Florida Cost of Living: What It Really Costs to Live There

When people talk about the Florida cost of living, the total amount of money needed to cover basic expenses like housing, food, transportation, and healthcare in the state of Florida. Also known as Florida living expenses, it’s often misunderstood as cheap because there’s no state income tax. But that’s just one piece of the puzzle. The truth? Florida’s affordability depends on where you live, what you need, and how you manage your budget.

Take Florida housing, the cost of renting or buying a home in Florida’s diverse markets, from coastal cities to inland suburbs. In Miami or Orlando, rent can be higher than in many northern cities. A one-bedroom apartment in downtown Miami averages over $2,200 a month. Even in less touristy areas like Tampa or Jacksonville, prices have jumped 30% in the last five years. Meanwhile, property taxes? They’re among the highest in the U.S. because local governments rely on them to make up for the lack of state income tax. You’re not saving money—you’re just paying differently.

Florida taxes, the mix of sales, property, and other local taxes that residents pay instead of state income tax. Sound good? Not always. Florida’s sales tax is 6%, plus local surcharges that can push it to 7.5% or higher. Groceries are exempt, but restaurant meals, clothing, and electronics? Fully taxed. And don’t forget car insurance—Florida has the highest auto insurance rates in the country, thanks to no-fault laws and fraud. If you’re moving from a state with income tax, you might think you’re ahead. But when you add up rent, insurance, and groceries, the savings vanish fast.

Then there’s the hidden stuff: utility bills spike in summer because of AC use. Water bills rise in coastal areas due to infrastructure needs. Even basic things like lawn care or pest control cost more because of Florida’s climate. And if you need to travel for work or family? Flights out of Orlando or Fort Lauderdale aren’t cheap, especially outside of holiday sales.

So who does Florida work for? Retirees on fixed incomes who own their homes outright. Remote workers who can live anywhere and choose lower-cost inland towns. Families who can stretch their budget across multiple income streams. But if you’re a young professional or single person trying to save, Florida’s charm comes with a steep price tag.

Below, you’ll find real stories and breakdowns from people who’ve lived there—what they paid, what surprised them, and what they wish they’d known before packing up. No fluff. Just the numbers, the trade-offs, and the truth behind the sunshine state’s reputation.