to hit Times Square to enjoy al fresco dining, surf shops, and entertaining street performers. Its historic downtown boasts 1920s Art Deco buildings. History buffs can also catch up on fascinating local insights at the Edison Ford Estate. Nature is the main draw around Fort Myers, with J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge and Lovers Key State Park.

Learn more about the average rent in Fort Meyers.

8. Lakeland

• Population: 120,071
• Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,421
• Rent Change in the Past Year: -2.2%
• Median Home Value: $171,700
• Median Household Income: $52,972

Lakeland's location between Tampa and Orlando provides outdoor beauty, a stable job market, and a tight-knit community spirit. Business is strong in Lakeland, and families settle in to take advantage of one of the cheapest cost of living in Florida. Lakeland's affordability and the laid-back vibe are also ideal for college students attending Florida Southern College and Southeastern University.

As for employment, Lakeland has plenty of opportunities in manufacturing, distribution, healthcare, and nearby tourism. Some of the largest employers around Lakeland include Publix, Lakeland Regional Health, Geico, and the City of Lakeland.

True to its name, Lakeland is home to 38 lakes, as well as nature spots like the Circle B Bar Reserve. However, Lakeland isn't all lakes. The city includes other nature stops, such as the Hollis Garden and Safari Wilderness. The Polk Museum offers a culture stop with pre-Columbian artifacts, modern paintings, and more.

Learn more about the average rent in Lakeland.

9. Port Orange

• Population: 64,870
• Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,572
• Rent Change In the Past Year: -2.1%
• Median Property Value: $222,500
• Median Household Income: $58,530

Port Orange is part of the greater Daytona Beach metropolitan area and is surprisingly affordable. Residents live about ten minutes to the ocean and have access to well-regarded public schools and amenities in nearby Daytona Beach. Daytona State College and private colleges can settle into Port Orange for quick access to campus and the beach and pubs.

Beyond its close proximity to the beach, Port Orange’s outdoor recreation is a major draw. Dunlawton Sugar Mill Gardens feature walking paths for wildlife viewing and strolling past dinosaur statues. Cracker Creek provides opportunities for kayaking and you're never far from a park, like Spruce Creek. For shopping, The Pavilion at Port Orange is a one-stop destination for restaurants, movies, shopping, and a playground.

Take a closer look at average rent in Port Orange.

10. Casselberry

• Population: 29,901
• Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,673
• Rent Change In the Past Year: -3.3%
• Median Home Value: $195,800
• Median Household Income: $53,150

Casselberry, Florida is a booming suburb halfway between Sanford and Orlando. Locals are attracted to the area for its 16 parks and more than two dozen lakes.

There are several things to do in Casselberry. For example, you could play a round of golf at the city’s namesake club, play pickup tennis or go fishing at Secret Lake Park, or hit the nearby Wekiwa Springs State Park for kayaking, hiking, and mountain biking. On hot days, locals cool off in the refreshing waters.

You'll mostly find laid-back dining options around Casselberry. The Metro Diner serves classic breakfasts and lunch fare, or you can grab a bite before work at the Breakfast Club of Casselberry. You'll find authentic Peruvian food at Aji Ceviche Bar Casselberry and no-frills Latin food at Cubans on the Run.

Learn more about the average rent in Casselberry.

Average Rent Prices in Florida

Here’s what to expect when looking for apartments in Florida and the average rent for different apartments. These numbers come from our carefully curated rent reporting estimates that we update monthly.

• The average rent for a Florida apartment of any size is: $1,675.
• The average rent for a Florida one-bedroom apartment is: $1,385
• The average rent for a Florida two-bedroom apartment is: $1,655

Cheapest 2-Bedroom Apartments in Florida

Before your choose your new home in Florida, get a breakdown of the average rent for a two-bedroom apartment in each city. You'll also find the year-over-year growth.

Explore Rental Opportunities in Florida

From coastal gems to modern cities, these are the cheapest places to live in Florida. The best places to live in the state are steeped in history, Southern charm, and promising job markets.

If you're concerned about the cost of living in Florida, learn about the true cost of renting. You can also consider subletting, living in a short-term rental, or finding a move-in special!

Ready to make a move to the Sunshine State? Sign up for Apartment List to find an affordable apartment in Florida.

Cheapest Places to Live in Florida FAQs

Where Is the Cheapest Place to Live in Florida?

As of September 2023, Gainesville, Florida is the most affordable option for 2-bedroom apartments, with the median coming in at $1,207. That's up slightly over last year by 1.1%.

Is Moving to Florida a Good Idea?

Moving to Florida can be a great choice for the fantastic weather and the tax benefits. If you're considering making Florida your home, why not take our easy quiz and get matched with a place in your perfect location and budget.

What Salary Is Needed to Live Comfortably in Florida?

According to MIT's Living Wage calculator, 2 adults with a child must each make $19.91 in order to live comfortably in Florida. The median household income in Florida is $61,777.