Looking at the Sunshine State?
Florida isn’t just for beachgoers and retirees. It’s a surprisingly affordable place to plant roots. From lakeside towns to coastal communities, these cities offer sunshine, savings, and quality of life without the sky-high price tags.
Why it matters: As housing costs soar across the country, these Florida cities give homebuyers more for their money without sacrificing lifestyle, location, or opportunity.
What’s ahead: We break down 10 budget-friendly cities where affordability meets beach vibes, cultural perks, and strong job sectors.
1. Titusville – Florida’s Space Coast with small-town costs
Pop: 49,883 | Median Home Value: $243,100 | Median Household Income: $64,898
Cost of Living Index: 95.6 (4.4% below national average)
Property Tax Rate: 0.95%
Median Property Tax: $2,143
Major Industries: Aerospace, manufacturing, healthcare, retail
Mean Commute Time: 24 min
Amenities: Kennedy Space Center, Canaveral National Seashore, museums, beaches
Why it’s #1: Low-cost living meets cosmic adventure. With proximity to Kennedy Space Center and coastal preserves, Titusville blends aerospace, affordability, and access to nature.
2. Winter Haven – Lakeside charm between two metros
Pop: 59,975 | Median Home Value: $248,200 | Median Household Income: $59,604
Cost of Living Index: 91.6 (8.4% below national average)
Property Tax Rate: 1.12%
Median Property Tax: $2,580
Major Industries: Tourism, retail, healthcare, agribusiness
Mean Commute Time: 28 min
Amenities: Theme parks, wetlands, entertainment, water recreation
Why it’s special: With LEGOLAND fun, 50+ lakes, and a classic American vibe, Winter Haven is ideal for outdoor lovers and families seeking space between Tampa and Orlando.
3. Lauderdale Lakes – Coastal city life without the price tag
Pop: 37,333 | Median Home Value: $203,100 | Median Household Income: $44,333
Cost of Living Index: 110.5 (10.5% above national average)
Property Tax Rate: 2.01%
Median Property Tax: $3,788
Major Industries: Healthcare, technology, hospitality, airline – Spirit Airlines
Mean Commute Time: 28 min
Amenities: Water recreation, Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse
The allure: Ringed by lakes and close to the beach, Lauderdale Lakes offers outdoor beauty, big-city access, and budget-friendly real estate in South Florida.
4. Daytona Beach – Affordable sun, sand, and speed
Pop: 86,015 | Median Home Value: $244,300 | Median Household Income: $50,130
Cost of Living Index: 94.9 (5.1% below national average)
Property Tax Rate: 1.13%
Median Property Tax: $2,562
Major Industries: Tourism, racing, hospitality, retail, healthcare
Mean Commute Time: 21 min
Amenities: Beaches, lively downtown, Daytona International Speedway, festivals
Why it’s noteworthy: From racing to relaxing, Daytona delivers year-round action with 23 miles of beaches, cultural events, and an affordable gateway to Florida’s east coast.
5. Sanford – Old Florida meets modern comfort
Pop: 66,919 | Median Home Value: $272,900 | Median Household Income: $62,877
Cost of Living Index: 105.7 (5.7% above national average)
Property Tax Rate: 1.0%
Median Property Tax: $2,532
Major Industries: Education - Seminole State College of Florida, healthcare, construction
Mean Commute Time: 25 min
Amenities: Boutique stores, vibrant cafes and restaurants, lake views, water recreation
Why it’s great: Historic architecture, lakefront parks, and charming downtown vibes make Sanford a hidden gem just north of Orlando—at a price that’s hard to beat.
6. Largo – Beach-town lifestyle with suburban ease
Pop: 82,337 | Median Home Value: $208,500 | Median Household Income: $60,465
Cost of Living Index: 102.8 (2.8% above national average)
Property Tax Rate: 1.01%
Median Property Tax: $1,954
Major Industries: Healthcare, professional, scientific, and technical services
Mean Commute Time: 24 min
Amenities: Seaside city, vibrant downtown, golf courses, beaches
The takeaway: Gulf Coast living, golf, and a relaxed pace define Largo, where residents enjoy beaches, boutiques, and a breezy lifestyle without the big-city prices.
7. Lakeland – Lakes, trails, and savings in Central Florida
Pop: 124,990 | Median Home Value: $229,100 | Median Household Income: $60,947
Cost of Living Index: 91.6 (8.4% below national average)
Property Tax Rate: 0.96%
Median Property Tax: $2,041
Major Industries: Manufacturing, transportation, distribution, healthcare
Mean Commute Time: 24 min
Amenities: Water recreation, hiking, museums
Why it shines: With abundant lakes, walkable downtowns, and outdoor fun, Lakeland hits the sweet spot between Tampa and Orlando—at one of Florida’s lowest price points.
8. Deltona – Hidden natural haven with hometown vibes
Pop: 100,513 | Median Home Value: $254,100 | Median Household Income: $72,967
Cost of Living Index: 94.9 (5.1% below national average)
Property Tax Rate: 0.87%
Median Property Tax: $2,051
Major Industries: Manufacturing, retail, aviation, healthcare, distribution
Mean Commute Time: 34 min
Amenities: Green Springs Park, Mariner’s Cove Park, Seminole State Forest
9. Jacksonville – Big city, small price tag
Pop: 1,009,833 | Median Home Value: $266,100 | Median Household Income: $66,981
Cost of Living Index: 95.7 (4.3% below national average)
Property Tax Rate: 1.14%
Median Property Tax: $2,815
Major Industries: Finance, healthcare, hospitality, logistics, transportation
Mean Commute Time: 24 min
Amenities: Snorkeling, Amelia Island, Abbey Hanna Park,
Why it’s a win: Florida’s largest city offers something for everyone—surfing, shopping, and job markets—all at a surprisingly low cost of living for its size.
10. Pinellas Park – Southern charm with Gulf access
Pop: 53,503 | Median Home Value: $251,900 | Median Household Income: $62,043
Cost of Living Index: 102.8 (2.8% above national average)
Property Tax Rate: 0.98%
Median Property Tax: $2,291
Major Industries: Financial services, medical technology, tourism, defense, aviation
Mean Commute Time: 23 min
Amenities: Horseback riding, flea markets, restaurants
Why it’s a star: Affordable, laid-back, and uniquely Floridian, Pinellas Park mixes equestrian trails, quirky flea markets, and proximity to beaches in the Tampa Bay area.
The Bottom Line
Florida’s most affordable cities prove you don’t need to overspend to live well in the Sunshine State.
Other Florida Resources
Your Complete Relocation Guide to Punta Gorda, FL
The complete guide to relocating to Melbourne, FL
Best Small Cities for Retirees in Florida
10 Healthiest Cities in Florida
The Top 10 Best Places to Live in Florida
Cost to Build a House in Florida
Complete Guide to Closing Costs in Florida
The 10 Best Places to Retire in Florida
Popular Master Planned Communities in Tampa
Master Planned Communities Near Orlando, Florida
The Best Suburbs Near Melbourne, Florida
Best Modular Home Builders in Florida
Best Tiny Home Builders in Florida
2021 Best Suburbs Surrounding Miami
2021 Best Suburbs Surrounding Sarasota, Florida
First-Time Homebuyer Programs in Florida
Julie Gordey
A lifelong educator, Julie Gordey, is a retired school administrator. After years of focusing on education, this University of Texas graduate now travels and enjoys freelance writing for BDX and NewHomeSource.com.