Meet the 10 largest cities in Florida, as defined by the largest city-proper population and based on the U.S. Census estimates from July 1, 2024: Jacksonville (1,009,833), Miami (487,014), Tampa (414,547), Orlando (334,854), St. Petersburg (267,102), Hialeah (235,388), Port St. Lucie (258,575), Tallahassee (205,089), Cape Coral (233,025), Fort Lauderdale (190,641). Find the right Florida city for you based on lifestyle, population density, amenities, and culture.
Florida’s largest cities offer job opportunities, cultural attractions, and diverse lifestyles, whether you’re looking for beachside relaxation, family-friendly suburbs, or a cultural metropolis. From the lively metros of Jacksonville and Miami to fast-growing Port St. Lucie and Cape Coral, Florida’s largest cities offer a wide array of options and lifestyles so renters can find the city that suits them best.
The following rental data comes from our internal database of rent estimates, which is available for download. Transit scores are from Walk Score, and census information comes directly from the U.S. Census in 2020, with later estimates from July 1, 2024.
Median rents are estimated across new leases signed in a given market and month. Walk, transit, and bike scores are calculated from 0–100, with 0 being the least beneficial for that form of transit and 100 being the most beneficial.
| Rank | City | Population |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jacksonville | 1,009,833 |
| 2 | Miami | 487,014 |
| 3 | Tampa | 414,547 |
| 4 | Orlando | 334,854 |
| 5 | St. Petersburg | 267,102 |
| 6 | Hialeah | 235,388 |
| 7 | Port St. Lucie | 258,575 |
| 8 | Tallahassee | 205,089 |
| 9 | Cape Coral | 233,025 |
| 10 | Fort Lauderdale | 190,641 |
Jacksonville is the most populous city in Florida. While it doesn’t have the dense, urban feel of other major cities, Jacksonville offers beach life, riverfront views, and a growing cultural scene. Downtown is undergoing a quiet renaissance, with new developments, art installations, and event spaces gradually reshaping the area. Sports are big in Jacksonville, from NFL Sundays with the Jaguars to marathons and water sports. The city boasts a vibrant food and drink scene, featuring numerous bars, restaurants, breweries, and distilleries.
Jacksonville attracts individuals seeking space, affordability, and outdoor living. It’s a great city for families, remote workers, and anyone who wants to enjoy both nature and city access. This is not a public transit-friendly city, so you’ll need a car to get around.
With its vibrant mix of Latin American, Caribbean, and international influences, Miami is one of Florida’s most popular destinations. This vibrant city has a booming economy driven by finance, commerce, and international trade plus a renowned nightlife and culinary scene. On any given day, you can soak up the sun on South Beach, explore the art scene in Wynwood, or experience the lively atmosphere of Little Havana.
While Miami offers an exciting lifestyle, it also comes with some challenges. The cost of living—especially in the neighborhoods of Brickell and Miami Beach—can be high. Public transit options, including Metrorail, Metrobus, and Brightline, are available; however, many residents prefer to use a car, as Miami neighborhoods are spread out. If you're looking for a high-energy city that combines business, culture, and adventure, Miami is a top choice.
Tampa is known for its waterfront access and abundant green spaces. Located on the Gulf Coast with easy access to both bay and beach, Tampa is a destination for boating, kayaking, and waterfront dining. The area continues to attract new residents due to expanding job opportunities, particularly in healthcare, finance, and technology.
Tampa attracts professionals, young families, and retirees who seek urban amenities without the overwhelming pace of a megacity. Public transit exists in Tampa but is limited. Most people rely on a car to get around. Still, neighborhoods like Hyde Park, Seminole Heights, and downtown offer walkable pockets with parks, restaurants, breweries, and cultural venues.
Orlando is widely known for its theme parks, but it’s also a vibrant metro area with a strong sense of community and a thriving food scene. The city is surrounded by the satellite cities of Sanford, Oviedo, and Altamonte Springs, each with its own neighborhood sensibility, as well as art festivals, live music, farmers' markets, and bars. Outdoor lovers can kayak, explore natural springs, or drive to the beach.
