Florida is America’s least affordable place to live: report (2024)

FAQs

Florida is America’s least affordable place to live: report? ›

The state's now home to the least affordable places to live in the U.S., according to multiple studies covering rental costs, home prices and income. Rent.com reported Tampa's average rent for a one-bedroom apartment was $1,682, up 32.4% since the year before. In St. Petersburg, it's $1,890 or 19.6% higher than 2021.

Florida is one of the most expensive states for housing, and Miami is the least affordable city in the country, according to a report. High demand, short supply, increased migration trends since the pandemic and exploding mortgage rates, make for a pricey combination.

NEWS: Florida Now Considered the Least Affordable Place to Live in the Country. Florida is now considered the least affordable place to live in the entire country. For those looking for a home in Florida, finding affordable housing may be a challenge.

With white sand beaches, popular attractions like Disney World and Universal Studios, and major corporation headquarters, there's plenty to love about living in the Sunshine State. But with median home prices around $305,266 and median monthly rent at about $1,800, finding an affordable home can be tough.

No state income tax in Florida, cheaper real estate and the weather are the top reasons broker Melissa Cantway said people are still moving here.

The other reasons that people leave the state after moving here are varied: “A nearly 14,000-member Facebook group for people moving out of Florida has cited severe weather, low wages, crowded beaches, changing politics, and steep housing prices as reasons people left.”

Florida is becoming one of the most popular places to live. That's also making it more and more expensive. Inflation has hit Miami harder than any other metro area. Ultimately, it doesn't matter where you live; you're probably struggling to keep up with skyrocketing inflation, which hit a 40-year high last year.

The state's now home to the least affordable places to live in the U.S., according to multiple studies covering rental costs, home prices and income. Rent.com reported Tampa's average rent for a one-bedroom apartment was $1,682, up 32.4% since the year before. In St. Petersburg, it's $1,890 or 19.6% higher than 2021.

Conversely, Hawaii tops the list of the most expensive states with an average house price of $636,400. As the only state not geographically based in North America, it's unsurprising that the cost of moving is significantly higher, from flights to shipping costs.

Florida is expensive because of its popularity among retirees and tourists. Retirees often have disposable income and spend it on activities like golfing, fishing, and boating. Additionally, housing, food, and healthcare costs are higher in Florida compared to other states.

Is $50,000 enough to live in Florida? ›

Can You Afford the Average Cost of Living in Florida? Yes, you can afford the average cost of living in Florida. If you receive a salary in excess of $50,000 per year, you will have enough to cover your expenses.

Florida residents enjoy the 32nd-lowest cost of living in the United States, per MERIC data gathered in 2022.

If you are looking for a place to spend your golden years, look no further. Florida was ranked the second-best state to retire to in 2022, due primarily to low taxes and great weather.

The Takeaway

Florida can be an expensive place, mostly because the cost of renting or owning a home has gone up so much. But with a good salary — by one definition at least $60,000 for a single, childless person — and a solid spending plan, you can enjoy the laid-back Florida lifestyle.

The bottom line is Florida is a far less expensive state to live in than California because it has less expensive homes, lower sales tax on things you buy, and lower income taxes on money you earn.

Over 70 percent believe Florida's overcrowding and overpopulation is a major problem. Nearly 60 percent believe that adding another five million people to Florida's population is a serious problem. Forty percent say Florida has become a less comfortable place to live over the past five years.

Florida housing costs are a major contributor to high inflation. Shelter is a major cost hitting Floridians, and these fast-rising prices aren't limited to the Miami area.

To no major surprise, Los Angeles was found to be the least affordable. Two other California cities – Bakersfield and Modesto – found themselves among the top 10 least affordable cities in the U.S. Three Texas cities made the list as well.

What is the most expensive state to live in right now? ›

According to several studies on cost of living, Hawaii is the most expensive U.S. state to live in. Prices are typically double in Hawaii compared to those on the mainland, and the continued rise in inflation is making costs ranging from housing to health care much more expensive.

Inversely, the three most expensive states to move to right now have average home prices that are at least $275,000 higher than the national average. The most expensive state to move to in 2023 is Hawai'i, with an average home price of $636,400. Following up is Washington DC, with an average house price of $618,100.

Cost of living

Georgia has an overall score of 93.4, about 10% less than Florida's 102.8. This means that, on average, living in Georgia is slightly more affordable than living in Florida.

All in all, Florida is a great place to buy a house due to its favorable climate, low cost of living, and Florida's affordable real estate market. Florida property taxes are also among the lowest in America. Residents have no shortage of things to do, from theme parks to world-famous beaches.

