Florida’s sunshine, beaches, and laid-back lifestyle make it one of the most desirable places to live in the United States—but living in paradise doesn’t always come cheap. With major cities like Miami, Orlando, and Tampa seeing rising housing prices and cost of living, many people are searching for affordable alternatives that still offer the charm and benefits of the Sunshine State.
Whether you’re retiring, relocating for employment, or something in between, there’s a place for everyone. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at some of the cheapest places to live in Florida—where your money can go further without sacrificing quality of life.
Palatka
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Florida: $1,691/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Palatka: $1,147/month
- Median Home List Price in Palatka: $250,000
- Proximity to the beach: 30 miles
Palatka, located about an hour east of Gainesville, rests along the scenic St. Johns River, Florida's longest waterway. A hidden gem with small-town charm, the city was established in the 1800s as a transportation and trade hub which elevated the area into a major tourist destination. Today, you will find streets lined with historic homes, quaint cafes, and unique storefronts.
Things to do in Palatka
Leisure in Palatka revolves around the St. Johns River Center, where you can enjoy a variety of activities such as boat parades, art exhibits, bike rides, and music concerts. If you love festivals, soak up an array of vibrant colors at the annual Florida Azalea Festival with a parade, beauty pageant, and an antique car show. For adventure, pack your hiking gear and take a trip to Ravine Gardens State Park, a retreat that was created during the Great Depression. Hike the 2.5-mile winding ravine and enjoy stepping onto suspension bridges and stone staircases. Finish the day with a meal at Velchoff’s Corner for a bowl of blue crab corn chowder, which has been described as ”out of the world good.”
Transportation
Palatka’s compact size makes it easy to get from one place to another by car or bike. Commuters have quick access to nearby cities like St. Augustine, less than an hour’s drive away. Palatka even has its own Amtrak station, offering a rail link for those traveling longer distances.
Haines City
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Florida: $1,691/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Haines City: $1,092/month
- Median Home List Price in Haines City: $336,000
- Proximity to the beach: 85 miles
Known as the “Heart of Florida,” Haines City is situated in Polk County, offering easy access to Orlando and Tampa while maintaining its own unique identity. Historically, the town emerged in the late 19th century with the arrival of the South Florida Railroad. Early settlers were drawn to the area’s fertile land, which quickly became a hub for citrus production. Today, echoes of its agricultural roots can still be seen in its delightful downtown district, where historic buildings showcase a mix of early 20th-century architecture.
Things to do in Haines City
Make a seasonal stop by the Ridge Island Groves and pick your own fruit, sample fresh-squeezed orange juice, and take a tour. If you golf, Southern Dunes Golf & Country Club is a standout attraction, offering a challenging course surrounded by picturesque scenery.
If you’re as strong as steel (or just want to watch), the Ironman 70.3 Florida race is hosted by Haines City each December. The city also hosts other lively events like the annual Thunder on the Ridge, Polk County’s largest Independence Day celebration, complete with music, food, and fireworks.
Transportation
With US-27 and I-4 nearby, residents are well-connected to major cities and attractions. Orlando, with its thriving job market and entertainment options, is just under an hour away, while Tampa is about the same distance in the opposite direction. Polk County’s Citrus Connection provides local bus services, including routes that link Haines City to neighboring communities.
Sebring
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Florida: $1,691/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Sebring: $859/month
- Median Home List Price in Sebring: $260,000
- Proximity to the beach: 75 miles
Nicknamed "the City on the Circle," Sebring was founded in 1912 by George E. Sebring, who designed the city's unique circular downtown layout. The city is known for its rich history and a relaxed, welcoming lifestyle.
Sebring’s architecture features historic buildings that reflect its early 20th-century roots. The downtown district, centered around Circle Drive, is home to well-preserved landmarks, quaint storefronts, and family-run establishments that evoke a sense of nostalgia. Many neighborhoods feature bungalows and ranch-style homes surrounded by iconic live oak trees draped with Spanish moss.
Things to do in Sebring
If you are a race car fan, you’ll be delighted to know Sebring is the home of Sebring International Raceway, which hosts racing events all year long, including the annual 12 Hours of Sebring endurance race, drawing visitors from around the globe each year.