Orlando is especially appealing to young professionals, creatives, and families looking for a blend of affordability, culture, and recreation. The metro area is large and spread out, so lifestyles vary depending on the precise location. Baldwin Park and Windermere are walkable, upscale communities, while Sanford has a lively bar scene. For budget-conscious buyers, Kissimmee offers some of the lowest prices in the Orlando area. Public transportation is limited, and most residents rely on a car to get around, especially to commute between suburbs.
St. Petersburg combines laid-back coastal living with progressive energy on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Known for its LGBTQAI+ inclusivity and dog-friendly culture, St. Petersburg offers a vibrant mix of nightlife, nature, and charm.
The city’s compact layout, extensive bike trails, and the SunRunner Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system make it more accessible than most Florida cities, allowing for easy connections between downtown and the beach without a car. Locals enjoy waterfront parks, local breweries, art walks, farmers' markets, and beach sunsets. St. Petersburg attracts remote workers, creatives, and retirees, since local employment is limited to the hospitality sector with fewer corporate jobs.. St. Petersburg is considered one of Florida’s most affordable coastal cities, though housing prices are climbing with increased demand.
(2020 U.S. Census data)
Hialeah is a culturally rich, predominantly working-class, Spanish-speaking city nestled in the heart of Miami-Dade County w a 95.2% Latino population. Hialeah is not flashy or tourist-driven, but it's one of the safest and most affordable areas in the Miami metro area. Renters can still find relatively cheap studios, and the local dining scene is filled with mom-and-pop restaurants specializing in Cuban cafecito and Venezuelan arepas.
Hialeah attracts people seeking a stable, community-oriented city, with low living costs and a relaxed lifestyle. faces challenges such as traffic congestion, and although public transportation is available, most residents rely on cars.
(2020 U.S. Census data)
Port St. Lucie is one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., known more for its residential sprawl than a distinct cultural identity. It's a clean, safe, and family-friendly city with an ever-expanding landscape of townhomes, master-planned communities, and multifamily developments.
Though Port St. Lucie doesn’t offer direct beach access, residents are just a short drive from the coastlines of Fort Pierce and Jensen Beach. The city does have a scenic stretch of the St. Lucie River, along with a good network of parks and spots for kayaking, paddleboarding, and casual hiking. Public transportation is limited and residents rely on cars to get around.
Port St. Lucie attracts families and retirees seeking quiet. Entertainment and nightlife options are limited, and while the city’s infrastructure is growing, it’s still catching up to the population boom. Most local employment is tied to the service sector, though warehousing and logistics industries are starting to move in. The area is supported by its proximity to Indian River State College.
As the state capital and home to both Florida State University and Florida A&M, Tallahassee draws a unique mix of government workers, students, and young professionals. The city is surrounded by forests, state parks, and natural springs, offering residents a chance to hike, kayak, and explore nature. It's one of the few cities in Florida where you'll see rolling hills and an abundance of tree canopy, giving it a very different feel than the flat, coastal metros to the south.
Tallahassee attracts people in their 20s and 30s who enjoy community-based activities, a slower pace, and affordable living. Rent and general costs are lower than in cities like Orlando or Tampa. The social scene is rooted in college life and community events, with solid local breweries and a handful of good bars, though big concerts and high-end nightlife are limited. Public transit is minimal, so a car is necessary.
(2020 U.S. Census data)
Cape Coral is a quiet, canal-laced city on the Gulf Coast known for its relaxed lifestyle. It features over 400 miles of navigable canals—more than any other city in the world—which makes it a haven for boating, fishing, and kayaking enthusiasts. While nightlife and entertainment options are minimal, a small downtown strip offers a handful of bars and restaurants. Public transit is almost nonexistent, so a car is essential locally as well as for commuting to nearby Fort Myers, where more diverse job opportunities and cultural amenities are found.
Cape Coral attracts residents who value peace, natural beauty, and suburban comforts. It’s not a destination for career-chasers or nightlife seekers. The local economy is primarily service- and retail-based, and many residents commute out of the city for work. Still, the area is growing fast, with new developments and infrastructure catching up to demand.
