The cost of living in Florida comes with its own set of trade-offs, but it’s easy to see why people are drawn to the Sunshine State. With a mix of vibrant cities, scenic coastal towns, and everything in between, Florida has a lifestyle to suit almost anyone. Whether you’re dreaming of apartments in Miami or homes in Orlando, there’s plenty to explore in terms of both location and budget. From bustling urban hubs to more relaxed beachside living, getting a sense of the cost of living in Florida will help you navigate what it truly takes to live comfortably in this diverse state.
Housing costs: Median home prices and average rent in Florida
Housing costs in Florida can be a bit of a mixed bag, but overall, they’re higher than the national average. With the average rent in Florida around $1,900, it’s noticeably more expensive than the national average of $1,645. Whether you’re considering apartments in Miami or homes in Tampa, the cost of housing is likely to be your biggest expense. Of course, prices vary depending on where you live, with some cities offering more budget-friendly options than others. In general, Florida’s attractive lifestyle and coastal appeal drive up housing costs, but there are still pockets of affordability across the state.
FL housing costs: Average rents and median home sale prices
| City in Colorado | 1 Bed Avg. Rent | 2 Bed Avg. Rent | Median Home Sale Price |
| National Average | $1,495 | $1,725 | $439,000 |
| Boca Raton | $2,665 | $3,260 | $800,000 |
| Cape Coral | $1,615 | $1760 | $375,000 |
| Daytona Beach | $1,375 | $1,740 | $269,000 |
| Destin | $2,000 | $2,475 | $575,000 |
| Fort Lauderdale | $2,250 | $3,000 | $579,000 |
| Fort Myers | $1,670 | $1,940 | $361,000 |
| Gainesville | $1,280 | $1,480 | $266,000 |
| Jacksonville | $1,365 | $1,580 | $309,000 |
| Miami | $2,730 | $3,450 | $600,000 |
| Orlando | $1,740 | $2,155 | $382,000 |
| Sarasota | $1,895 | $2,320 | $462,000 |
| St. Augustine | $1,575 | $2,000 | $432,000 |
| St. Petersburg | $1,820 | $2,240 | $448,000 |
| Tallahassee | $1,200 | $1,450 | $295,000 |
| Tampa | $1,900 | $2,150 | $449,000 |
Housing costs in popular Florida cities
Jacksonville
If you’re looking for affordable housing in the Sunshine State, Jacksonville offers a breath of fresh air. With an average rent of $1,365 for a one-bedroom and $1,580 for a two-bedroom, it’s significantly lower than the average rent in Florida, $1,900. Buying a home in Jacksonville is also more affordable than many areas of Florida and the U.S., with a median sale price of just $309,000 compared to the national median price of $439,000. Jacksonville’s coastal location and humid climate can influence housing maintenance costs—think hurricane-proofing and AC for those long, hot summers—but the lower housing prices certainly help balance things out.
Fort Lauderdale
The cost of living in Florida’s beachside cities is steep, and Fort Lauderdale is no exception. With one-bedroom apartments averaging $2,250 and two-bedrooms around $3,000, rent here soars above both the average rent in Florida of $1,900 and the national average. While you’re paying a premium for the sunny coastal lifestyle, you also get access to vibrant nightlife and a boating culture that’s hard to beat. Homebuyers, too, will find prices on the higher end, driven by luxury properties and waterfront views. In Fort Lauderdale, the cost of living comes with plenty of perks—if you can afford it.
Miami
If you thought Fort Lauderdale was pricey, Miami takes it up a notch. With one-bedroom apartments going for an average of $2,730 and two bedrooms at $3,450, Miami’s rent is far above both the average rent in Florida and the national average. Buying a home here isn’t any cheaper, with the median price sitting at $600,000, well above the national median of $439,000. Miami’s cultural appeal and oceanfront location are undeniable, but the housing costs here are among the highest in the state, reflecting its status as a hotspot for international buyers and high-end living.
Orlando
Orlando strikes a balance between affordability and vibrant living. Renting in Orlando averages around $1,740 for a one-bedroom and $2,155 for a two-bedroom, making it more accessible than Miami but still higher than the average rent in Florida. Orlando’s bustling tourism industry keeps things exciting, and while housing here isn’t the cheapest, it’s a good middle-ground for those looking to enjoy these attractions with a more affordable cost of living in Florida.
Tallahassee
Tallahassee offers one of the most affordable housing markets in Florida. The average rent is $1,200 for a one-bedroom and $1,450 for a two-bedroom, much lower than the state’s $1,900 average and well below the national average. With a median home price of $295,000, this capital city is an attractive choice for budget-conscious renters and buyers alike. Tallahassee provides a quieter, more laid-back lifestyle compared to larger Florida cities, making it ideal for those looking to enjoy the perks of living in the state without sky-high housing costs.
Tampa
In Tampa, housing costs land right in the middle. The average rent is $1,900 for a one-bedroom—right on par with Florida’s state average—while a two-bedroom comes in at $2,150. The median home price in Tampa is $449,000, just above the national median of $439,000. Offering a mix of urban amenities and beach town charm, Tampa draws in residents who want Florida living at a relatively balanced cost. However, keep in mind that higher homeowner’s insurance rates, often driven by the area’s hurricane risk, can add to the overall expense of living here. As the area continues to grow in popularity, home prices are creeping up, making it essential to budget wisely.
