Cost of Living in Florida [2025]

The average cost of living in Florida is 3.1% higher than the national average, but that number doesn’t tell the whole story. Cities like Jacksonville come in under budget, while Key West soars more than 40% above the state average. Rent across the state averages $2,540 a month, but you’ll find everything from $1,050 starter units in smaller cities to luxury apartments topping $3,000 in Miami.

If you’re thinking about moving to Florida, this guide breaks down what it really costs to live comfortably in the Sunshine State. Let’s dive in!

What Is the Cost of Living in Florida?

If you're looking to move to an affordable place in the Sunshine State, you're in luck! According to Best Places, Florida’s overall cost of living is 3.1% higher than the national average, but some major cities are actually cheaper. For example, Jacksonville's cost of living is 4.3% lower than the U.S. average and 7.2% lower than the Florida average. In Miami, FL, the cost of living is 18.9% higher than the U.S. average and 15.3% higher than the state average.

We also took a look at how the data for cost of living categories broke down for Florida:

Where is the Cost of Living Highest in Florida?

According to Best Places, the biggest city in Florida with the highest cost of living is Key West, where the cost of living is 43.7% higher compared to the state average, and 48.2% higher than in the rest of the U.S. According to our own data, as of August 2025 a one-bedroom apartment in Key West starts at $1,600 a month, and the most expensive is $2,400 a month.

We also looked over the cost of living data in Key West, FL to give a breakdown of different costs. According to Best Places, the categories and costs are:

Where is the Cost of Living Lowest in Florida?

Bartow has among the lowest cost of living of any city in Florida, with an average that's 11.2% lower compared to the rest of the state and 8.4% lower than the country overall. As of August 2025, Bartow apartments on Apartment List start at $1,050 a month. Browse our Palm Coast apartment listings.

How Much Is Rent in Florida?

As of August 2025, the overall average price of rent in Florida is $2,540. However, while averages give us some insight into the market, prices can vary greatly by location and the size of apartment you rent. Here's a breakdown of the current rent prices for both one and two-bedroom apartment units in Florida's major metropolitan areas.

How Much Does It Cost to Rent a One-Bedroom in Florida?

The average price of a one-bedroom apartment in Florida varies depending on where you live, so let's look at average rents in some of Florida's top cities:

How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Two-Bedroom in Florida?

As with all rental prices, location matters; so here is a look at the average two-bedroom prices in some of Florida's top cities:

How Much Does a House Cost in Florida?

Those looking to own property in Florida will find that median home prices, much like rent prices, are also on the rise. BestPlaces reports a median home cost of $362,400, with values appreciating by 15.2% over the past year, which is nearly double the national pace.

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Florida?

Using a budgeting rule that says rent should not be more than 30% of your income in order to cover all your bills and establish some savings, you would need to make around $61,040 a year or $5,086 a month to afford the 1-bedroom average apartment in Florida that rents for $1,526.

In one of Florida's cheapest cities, Jacksonville, most people need to earn around $51,640 a year or $4,303 a month to rent the average 1-bedroom apartment that costs $1,291. In Miami, one of the most expensive cities in Florida, that you need to earn at least $64,000 a year or $5,333 a month to rent a 1-bedroom apartment that costs $1,600.

MIT uses a more complex living wage calculation to estimate that you need to earn $22.43 an hour or $46,654 a year before taxes to live in Florida. That amount only covers the bare essentials like housing, food and transportation and doesn't take into account extras like travel or savings.

How Much Does Transportation Cost in Florida?

According to MIT's living wage calculator, a single adult resident of Florida can expect to pay $4,578 in transportation costs annually. A family of four, with two adults and two children, can expect to pay $13,454 in transportation costs annually.

Florida is not known for its robust public transportation options. However, major metropolitan areas have functional public transportation networks that enable residents to get around. For example, Miami's public transportation starts at $2.25 for a one-way bus fare. Prices in Tampa are also simlar for one-way fares.

How Much Do Groceries Cost in Florida?