(2020 U.S. Census data)
Located just 30 miles north of Miami, Fort Lauderdale is best known for its 165 miles of inland waterways, deeming it the Venice of America. While it’s a popular tourist destination, Fort Lauderdale is also a thriving hub for marine, finance, and tech industries, as well as film production. The city's mild year-round temperatures, abundant sunshine, and access to the Atlantic Ocean make it an ideal location for boating and water sports.
Fort Lauderdale attracts young professionals and those who enjoy a lively mix of culture, outdoor activities, and nightlife. Downtown Fort Lauderdale and the surrounding neighborhoods are filled with trendy bars, microbreweries, and gastropubs. While public transit is available, many residents rely on cars, especially with the area’s waterfront living and spread-out nature..
Florida's major cities offer unique features for renters. Whether you're looking for affordability, beachside living, vibrant nightlife, or a laid-back lifestyle, the Sunshine State has a range of options.
Ready to find your perfect Florida apartment? Use the Apartment List quiz to narrow down your options and discover a place that checks all your boxes.
As of 2025, Marco Island is recognized as the safest city in Florida. According to SafeWise's latest report, Marco Island holds this distinction for the second consecutive year, reporting zero murders and robberies in the most recent data..
The oldest city in Florida is St. Augustine, founded in September 1565 by Spanish admiral Pedro Menéndez de Avilés. Located in northeastern Florida, it is the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in the continental United States.
The smallest incorporated municipality in Florida by population is Marineland, located along the Atlantic coast between Flagler and St. Johns counties. As of 2023, Marineland had a population of just 11 residents. Originally established in the 1930s as a marine park, Marineland has evolved into a small research and conservation community.
The largest city in Florida by land area and population is Jacksonville. Located in the northeastern part of the state, Jacksonville spans 747.5 square miles, making it the largest city by land area in the continental U.S. It is also Florida’s most populous city, with 1,009,833 residents.
The best city to live in in Florida depends on your lifestyle, priorities, and budget. For urban energy and entertainment, Orlando is a favorite and it also has walkable neighborhoods like Baldwin Park and Winter Park. Tampa offers waterfront living, professional sports, and easy Gulf access, making it ideal for young professionals and families.
For beaches, boating, and creative community, St. Petersburg is a good fit. Jacksonville stands out for its affordability, big-city amenities, and access to both river and ocean. Tallahassee offers a college-town atmosphere and natural surroundings. And for a quiet, suburban life with scenic canals and a slower pace, Cape Coral fits the bill.
The Big Bend region of Florida is a loosely defined area in the northern part of the state where the Panhandle curves into the Peninsula. There is no official boundary, but the Big Bend generally encompasses parts of the following counties: Taylor, Dixie, Levy, Jefferson, and occasionally Gilchrist, Suwannee, Columbia, Hamilton, Baker, Union, Bradford, Clay, Putnam, and Lafayette.
According to the Florida League of Cities Municipal Directory, Florida is home to 411 cities, towns, and villages.
The Walt Disney World Resort is located in Bay Lake/Lake Buena Vista, approximately 20 miles southwest of Orlando, Florida.
According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s 2021 County and Municipal Offense Report, the three most dangerous cities in Florida based on index crime rate are:
These figures reflect total index crimes, which include violent and property offenses, standardized per capita.
According to U.S. Census Bureau data, four Florida metropolitan areas ranked among the top 10 U.S. metro areas in annual numeric population growth from July 1, 2022, to July 1, 2023:
These figures underscore Florida's significant population growth, driven by factors such as migration and economic opportunities.
As of 2020, Jacksonville, Florida, has a population of approximately 949,611, making it the most populous city in the state and one of the largest in the United States. Covering 747.29 square miles, it is also one of the largest cities by land area in the contiguous U.S.
Yes, Tampa is larger than Orlando according to the 2020 U.S. Census. Tampa had a population of 384,959, while Orlando's population was 307,573. It is also slightly bigger in land area, covering 114.02 square miles compared to Orlando’s 110.62.
Nest technology, Putting green, Patio / balcony, Granite counters, Dishwasher, Pet friendly + more
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Granite counters, Hardwood floors, Dishwasher, Pet friendly + more