Good News! The cost of living in Orlando, FL is -41.2% lower than in New York, NY. You would have to earn a salary of $35,309 to maintain your current standard of living. Employers in Orlando, FL typically pay -19.2% less than employers in New York, NY.

Because Florida has no State Income tax, the State needs to get its revenue for infrastructure improvements. Therefore it taxes food, gas, etc. Food tax exists in Florida but not in some other states. Therefore, food prices are higher in Florida.

Overall, the Florida housing market is likely to remain strong in 2023, with continued demand for homes and steady price growth. However, the market may begin to stabilize as the growth rate slows down, which may lead to more balanced conditions between buyers and sellers.

According to Norada Real Estate Investments, Florida home values have risen by an eye-popping 80% over the last five years — and GOBankingRates spoke with several experts who expect the upward trend to continue for at least another half-decade.

Moody's Sees More Price Drops

But values have held up better in several Florida markets and some other Southeast states. “On a national basis, we expect home prices to decline about 4% both in 2023 and in 2024,” the analysts said.

What is a good hourly wage in Florida? ›

$11.87 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers. $23.94 is the 75th percentile.

If you make $100,000 a year living in the region of Florida, USA, you will be taxed $22,418. That means that your net pay will be $77,582 per year, or $6,465 per month.

With few exceptions, employers in these states must pay each employee a minimum of $7.25 per hour.

The average home value in Florida is around $377,000 as of 2023. This is an increase of 11.8% compared to the previous year. The average home price can vary widely depending on the location within the state, with some areas being significantly more expensive than others.

Hawaii is the most expensive state to live in, with a cost of living index of 184.

Unfortunately, living in Florida has its share of risks. Hurricanes, storms, and floods can cause major damage to homes and property – and even lead to fatalities.

The US Health and Human Services Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality create a ranking of the 50 states according to healthcare quality. In this ranking, Florida comes out 36 out of 50 states.

Top Reasons to Move to Florida

The Sunshine State is known for its warm weather and sunny days, which can be attractive to those looking to escape colder climates. Florida is a popular destination for retirees due to its warm climate, low taxes, and affordable cost of living.

In 2021, there were only six violent crimes in Satellite Beach, easily making it the safest place to live in Florida. Property crime rates in Satellite Beach are also 76% lower than the statewide average. Besides security, residents enjoy the town's sandy beaches and beautiful ocean views.

Why New Yorkers are moving to Florida? ›

Number one reason New Yorkers are moving to Florida every year is probably because of the better weather. But income tax also helps a lot. Florida residents do not pay state income tax. Taxes are charged mainly on consumption (you pay when you buy or sell a product or service).

1 state to retire in, Virginia has taken the top spot this year, according to personal finance website WalletHub's “2023′s Best States to Retire” study. WalletHub evaluated all 50 U.S. states in three key categories: affordability, quality of life and access to health care.

The current minimum wage in Florida is $8.56, slightly higher than the federal minimum wage of $7.25. Economists estimate that Floridians need to earn at least $15.60 per hour to enjoy a living wage and comfortable lifestyle. This is an average salary of $32,448 per year.

If you make $75,000 a year living in the region of Florida, USA, you will be taxed $15,006. That means that your net pay will be $59,995 per year, or $5,000 per month.

Insurance and Property Taxes

One of the first reasons that the median property prices for Florida houses are cheaper than in other states is because, in some areas, the insurance and property taxes are very high. Florida is known to experience unstable weather conditions throughout the year.

In that regard, older Californians are just following an old and well-trodden path: With its low sales tax and no state personal income tax, cheaper housing and all-around lower cost of living, Florida has been a magnet for older Americans going back a century or more.

Study: California Ranks as 4th Happiest State — Well Ahead of Texas and Florida.

1. Hawaii. Hawaii is truly a paradise, but it is also the most expensive state in America to live in. The cost of living in Hawaii overall is 86% higher than the national average, and the cost of housing in Hawaii is a jaw-dropping 207% above the national average.

Florida is expensive because of its popularity among retirees and tourists. Retirees often have disposable income and spend it on activities like golfing, fishing, and boating. Additionally, housing, food, and healthcare costs are higher in Florida compared to other states.

What is a comfortable living salary in Florida? ›

According to several studies on cost of living, Hawaii is the most expensive U.S. state to live in. Prices are typically double in Hawaii compared to those on the mainland, and the continued rise in inflation is making costs ranging from housing to health care much more expensive.

Hawaii and California are the LEAST affordable places to live in the U.S as incomes fail to keep up with soaring property prices.