Besides its sandy beaches, Florida is known for its plethora of dining options. It is a verifiable foodie paradise. That said, visiting these delightful food spots can make a dent in your budget. A single adult in Florida will spend at least $4,578 a year on food. For a family of two working adults and two children, that cost rises to $13,454 a year.

Of course, Florida is home to global cuisine, key lime pie, conch fritters, fresh seafood, and all kinds of dining options from upscale to down-to-earth diners. We looked at data from Numbeo to break down how much a three-course meal for two without extras like alcohol would cost in different areas:

• Jacksonville: $90
• Miami: $105
• Tampa: $95
• Orlando: $85

How Much Does Healthcare Cost in Florida?

It's important stay healthy and not to skimp on healthcare costs in Florida. You can make room in your budget by using MIT's data. We collected the average healthcare costs associated with a single individual and a household. Here's what those numbers look like:

• Single Adult Annual Healthcare Costs: $2,640
• Family of Four Annual Healthcare Costs: $8,960

You can shop for a healthcare insurance plan that fits your and your family's needs and budget online via Florida's health insurance marketplace.

How Much Are Utilities in Florida?

Considering the notoriously warm Florida climate, it's essential to know what to expect when you receive your first monthly utility bill. Luckily, the average utility bill for renters in Florida is only $217.09 a month, which is less than the national average of $253.14. Here's how those prices break down by region:

Keep in mind that these rates reflect the average cost for basic utilities. You’ll have to refer to your local municipality regulations and pricing for trash collection, the final public utility.

We also looked at Numbeo's data to breakdown utility costs in different cities:

• Jacksonville: $183.85 (+ $105.51 for phone and Internet)
• Miami: $153.11 (+ $127.31 for phone and Internet)
• Tampa: $249.68 (+ $143.41 for phone and Internet)
• Orlando: $198.50 (+ $141.65 for phone and Internet)

Fitness and Entertainment

It’s easy to run up your entertainment budget line if you’re not too careful. Luckily, there are tons of free and paid entertainment options to choose from. Here’s an in-depth look at some of the fitness and entertainment options that Florida has to offer.

Gym Memberships

Here's a look at average fitness membership costs per month in the following cities:

• Jacksonville: $36.90
• Miami: $73.33
• Tampa: $36.90

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Florida?

Using a budgeting rule that says rent should not be more than 30% of your income in order to cover all your bills and establish some savings, you would need to make around $101,600 a year or $8,466.67 a month to afford the average apartment in Florida that rents for $2,540

In one of Florida's cheapest cities, Jacksonville, most people need to earn around $57,800 a year or $4,816.67 a month to rent the average one-bedroom apartment that costs $1,445. In Miami, one of the most expensive cities in Florida, you need to earn at least $109,720 a year or $9,143.33 a month to rent a one-bedroom apartment that costs $2,743 a month.

MIT uses a more complex living wage calculation to estimate that you need to earn $23.41 an hour or $48,692.80 a year before taxes to live in Florida. That’s just for the basics like housing, food and transportation and doesn't take into account extras like travel or savings.

How Much Does Transportation Cost in Florida?

According to MIT's living wage calculator, a single adult resident of Florida can expect to pay $9,103 in transportation costs annually. A family of four, with two adults and two children, can expect to pay $15,269 in transportation costs annually.

Florida is not known for its robust public transportation options. However, major metropolitan areas have basic public transit options that help residents get around. For example, Miami's public transportation starts at $2.25 for a one-way bus fare. Tampa fares are about the same.

How Much Do Groceries Cost in Florida?

Besides its sandy beaches, Florida is known for its eclectic dining options, which makes it an attractive option for foodies. That said, visiting these popular food spots can make a dent in your budget. A single adult in Florida will spend at least $4,637 a year on food. For a family of two working adults and two children, that cost rises to $13,591 a year.

