Florida Has Two of the Best Cities to Live on $1,500 or Less a Month (2024)

Florida Has Two of the Best Cities to Live on $1,500 or Less a Month (1)Joe WinnerFebruary 21st, 2022

(Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Last year, we reported on the fact that Florida has not just one, but two of the best cities to retire on a fixed budget, according to a study fromGoBankingRates.com. Now, in searching for more affordable living spots throughout the U.S., it appears Florida also has two the best cities to live on $1,500 – or even less – a month, whether you’re retired or not. Surprised? We’ll explain.

The staff atMindYourDollars.com has conducted a study to find the best cities in the U.S. to live on a budget of $1,500 a month. “Realistically, living on a budget of $1,500 a month is possible, you just need to be in the right place,” they state in the study. “We’ve compiled 30 cities in the United States where citizens can keep their total monthly expenditures down to $1500 or less. Don’t confuse affordability with boring, though. These cities still have plenty to keep you entertained and enjoying life.”

So, which Florida cities made the cut? Well, it’s certainly not Naples, or any of the other nearby Southwest Florida cities. I have an aunt living in Fort Myers off her $2,200 a month Social Security check and she is just barely getting by. She won’t take money to help so we make her soup and other meals and put it in her freezer so she can make them whenever. If you plan on living on a very tight budget, you’ll need to move away from the coast, but you won’t need to leave Florida entirely. Think – north of Orlando. This article was originally written by Beasley Detroit staffer Anne Erickson.

Here’s the list of the 10 Cheapest Places To Live In Florida, To see how you can livefor $1,500 month, find the full list below.

  • Best Cities to Live on $1,500 or Less a Month (via Mind Your Dollars):

  • Davenport, Iowa

    The average cost of living is 18.3 percent lower than the national average, according to MindYourDollars.com.

  • Lawton, Oklahoma

    Lawton is a small town with “big city amenities,” says MindYourDollars.com.

  • Tallahassee, Florida

    If you want to continue to enjoy warm weather and palm trees on a budget, Tallahassee, Florida has earned itself a spot on our list here.

  • El Paso, Texas

    Average healthcare costs are 13.3% lower than the national average, says MindYourDollars.com.

  • Fort Wayne, Indiana

    Lots of costs are lower here, including healthcare costs, average grocery prices, and the median cost for average homes, says MindYourDollars.com.

  • Odessa, Texas

    The average housing cost is 25% less than the national average, says MindYourDollars.com.

  • St. Cloud, Minnesota

    This spot has a “friendly, small-town Midwestern feel,” says MindYourDollars.com.

  • Lorain, Ohio

    Lorain offers museums, galleries, and wineries, in addition to affordable living,” says MindYourDollars.com.

  • Cedar Rapids, Iowa

    The cost of living is 18.4% lower than the national average, says MindYourDollars.com.

  • Lynchburg, Virginia

    The cost of living is 17.1% lower than the U.S. average, says MindYourDollars.com.

  • Grand Forks, North Dakota

    Average grocery costs are 4.3% lower than the national average, says MindYourDollars.com.

  • Bloomington, Illinois

    This spot offers independent restaurants, jazz, art galleries, and museums, says MindYourDollars.com.

  • Lubbock, Texas

    There’s a lower cost of living here, says MindYourDollars.com.

  • Akron, Ohio

    This spot is ideal for people looking to live on a budget, says MindYourDollars.com.

  • Minot, North Dakota

    The cost of healthcare is lower in this spot, says MindYourDollars.com.

  • Terre Haute, Indiana

    This city offers “college-town perks like athletic games and arts,” says MindYourDollars.com.

  • Abilene, Texas

    Housing is very affordable in Abilene, says MindYourDollars.com.

  • Erie, Pennsylvania

    Erie offers the Presque Isle State Park, professional hockey and soccer teams, and the Presque Isle Downs & Casino, says MindYourDollars.com.

  • Tulsa, Oklahoma

    Grocery costs are really low here, says MindYourDollars.com.

  • Waterloo, Iowa

    Groceries are 7.1% lower than the national average, says MindYourDollars.com.