For laid-back leisure, take advantage of the pedestrian-friendly streets and visit art galleries and small boutiques. Afterwards, stop by Sophie’s Café, highly praised for their Cuban sandwiches and pastries.
Transportation
Commuting in Sebring is straightforward. While it’s a quiet, smaller city, you will find it conveniently located near major roads like US-27, providing easy access to nearby towns and attractions.
Ocala
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Florida: $1,691/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Ocala: $1,290/month
- Median Home List Price in Ocala: $299,999
- Proximity to the beach: 50 miles
Distinguished by its rolling pastures and grand oak trees, Ocala is famously the “Horse Capital of the World,” making it a unique and picturesque place to call home. The city has put itself on the map for producing champion racehorses, creating a large community of veterinarians, blacksmiths, and trainers.
Ocala’s charming downtown features restored brick buildings and structures that transport you back to yesteryear. Many historic homes dot the area, showcasing styles like Victorian, Craftsman, and Colonial Revival, giving the neighborhoods a timeless quality.
Things to do in Ocala
If you love nature, nearby Silver Springs State Park is one of Florida’s most iconic parks, boasting crystal-clear waters and glass-bottom boat tours that provide a one-of-a-kind experience. Equestrians and horse enthusiasts will feel right at home exploring the hundreds of horse farms and riding trails that surround the city.
Downtown Ocala serves as a cultural and entertainment hub, hosting art walks, farmers’ markets, and festivals, including the annual Ocala Food and Wine Festival. The Appleton Museum of Art and the Ocala Civic Theatre also offer such a robust lineup of cultural events that you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to enriching experiences throughout the year.
Transportation
When it comes to commuting, Ocala is well-situated along Interstate 75, which connects it to major cities like Gainesville to the north and Orlando and Tampa to the south. These cities are less than two hours away, making them feasible for day trips or commutes. SunTran provides local bus service throughout Ocala. For farther destinations, Greyhound Bus Lines provides transit service from Ocala to beyond.
Bartow
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Florida: $1,691/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Bartow: $1,064/month
- Median Home List Price in Bartow: $325,881
- Proximity to the beach: 70 miles
Nestled in the heart of Central Florida, Bartow offers renters a welcoming blend of rich history, small-town charm, and modern conveniences. Known as the “City of Oaks and Azaleas,” Bartow boasts vibrant greenery and a community-oriented atmosphere. It provides an ideal setting for those seeking a serene yet connected place to live.
Bartow’s roots trace back to the mid-1800s when it was originally called Fort Blount. The city was renamed and later flourished due to its role in the phosphate mining industry. Today, Bartow’s historic downtown district is a testament to its past, with beautiful brick facades, vintage storefronts, and preserved landmarks showcasing 19th- and early-20th-century architectural styles.
Things to do in Bartow
Spend a day at Bartow’s annual Bloomin’ Arts Festival and Antique Fair and indulge in the city’s lively cultural scene where you’ll rub elbows with some of the region’s top sculptors, metal artists, and more. For an outdoor stretch, Mary Holland Park has over 100 acres of green space where you can enjoy the walking trails, fish, and grill out at one of its many pavilions.
In downtown Bartow, the Polk County Historical Museum features exhibits that celebrate the area’s rich heritage, housed in an elegant neoclassical courthouse. After learning a bit of the area’s history, walk half a block to Palace Pizza to try the garlic butter wings and what a fan described as “the best bruschetta in your lifetime.”
Transportation
Commuters will appreciate Bartow’s strategic location at the junction of U.S. 17, U.S. 98, and State Road 60, making highway driving to nearby metros straightforward. The Citrus Connection provides bus service with routes that extend as far as Winter Haven and Fort Meade.
Florida proves that living in paradise doesn’t have to break the bank. You may not snag a beachfront home, but being only a short drive away is absolutely doable. With a variety of affordable cities and towns offering everything from lively communities to quiet retreats, there’s something to suit everyone. Take the time to explore these charming places and more on Apartments.com— you might just find your perfect home in the Sunshine State!
*Apartment rent data provided by CoStar Group’s July 2025 reports
