Best Affordable Places to Live in Florida in 2025

Photo credit: iStock/Laura Ragsdale

On Florida’s Gulf Coast, near Alabama, Pensacola offers pristine beaches with white sand and stunning gulf views. When you’re not relaxing on the beach, take a visit to the nearby National Naval Aviation Museum, all while enjoying a below-average cost of living — Pensacola is one of the least expensive cities in the state. In addition to relatively affordable rent and home prices, there are also first-time homebuyer programs in Florida consumers can take advantage of.

Photo credit: iStock/Michael Warren

If you’re looking for a Florida place to live that’s not on the gulf or ocean, you might consider Ocala. Ocala is located in Central Florida, about 80 miles northwest of Orlando. While Ocala is within driving distance of Orlando or the Gulf of Mexico, you can also check out the local Silver Springs State Park, site of one of Florida’s early tourist attractions. If you’re considering buying a home in Ocala, you’ll likely want to start the mortgage preapproval process sooner rather than later.

Photo credit: iStock/Michael Warren

As the capital of Florida, Tallahassee offers natural beauty, rich culture, and a vibrant food scene. Located on the Florida Panhandle, Tallahassee is a short drive from the Gulf of Mexico and is also the home of Florida State University.

Photo credit: iStock/Stephen Wood

Melbourne is a city in Florida located on the Atlantic coast, southeast of Orlando. It’s known not only for its beaches, but for the Gallie Arts District, located on Indian River Lagoon. Its relative affordability makes it a solid choice, and families will appreciate its abundance of schools, including 62 private schools. While the overall cost of living in Melbourne is slightly below the national average, your best bet to find an affordable house is to look inland, away from the ocean.

Photo credit: iStock/Susanne Neumann

As the most populous city in Florida (roughly twice as populous as Miami), Jacksonville has something to offer almost everyone. From beaches and other outdoor leisure activities to the NFL’s Jaguars, you’re sure to find an activity for your family. Do your homework when house-shopping for a family, as in any town some local public schools are better rated than others. You may also have to explore several different types of mortgage loans to purchase the home that you’re looking for.

Photo credit: iStock/ferrantraite

The Tampa/St. Petersburg area is one of the largest in Florida, and offers some amenities that can’t be found in some of Florida’s smaller cities. This includes professional sports and a vibrant arts and culture scene. With Busch Gardens, the Tampa Zoo, as well as miles of Gulf Coast beaches, it’s no surprise this is one of the best places to live in Florida for families.

Photo credit: iStock/Michael Warren

Located in Central Florida, Orlando is well known as the gateway to some of America’s most famous theme parks, including Disney World and Universal Orlando. In addition to theme parks, Orlando is home to the NBA’s Magic and Lake Apopka. Buyers may need to find a jumbo mortgage loan in order to get financing on some of Orlando’s more expensive homes.

Photo credit: iStock/WanderDrone

Miramar is located in southern Broward County, in between Miami and Fort Lauderdale. As such, residents are spoiled for activities, including big-city life, nature and wildlife, or soaking in the sun at the beach. Truly, you can find something for everyone.

credit: iStock/SeanPavonePhoto

Tallahassee is not only the state’s capital but the home of the state’s flagship university, Florida State. Located on the Florida Panhandle, Tallahassee is a short drive from the Gulf of Mexico and offers natural beauty, rich culture and a vibrant food and arts scene.

Photo credit: iStock/felixmizioznikov

Pensacola is the largest city on Florida’s panhandle, with crystal clear water and plenty of white sand beaches. It’s also home to the National Naval Aviation Museum, which can give you something to do when you’re not in a beach mood. You’ll also be able to take advantage of a cost of living that is below the national average. It can still be affordable to buy a house in Pensacola, even if you are a first-time homebuyer.

Photo credit: iStock/Sean Craft

Brooksville is a small city in rural Florida — north of Tampa and west of Orlando. While it’s not directly on the beach, the Gulf of Mexico is just a short drive away. If you’re looking to retire to a small town, Brooksville could be the sweet spot. One of our best tips to qualify for a mortgage is to stay within your budget, and buying a home in Brooksville may make that easier.

Photo credit: iStock/halbergman

The Villages is a census-designated place (CDP) located about 30 miles northwest of Orlando. The Villages is a master-planned and age-restricted community, specifically intended for retirees. Although the name suggests a quaint and small area, The Villages is actually quite large, stretching over parts of three counties (Sumter, Marion and Lake). Housing affordability is better than the national average. That might allow you to do a mortgage refinance on your first home and use your home’s equity to buy a second home in this retirement community.

Photo credit: iStock/felixmizioznikov

Nestled on the east coast of Florida between Daytona Beach and Miami, Vero Beach offers many of the benefits of beach living without the cost of some of the more expensive parts of Florida. At 85.9%, the cost of living in the Sebastian-Vero Beach metro area is significantly below the national average.

Photo credit: iStock/Davel5957

Located in Brevard County, just east of Orlando, Cocoa Beach sits on a barrier island in the Atlantic Ocean. Known as the gateway to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, it’s a must for those interested in space travel and NASA.

Photo credit: iStock/WanderDrone

Destin is located in Florida’s Panhandle, just a bit east of Pensacola, on a barrier island outside Choctawhatchee Bay. Enjoy the Gulf Coast beaches and boardwalk, or visit the dunes at nearby Henderson Beach State Park.