Florida is home to global cuisine, key lime pie, conch fritters, fresh seafood, and all kinds of dining options from upscale to down-to-earth diners. We looked at data from Numbeo to break down how much a three-course meal for two without extras like alcohol would cost in different areas:

• Jacksonville: $91
• Miami: $120
• Tampa: $80
• Orlando: $80

How Much Does Healthcare Cost in Florida?

It's important to stay healthy and not to skimp on healthcare costs in Florida. You can make room in your budget by using MIT's data. We collected the average healthcare costs associated with a single individual and a household. Here's what those numbers look like:

• Single Adult Annual Healthcare Costs: $2,704
• Family of Four Annual Healthcare Costs: $8,875

You can shop for a healthcare insurance plan that fits your and your family's needs and budget online via Florida's health insurance marketplace.

How Much Are Utilities in Florida?

Considering the notoriously warm Florida climate, it's essential to know what to expect when you receive your first monthly utility bill.

We also looked at Numbeo's data to breakdown utility costs in different cities:

• Jacksonville: $183.72 (+ $102.93 for phone and Internet)
• Miami: $148.43 (+ $123.26 for phone and Internet)
• Tampa: $226.58 (+ $137.60 for phone and Internet)
• Orlando: $201.97 (+ $152.91 for phone and Internet)

Fortunately, most of these prices are less than the national average of $209.73 for the average cost for basic utilities, plus another $131.98 for a mobile phone monthly plan and Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL).

What Fitness and Entertainment Options Are in Florida?

Florida has tons of free (and paid) entertainment options around Florida, including state parks, the Space Coast, Disney, Universal, Kennedy Space Center, Daytona 500, and more. Here’s an in-depth look at some of the fitness and entertainment options that Florida has to offer.

How Much Are Gym Memberships in Florida?

The average fitness membership costs per month in the following cities:

• Jacksonville: $32.50
• Miami: $61.27
• Tampa: $38.14
• Orlando: $40.22

However, if you're looking for a cheaper alternative, lacing up your sneakers and heading out for a run at one of Florida's many public parks and beaches might be the simplest and least expensive way to break a sweat.

What State Parks Are in Florida?

Here are some of the most beautiful state parks you need to visit in Florida:

• Oleta River State Park features fishing, swimming, camping, paddling, picnic areas, and snorkeling in a saltwater lagoon. It also features trails for walking, running, and biking, all within half an hour away from downtown Miami.
• Hillsborough River State Park is just minutes away from Downtown Tampa. This state park offers geocaching, fishing, biking, hiking, walking, horseback riding, swimming, and more.
• Wekiwa Springs State Park is located in close proximity to Downtown Orlando and is; one of the best neighborhoods in Orlando. Head over for a day of fun birding, camping, hiking, mountain biking, paddling, snorkeling, and viewing wildlife.

Florida’s many state parks offer a unique and wildly entertaining adventure for the price of parking (generally $4 to $6 a vehicle).

What Attractions Are In Florida?

Check out Disney World, Universal Studios (home to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter), the Daytona 500 Speedway, or the Kennedy Space Center. Make a weekend of it and enjoy an in-state vacation. Florida is hard to compete with in terms of its sheer number of famed attractions. Just keep in mind that these attractions are generally expensive to enjoy.

How Much Are Taxes in Florida?

Florida does not have a state income tax rate. Although Florida’s sales tax rate is lower than some other states, it’s still a significant 6%. That’ll certainly make a difference to your bank account. Additionally, some counties may add a percentage point or two to this tax rate, so be sure to check your county’s tax rate.

What Other Expenses Should I Consider in Florida?

The one thing about moving to another state is that it can be challenging to anticipate the “hidden costs” of making the move. These expenses are often completely forgotten about when creating a budget. Even worse, sometimes people assume they’re at a much lower rate than they should be.

Don’t fall prey to these costs. Childcare costs can be expensive in the state of Florida. The average annual cost of childcare for a single child in the state is $10,264. That rises to $19,726 for two children.

What Do I Need to Know When Moving to Florida?