  • Lake Charles, Louisiana

    Groceries and healthcare are lower than the national average, says MindYourDollars.com.

  • Amarillo, Texas

    Lower grocery costs and reasonable rent make this a perfect choice, says MindYourDollars.com.

  • Muncie, Indiana

    The cost of living in this city is near the lowest in the state, says MindYourDollars.com.

  • Springfield, Missouri

    Springfield is a small city, but it’s actually the third-largest in the state, says MindYourDollars.com.

  • Ocala, Florida

    The cost of living is 16.2% lower than the national average, says MindYourDollars.com. So, you CAN live in the Sunshine State on a budget. There’s some nice golf there, too.

  • Evansville, Indiana

    The cost of living is “much lower than the national average,” says MindYourDollars.com.

  • Shreveport, Louisiana

    The cost of living is 22.5% lower than the national average, says MindYourDollars.com.

  • Winston Salem, North Carolina

    The cost of living is 18.7 percent lower than the national average, says MindYourDollars.com.

  • UPDATE

    This article is a few months old but I see that’s it’s still be seen in Google searches. As of June 2022, only six of the original 30 are left on the list. Lansing, Lawton, Lake Charles, St. Cloud, Fort Wayne, Odessa. Inflation ya’ll.

Florida Has Two of the Best Cities to Live on $1,500 or Less a Month (2024)

FAQs

Where to live on 1500 month? ›

Best Cities to Retire on a Budget of $1,500 a Month
  • Grand Forks, N.D.
  • Lynchburg, Va. ...
  • Lawton, Okla. ...
  • Cedar Rapids, Iowa. ...
  • Lorain, Ohio. Total Monthly Expenditures: $1,442. ...
  • Lubbock, Texas. Total Monthly Expenditures: $1,456. ...
  • Davenport, Iowa. Total Monthly Expenditures: $1,472. ...
  • Casper, Wyo. Total Monthly Expenditures: $1,473. ...
Apr 12, 2019

Can you live on $1,500 a month? ›

Living on a $1,500 a month budget is absolutely possible. Whether you're in-between jobs, starting a business, paying off debt, or simply saving money, careful budgeting will help you meet your goals. Don't be fooled, though. Living on $1,500 a month or less is an extreme goal which requires extreme measures.

Where in Florida is the cheapest place to live? ›

Most Affordable Places to Live in Florida
  • Cape Coral.
  • Dunedin.
  • Fort Walton Beach.
  • Lakeland.
  • Vero Beach.
May 19, 2023

What is the best city to live in Florida? ›

Here are the 14 Best Places to Live in Florida:
  • Sarasota.
  • Naples.
  • Melbourne.
  • Jacksonville.
  • Tampa.
  • Pensacola.
  • Daytona Beach.
  • Port St. Lucie.

Where can I retire on $1,300 a month? ›

Panama: A Home Away from Home

You can retire comfortably on $1,300 per month, and it's one of the best countries for quality of life. What's more, English is widely spoken, and you can use your US money anywhere across the country. The country also offers first-rate hospitals, and many of its doctors are US trained.

Where can I live for $1000 a month in the US? ›

  • New Bern, N.C. Median rent price: $1,000. ...
  • Rock Hill, S.C. Median rent price: $1,000. ...
  • Tallahassee, Fla. Median rent price: $990. ...
  • Beaumont, Texas. Median rent price: $997.50. ...
  • Winston-Salem, N.C. Median rent price: $945. ...
  • Shreveport, La. Median rent price: $950. ...
  • Las Cruces, N.M. Median rent price: $945. ...
  • Champaign, Ill.
Jul 22, 2016

Can you survive on Social Security alone when you retire? ›

Living on Social Security alone is not only possible, but many retirees already accomplish that very feat every year. While the lifestyle associated with Social Security income isn't exactly luxurious, it doesn't have to equal rice and beans for the rest of your life, either.

Is there anywhere affordable to live in the US? ›

In its report, Niche also ranked the cheapest places to live in the U.S. At the top of the list this year is Brownsville, Texas. Brownsville has been steadily rising in Niche's Lowest Cost of Living ranking over the past few years, placing number six in 2021, number three in 2022 and finally, number one in 2023.