Utility costs in Florida are on par with nationwide averages
Utility costs in Florida are generally in line with national averages, which helps balance out housing expenses and contributes to the overall cost of living in Florida. Residents typically pay for electricity, water, gas, trash services, and internet, with some landlords including certain utilities in the rent. Given Florida’s warm climate and high humidity, electricity bills can spike during the hot summer months due to increased air conditioning use. Additionally, the state’s humidity can lead to higher costs for maintaining a comfortable indoor environment, as dehumidifiers may be necessary in some areas. However, winter heating costs are typically minimal. You’ll find that energy bills across the state vary depending on where you live, but overall the cost of utilities in Florida is pretty average.
Energy bill comparisons: Florida cities vs. nationwide average
| Monthly Energy Bill | Comparison to National Avg. | |
| National Average | $200.07 | |
| Cape Coral | $208.20 | +3% more |
| Daytona Beach | $199.11 | 0% |
| Fort Lauderdale | $211.73 | +4% more |
| Gainesville | $195.11 | -5% less |
| Jacksonville | $179.12 | -6% less |
| Miami | $211.73 | +4% more |
| Orlando | $190.75 | -3% less |
| Sarasota | $205.15 | +2% more |
| Tallahassee | $147.82 | -15% less |
| Tampa | $196.73 | -1% less |
Grocery costs are just above the national average in Florida
The cost of living in Florida can fluctuate depending on where you live, and the same is true for the cost of groceries. However, on average, Floridians spend about 2.5% more on groceries than the national average. Groceries in Miami tend to be pricier, costing about 7% more than the national average—a loaf of bread in Miami runs $4.59 compared to the national average of $3.97, and eggs will set you back $3.74, slightly higher than the national $3.47. On the other hand, Gainesville offers a break in grocery costs, with prices about 6% lower than the national average. Here, bread costs about $3.44, and eggs are around $3.34. These regional variations in grocery prices can make a noticeable impact on your overall cost of living depending on where in Florida you call home.
High transportation costs in Florida
Transportation costs in Florida are a significant factor when considering the cost of living in Florida. While gas prices are close to the national average, driving can still get pricey, particularly in major cities like Miami and Orlando, where traffic congestion and toll roads are common. Florida has an extensive toll road system, especially in the central and southern regions, which can add to your monthly commuting costs if you frequently travel these routes. Additionally, car insurance rates are higher than the national average, with Miami residents facing some of the steepest premiums due to traffic and weather-related risks. However, smaller cities like Gainesville and Tallahassee offer less traffic and fewer tolls, keeping transportation expenses a bit more manageable. Public transportation is available in some urban areas, but most Floridians rely on their cars, so it’s essential to factor in these transportation costs when budgeting for life in the Sunshine State.
Florida residents benefit from no state income tax
One of the most appealing aspects of the cost of living in Florida is the state’s tax structure. Florida is one of the few states with no state income tax, making it a popular choice for residents looking to hold on to more of their paycheck. Instead, the state relies on sales tax, which hovers around 6%, with local jurisdictions adding their own rates, bringing the total to between 6% and 8% in many areas. This is quite comparable to the national average sales tax, which typically falls between 5% and 7%. This setup makes Florida an attractive destination for retirees and those looking to maximize their income, allowing them to keep more of what they earn while enjoying the state’s sunny lifestyle.
Let’s take a look at how the total combined sales tax varies across a few cities in Florida:
| Florida City | Combined Sales Tax |
| Cape Coral | 6.50% |
| Daytona Beach | 6.50% |
| Fort Lauderdale | 7.0% |
| Gainesville | 7.5% |
| Jacksonville | 7.5% |
| Miami | 7.0% |
| Orlando | 6.50% |
| Sarasota | 7.0% |
| Tallahassee | 7.5% |
| Tampa | 7.5% |
Healthcare costs in Florida are on par with nationwide costs
Healthcare costs in Florida can vary significantly based on coverage, personal medical needs, and location, but they generally align closely with national averages. The state boasts a robust healthcare system with a mix of public and private providers. For routine visits, the national average cost is $140.46 for a doctor’s appointment and $115.50 for a dental visit. In Florida, prices fluctuate by city. In Tampa, doctor visits average $126.53 and dentist appointments cost around $112.45. Meanwhile, Cape Coral sees higher medical costs, with doctor visits at $167.79 and dental visits at $129.57. Fort Lauderdale is on the more affordable side, with average costs of $121.46 for a doctor’s visit and $108.21 for the dentist. Ultimately, your healthcare expenses will depend on your coverage, medical needs, and location, but Florida’s costs tend to hover close to national averages.
How much do I need to earn to live comfortably in Florida?
To live comfortably in Florida, you’ll need to account for housing costs, which are among the most substantial factors in the cost of living in Florida. With the average rent in Florida at $1,900, significantly higher than the national average, the 30% rule suggests you’d need an income of around $76,000 annually to cover rent without overextending your budget. Of course, how much you truly need depends on your lifestyle, spending habits, and other costs like groceries, transportation, and healthcare. For instance, cities like Miami and Fort Lauderdale may require significantly higher incomes, while areas like Tallahassee can provide more budget-friendly options.
Methodology
Average 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom rent sourced from Rent. Median home sale price, state average monthly rent, national rent prices, and cost of living data sourced from Redfin.