Knowing whether you can afford to move to Florida is crucial. If you’ve built your budget and are sure that it’s a move you can afford, congrats!

Orlando Guides

• Things to Know Before Moving to Orlando
• Best Neighborhoods in Orlando
• Average Rent in Orlando & Rental Price Trends
• Cost of Living in Orlando

Miami Guides

• Cost of Living in Miami
• Things to Know Before Moving to Miami
• Best Neighborhoods in Miami
• Average Rent in Miami & Rental Price Trends

Tampa Guides

• Cost of Living in Tampa
• Best Neighborhoods in Tampa
• Average Rent in Miami & Rental Price Trends
• How to Find Apartments in Tampa

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FAQs: Cost of Living in Florida

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Florida?

As of August 2025, the average rent in Florida is $2,540 per month. Rental prices vary by city: in Jacksonville, a one-bedroom averages $1,445 and a two-bedroom $1,701; in Miami, a one-bedroom costs about $2,743 and a two-bedroom $3,362; in Tampa, renters pay around $1,974 for a one-bedroom and $2,397 for a two-bedroom; and in Orlando, the averages are $1,823 for a one-bedroom and $2,225 for a two-bedroom.

What is the cheapest city to live in Florida?

Bartow is among the cheapest cities in Florida, with a cost of living that is 11.2 percent lower than the state average and 8.4 percent lower than the national average. Median home prices are about $245,600, and apartment rents begin at $1,050 per month. Jacksonville also offers affordable options compared to other large Florida metros, with average one-bedroom apartments priced at $1,445.

What is the most expensive city in Florida?

Key West is the most expensive place to live in Florida, with costs 43.7 percent higher than the state average and nearly 50 percent higher than the national average. Median home prices exceed $1 million, and one-bedroom rentals typically range from $1,600 to $2,400 per month. Miami also ranks among the most expensive metro areas, with average one-bedroom rents around $2,743.

Is it expensive to live in Florida overall?

Florida’s overall cost of living is only 3.1 percent higher than the U.S. average, making it moderately more expensive than the national benchmark. Some cities, such as Jacksonville, are below the national average, while others, such as Miami and Key West, are much more expensive.

How much does a house cost in Florida?

The median home price in Florida is $362,400, compared to the national median of $338,100. In Jacksonville, the median price is $254,800; in Tampa, it is $318,000; in Orlando, it is $369,400; in Miami, it is $674,800; and in Key West, it reaches $1,015,000.

What salary do you need to live in Florida?

To afford the average Florida rent of $2,540, a household would need to earn about $101,600 per year, or roughly $8,466 per month, using the 30 percent income rule. In Jacksonville, the required income drops to about $57,800 per year for a one-bedroom, while in Miami, a renter would need closer to $109,720 annually. According to the MIT Living Wage Calculator, a single adult in Florida needs a minimum of $48,693 per year to cover essentials, though this excludes savings and discretionary spending.

How much are utilities in Florida?

Utility costs vary by city but are generally in line with the national average. In Jacksonville, the average monthly bill for basic utilities is about $183.72, with an additional $102.93 for phone and internet. In Miami, utilities average $148.43, plus $123.26 for phone and internet. In Tampa, basic utilities cost $226.58, with another $137.60 for phone and internet. In Orlando, utilities are about $201.97, plus $152.91 for phone and internet.

How much does transportation cost in Florida?

Transportation costs in Florida average $9,103 annually for a single adult and $15,269 annually for a family of four. Public transit is limited statewide but is available in major cities. In Miami, a one-way bus fare starts at $2.25, while fares in Tampa are similarly priced.

How much do groceries cost in Florida?

A single adult in Florida spends about $4,637 annually on food, while a family of four spends around $13,591. Dining out is also common, with a three-course meal for two people costing about $91 in Jacksonville, $120 in Miami, and $80 in both Tampa and Orlando.

How much does healthcare cost in Florida?

Healthcare costs in Florida average $2,704 per year for a single adult and $8,875 per year for a family of four, according to MIT estimates.