Can you live on your own making $1000 a month? ›

Bottom Line. Living on $1,000 per month is a challenge. From the high costs of housing, transportation and food, plus trying to keep your bills to a minimum, it would be difficult for anyone living alone to make this work. But with some creativity, roommates and strategy, you might be able to pull it off.

What is the cheapest but safest place to live in Florida? ›

Cape Coral

Known as the “Waterfront Wonderland,” this charming town is not only one of Florida's most affordable places but it is also one of the safest. Located in the southwestern part of the state near Fort Meyers, Cape Coral has an intricate system of canals which allow its residents to always be near the water.

What city in Florida has the most affordable housing? ›

Dade City is possibly the most affordable place to live in Florida. The median cost in Dade City is about $179,500, which falls well below Florida and the national average. You can expect to pay about $1,372 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city. It's a spacious and safe place to live.

What is the cheapest beach town to live in Florida? ›

The most affordable beach town in Florida is Pensacola, although technically speaking, it's a city, not a town. City living can be affordable, even with waterside living. Pensacola currently has a median home value of $235,000 in 2022. The median housing cost (for rent and mortgages) is $932 per month.

Which side of Florida is better to live on? ›

The only debate worth having is which side of Florida has the best beaches. The Atlantic coast has plenty to offer in the way of water sports. They get the better waves and, thus, some greater action. Florida's Gulf Coast, however, is responsible for those visions of smooth, sandy beaches and crystal, clear water.

What is the safest city to move to in Florida? ›

The Villages has the lowest county violent crime and property crime rate in Florida. What is the safest area to live in Florida? According to our research, the three safest cities in Florida are The Villages, Palm Coast, and Riverview.

Where is the best place in Florida to avoid hurricanes? ›

Winter Springs. Since 1930, just 77 hurricanes have been recorded in Winter Springs, making it a low-risk area.

Where can I retire on $2 500 a month? ›

Edinburg, Texas

Edinburg made the No. 1 spot as the best city to retire on a monthly budget of $2,500 or less by offering the most budget-friendly expenditures compared to the rest of the U.S. and the top livability score among these 13 cities. Rent averages $944, $1,010 less than the U.S. mean.

What city is best for low income seniors? ›

Best Cities to Retire in With Just Your Social Security Income
  • Harlingen.
  • San Antonio.
  • Jacksonville.
  • Cape Coral, Florida.
  • Sioux Falls.
  • Pittsburgh.
  • Knoxville, Tennessee.
  • La Crosse, Wisconsin.
Jun 4, 2022

What is the cheapest way for a senior to live? ›

Affordable Housing Options for Older Adults
  • Staying in Your Home. This option is ideal if you do not need comprehensive care for your daily living—or just need some caregiving assistance. ...
  • Living with Family. ...
  • Public and Subsidized Senior Housing. ...
  • Assisted Living and Residential Care Options.
May 4, 2023

Where can I live on $500 dollars a month? ›

5 Places to Retire for Under $500 per Month
  • Leon, Nicaragua. ...
  • Medellin, Colombia. ...
  • Las Tablas, Panama. ...
  • Chiang Mai, Thailand. ...
  • Languedoc-Roussillon, France. ...
  • Kathleen Peddicord is the founder of the Live and Invest Overseas publishing group.
Apr 11, 2011

Where can I live on $1100 a month? ›

5 Countries You Can Live For Less Than $1,000 A Month
  • Argentina. The cost of living in Argentina is up to 60% less than in the United States. ...
  • Croatia. Croatia doesn't get enough credit as a budget-friendly destination for expats. ...
  • Grenada. ...
  • Vietnam. ...
  • Zimbabwe.
Mar 24, 2021

Where can you live for $2 a day? ›

"In Ghana, where 80 percent of the economy is barter and noncash, it's one thing to live on $2 in cash per person per day," Edin says. "What does it mean to live cashless in the world's most advanced capitalist country?"

