It’s no secret that Florida is full of sunshine, beaches, and beautiful places to call home. In this article, we’ll cover a handful of the most affordable places in the Sunshine State for apartment renters on a budget. Slip on your sandals and lather up that sunscreen, we’re going on a tour of the cheapest places to live in Florida this year.
1. Ocala
Average rent: $1,159
Ocala stands out for its low cost of living, with an average rent of $1,159. Studio apartments average $822, while a two-bedroom costs around $1,497.
Major employers in Ocala include AdventHealth Ocala and the Marion County Public Schools. For free or cheap entertainment, visit the Ocala National Forest for hiking or Silver Springs State Park to see the crystal-clear springs.
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2. Lakeland
Average rent: $1,176
Lakeland’s average rent is $1,176 making it another affordable Florida city. Studio apartments are around $867, and two-bedroom units average $1,464. The city’s affordability is boosted by low transportation costs and cheaper dining options.
Publix Super Markets and Lakeland Regional Health are major employers. Explore the Circle B Bar Reserve or enjoy free events at Munn Park, adding to the city’s charm without straining your wallet.
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3. Deltona
Average rent: $1,235
With an average rent of $1,235, Deltona is a budget-friendly choice. One-bedroom apartments average $1,095, and two-bedrooms are $1,375.
One of the largest employers in Deltona is Volusia County School District. Enjoy the beauty of Lyonia Preserve or take a leisurely stroll around Lake Monroe for affordable fun on a free day.
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4. Brandon
Average rent: $1,287
Brandon’s average rent of $1,287 makes it a great option for affordable living. One-bedroom apartments average $1,407, and two-bedrooms are $1,595.
Major employers include Brandon Regional Hospital and Hillsborough County Public Schools. Visit the Westfield Brandon Mall or explore the Paul Sanders Park for low-cost entertainment.
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5. Gainesville
Average rent: $1,428
Average rent here is $1,428, with one-bedroom apartments in Gainesville sitting at $1,283 and two-bedrooms at $1,452.
The University of Florida and Shands HealthCare are major employers, providing plenty of jobs and a cool college town vibe. Visit the Florida Museum of Natural History or the Kanapaha Botanical Gardens for a free or low-cost activity.
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6. Lehigh Acres
Average rent: $1,448
Lehigh Acres boasts an average rent of $1,448, with one-bedroom apartments at $1,195 and two-bedrooms at $1,700. Affordable housing and lower transportation costs make it a budget-friendly choice.
Lee Health and Walmart are significant employers in the area. Locals often enjoy hiking at Harns Marsh or fishing at Lehigh Canal for free outdoor fun.
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7. Pensacola
Average rent: $1,419
Pensacola has an average rent of $1,419, with studio apartments at $1,409 and two-bedroom units at $1,502.
Major employers include Naval Air Station Pensacola and Baptist Health Care. Visit Pensacola Beach or the Historic Pensacola Village for an affordable day out.
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8. Daytona Beach
Average rent: $1,508
Daytona Beach’s average rent is $1,508, with studio apartments at $1,150 and two-bedroom units at $1,783.
Key employers here are Halifax Health and the Volusia County School District. There’s no better way to spend a day than on the famous Daytona Beach or at the free exhibits housed in the Museum of Arts and Sciences.
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9. Spring Hill
Average rent: $1,544
Spring Hill has an average rent of $1,544, with one-bedroom apartments at $1,412 and two-bedrooms at $1,675.
Major employers include Oak Hill Hospital and Hernando County School District. Consider an outdoor activity at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park or a scenic hike the trails at Crews Lake Wilderness Park.
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10. Palm Bay
Average rent: $1,560
Palm Bay’s average rent is $1,560, with one-bedroom apartments at $1,440 and two-bedroom units at $1,680.
L3Harris Technologies and Palm Bay Hospital are two of the more significant employers in Palm Bay. To kill some time, visit Turkey Creek Sanctuary or Castaways Point Park for a little low-cost outdoor time.
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11. Palm Coast
Average rent: $1,614
In this beautiful town, the average rent is $1,614, with one-bedroom apartments in Palm Coast at $1,639 and two-bedroom units at $1,588.
One of the largest employers in Palm Coast is AdventHealth Palm Coast. Local pastimes include kicking back and enjoying the scenic beauty of Waterfront Park or exploring the Graham Swamp Preserve.
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12. Kissimmee
Average rent: $1,616
Kissimmee offers an average rent of $1,616, with studio apartments at $1,157 and two-bedroom units at $2,034.
Key employers include Walt Disney World and Osceola Regional Medical Center. Visit Old Town Kissimmee or the Osceola County Historical Society Museum for cheap or free activities with the family.
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13. Port Orange
Average rent: $1,657
Port Orange has an average rent of $1,657, with one-bedroom apartments at $1,383 and two-bedrooms at $1,930.
Major employers in Port Orange include Halifax Health Medical Center and Volusia County Schools. Residents here love the fact that they can head over to the scenic Spruce Creek Park or explore the Dunlawton Sugar Mill Gardens at the drop of a hat.
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14. Hollywood
Average rent: $1,728
Hollywood has an average rent of $1,728, with studio apartments at $1,000 and two-bedroom units at $2,285.
Major employers include Memorial Healthcare System and the City of Hollywood. We recommend a day out on the Hollywood Beach Boardwalk or checking out the Anne Kolb Nature Center for budget-friendly entertainment.
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15. Tamarac
Average rent: $1,733
Tamarac’s average rent is $1,733, with one-bedroom apartments at $1,500 and two-bedroom units at $1,750.
HCA Florida Woodmont Hospital and the Tamarac School District are a couple of the larger employers in Tamarac. Get some exercise at the Tamarac Sports Complex or explore the Caporella Aquatic Complex for affordable fun.
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16. Melbourne
Average rent: $1,798
Melbourne has an average rent of $1,798, with studio apartments at $1,649 and two-bedroom units at $1,981. Lower housing and utility costs contribute to its affordability.
Major employers include Northrop Grumman and Health First. If you’re in town, take the chance to soak up the scenic views at Wickham Park or pay a visit to the renowned Brevard Zoo.
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17. Bradenton
Average rent: $1,813
Bradenton’s average rent is $1,813, with studio apartments at $1,538 and two-bedroom units at $2,063.
Some of the more notable employers in Bradenton are Manatee Memorial Hospital and Tropicana Products. Visit the Robinson Preserve or enjoy art at the Village of the Arts if you’re looking for a low-cost day on the town.
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18. Apopka
Average rent: $1,881
Apopka has an average rent of $1,881, with studio apartments at $1,915 and two-bedroom units at $1,994.
Key employers include AdventHealth Apopka and the Orange County Public Schools. Visit the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive or enjoy a day at Wekiwa Springs State Park to reconnect with nature while keeping your budget in tact.
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Methodology
All cities must have over 50,000 residents per the US Census and have an average rent price under the median rent price for the state – which is $1,917 per month according to Redfin data. Average rental data from Rent.com July 2024.
