Florida Living Cost Calculator
Find the most affordable Florida cities for your monthly budget. Compare rent costs in Clearwater, Fort Myers, Port St. Lucie, and DeFuniak Springs.
Florida isn’t just about Orlando’s theme parks and Miami’s beaches. If you’re looking for a place to live that’s affordable without giving up charm, sunshine, or access to water, you don’t need to break the bank. The truth is, some of the nicest places in Florida are also the most affordable - if you know where to look.
Clearwater: Beach Life Without the Price Tag
Clearwater sits on the Gulf Coast, just 20 minutes from Tampa. It’s got white sand beaches, a lively downtown with local restaurants, and a strong sense of community. The median home price here is around $320,000 - nearly $100,000 less than in nearby St. Pete or Sarasota. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment averages $1,800 a month, which is below the Florida state average.
What makes Clearwater stand out? The annual Clearwater Marine Aquarium events, the weekly farmers market on Pier 60, and the fact that you can walk to the beach from many neighborhoods. It’s not a quiet retirement town - it’s alive, but not overrun. Property taxes are moderate, and utility costs are lower than in northern Florida cities.
Fort Myers: Quiet, Clean, and Surprisingly Affordable
Fort Myers, on Florida’s southwest coast, has been quietly growing for years. It’s home to the Calusa Nature Center, miles of undeveloped coastline, and a growing arts scene. The median home price is $295,000. That’s less than half of what you’d pay in Naples or Boca Raton.
Renters pay about $1,600 for a one-bedroom apartment. Utilities run about $150 a month - lower than the state average - thanks to milder winters and fewer heating needs. The city has no income tax, and groceries are priced close to national averages. You’ll find plenty of 55+ communities, but there are also family-friendly neighborhoods like San Carlos Park with good schools and low crime.
Fort Myers also has a strong healthcare system, with Lee Health offering affordable care. If you need to commute, I-75 connects you to Tampa in under two hours or Naples in 45 minutes.
Port St. Lucie: Growth Without the Grit
Port St. Lucie, on Florida’s east coast, is one of the fastest-growing cities in the state - but it still feels like a small town. It’s about 70 miles north of West Palm Beach and 120 miles south of Jacksonville. The median home price is just $280,000. For that, you get a three-bedroom house with a yard, often in a planned community with pools and walking trails.
Rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,500 on average. Property taxes are among the lowest in Florida, and there’s no state income tax. The city has invested in parks, bike lanes, and public transit, making it easy to get around without a car if you want to.
It’s not glamorous, but it’s practical. The local hospital, Memorial Medical Center, is well-rated. There are multiple grocery chains, and the Walmart on St. Lucie West Boulevard has a full-service pharmacy and a busy deli. If you work remotely, the internet speeds are reliable. Most neighborhoods are quiet after 8 p.m.
DeFuniak Springs: The Hidden Gem in the Panhandle
If you want to escape the coastal crowds entirely, head to the Florida Panhandle. DeFuniak Springs, population under 5,000, is a historic town with tree-lined streets, a 19th-century courthouse, and a charming downtown with indie shops and a weekly farmers market.
Here, you can buy a 1,500-square-foot home for under $180,000. Rent for a two-bedroom apartment is around $1,100. Property taxes are among the lowest in the state. The cost of living is 20% below the Florida average.
It’s not near the ocean, but it’s only 45 minutes from Destin’s beaches and 30 minutes from the Gulf Islands National Seashore. The town has a community college, a public library, and a strong volunteer fire department. It’s the kind of place where people know your name - and your dog’s.
Why These Places Beat the Rest
Many people assume cheap means run-down. But in Florida, affordability doesn’t mean sacrificing quality. These towns share a few key traits:
- No state income tax - that’s a direct savings of 5-7% on your paycheck.
- Lower property taxes - especially in inland towns like DeFuniak Springs and Port St. Lucie.
- Access to nature - lakes, rivers, or beaches within 15 minutes.
- Low crime rates - all four towns rank in the top 30% safest in Florida.
- Strong local services - hospitals, grocery stores, and internet providers are reliable.
Compare that to Miami, where a one-bedroom can cost $2,800 a month, or Orlando, where home prices have jumped 40% since 2020. Those places are great for tourism - not so great for living.
What to Watch Out For
Even the cheapest places have trade-offs. Clearwater gets crowded in spring break. Fort Myers has occasional hurricane-related insurance hikes. Port St. Lucie’s growth means more traffic on US-1. DeFuniak Springs has fewer job options - if you work in tech or finance, you’ll need to commute or go remote.
Also, don’t ignore insurance. Florida’s homeowner insurance costs are the highest in the nation. In Clearwater and Fort Myers, expect to pay $2,500-$3,500 a year for coverage. In DeFuniak Springs, it’s closer to $1,800. Always get quotes before signing a lease or buying.
Final Tip: Live Like a Local
The best way to find your spot is to visit in the off-season. Go in January or February, when the crowds are gone but the weather is still perfect. Stay in an Airbnb for a month. Walk the neighborhoods after work. Talk to people at the grocery store. Ask about the water bill, the school district, and how often the power goes out.
Florida’s cheapest places aren’t the ones with the most Instagram posts. They’re the ones where people stay because they can breathe, save money, and still feel like they’re on vacation every day.
Is it cheaper to live in Florida than in Texas?
It depends. Texas has lower housing costs in cities like Austin and Dallas, but Florida has no state income tax, while Texas doesn’t either. Florida’s insurance and utility costs are higher, especially near the coast. For a similar lifestyle, you’ll likely pay less in Texas for a comparable home - but Florida’s weather and beach access make up the difference for many people.
Can you live in Florida on $3,000 a month?
Absolutely. In cities like Port St. Lucie or DeFuniak Springs, $3,000 a month covers rent, utilities, groceries, car insurance, and entertainment with room to save. Even in Clearwater or Fort Myers, you can live comfortably on that budget if you avoid tourist zones and shop smart. The key is location - avoid Miami, Naples, and Key West if you’re on a fixed income.
What’s the safest cheap city in Florida?
DeFuniak Springs consistently ranks as one of the safest small towns in Florida, with violent crime rates below 1.5 per 1,000 residents. Port St. Lucie and Fort Myers also have lower crime than the state average. Clearwater is safe in residential areas but has higher petty theft near the beach in peak season.
Are there any hidden costs when moving to Florida?
Yes. Homeowners insurance is the biggest surprise - it’s often double what you’d pay in other states. Flood insurance may be required even if you’re not near the coast. Water bills can be high in older homes with outdated plumbing. Also, some HOAs in planned communities charge $100-$300 a month for maintenance and amenities.
What’s the best time of year to move to Florida?
January to March is ideal. The weather is mild, rental listings are more plentiful, and landlords are more flexible on terms. You’ll also avoid the summer hurricane season and the spring break rush. Moving in the off-season gives you time to settle before the heat hits.