How much is $1,500 a month annually? ›

$1,500 monthly is how much per year? If you make $1,500 per month, your Yearly salary would be $18,000. This result is obtained by multiplying your base salary by the amount of hours, week, and months you work in a year, assuming you work 40 hours a week.

Where can I live in the world for $2000 a month? ›

Here Are 6 Safe Countries Where You Can Retire For Under $2,000 Per Month
  • New Zealand. According to Go Banking Rates, “the country is treasured for its high quality of life and its friendly, happy people. ...
  • Denmark. The average cost of living in Denmark in 2022 is $1,665. ...
  • Austria. ...
  • Japan. ...
  • Czech Republic. ...
  • Portugal.
Nov 3, 2022

Where is the cheapest place to live for a month? ›

Mississippi. Mississippi tops this list as the cheapest place to live in the United States. It has the lowest housing costs of any state listed above and remains well below the national average in every other category.

Is $1,000 a month livable? ›

Bottom Line. Living on $1,000 per month is a challenge. From the high costs of housing, transportation and food, plus trying to keep your bills to a minimum, it would be difficult for anyone living alone to make this work. But with some creativity, roommates and strategy, you might be able to pull it off.

How much do I need to make an hour to make $1500 a month? ›

If you make $1,500 per month, your hourly salary would be $8.65.

How much should I save if I make 1500 a month? ›

A good rule of thumb is to save 20% of every paycheck. For example, if you earn $1,500 each paycheck, you would save $300.

Is saving $1,500 a month good? ›

Saving $1,500 a month is an excellent goal to have. It can help you build up your savings and put you in a better financial position for the future. Having this amount of money saved each month can give you more flexibility when it comes to making decisions about spending or investing.

What is the most affordable tropical place to live? ›

Renting and Buying Property. Affordable Caribbean real estate can be found throughout the region, but depending on whether you rent or own makes a pretty big difference. Jamaica, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Aruba, Honduras, and Belize have some of the cheapest properties that you can own or rent.

Where is the best place to retire? ›

Countries Natixis ranked as secure retirement locations are mostly concentrated in Europe but also include New Zealand and Australia. The top three countries in the rankings are Norway, Switzerland and Iceland, all of which have life expectancies of 83 years, compared to 77 in the U.S. and the world average of 72.

What state has the overall lowest cost of living? ›

Take a look at the 10 cheapest states to live in for 2022.
  1. Mississippi. Coming in as the cheapest state to live in in the United States is Mississippi with a cost of living index score of 83.3. ...
  2. Kansas. ...
  3. Alabama. ...
  4. Oklahoma. ...
  5. Georgia. ...
  6. Tennessee. ...
  7. Missouri. ...
  8. Iowa.
Mar 31, 2023

What US town has the lowest cost of living? ›

In its report, Niche also ranked the cheapest places to live in the U.S. At the top of the list this year is Brownsville, Texas. Brownsville has been steadily rising in Niche's Lowest Cost of Living ranking over the past few years, placing number six in 2021, number three in 2022 and finally, number one in 2023.

How much money does a single person need to live comfortably? ›

The data used in the study analyzed the cost of living in each city as of 2022. For California cities like Los Angeles, Berkeley and San Diego, a single person must make more than $76,000 to “live comfortably,” the data shows.

Where can you live on 1100 a month? ›

5 Countries You Can Live For Less Than $1,000 A Month
  • Argentina. The cost of living in Argentina is up to 60% less than in the United States. ...
  • Croatia. Croatia doesn't get enough credit as a budget-friendly destination for expats. ...
  • Grenada. ...
  • Vietnam. ...
  • Zimbabwe.
Mar 24, 2021

How can I live comfortably on $2000 a month? ›

10 Tips to Comfortably Live on $2000 a Month
  1. Create a Budget and Stick To It. ...
  2. Extinguish Your Fuel Costs. ...
  3. Save Money on Groceries. ...
  4. Choose an Affordable Cell Phone Plan. ...
  5. Save on Electricity. ...
  6. Choose Affordable Health Care. ...
  7. Spend Less on Rent. ...
  8. Find Free Things to Do Around Town.
Sep 28, 2022

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