10 of the Cheapest Places to Buy a House in Florida

2. Lakeland

Lakeland, Florida, lives up to its name with its 38 beautiful lakes, offering homebuyers a scenic and peaceful environment. Nestled between Orlando and Tampa, it provides easy access to big-city amenities while maintaining a charming, small-town feel. The city has a vibrant arts scene, historic districts, and a welcoming community.

With a 5.6% unemployment rate and 42.5% projected job growth, Lakeland’s economy is strong. Over 125,000 people live in this city, and the population is growing at 2.28% annually, making it an increasingly popular choice for homebuyers. Lakeland’s median home sales price increased by 2.2% in December 2024 compared to the same period the previous year.

Median home sales price: $322,000

Median household income: $57,131

Cost of living index: 91.6

Cost of utilities index: 98.0

Property tax rate: 0.96%

Listings in Lakeland: View available homes

3. Port Charlotte

Homebuyers who love the water should take a deep dive into Port Charlotte’s real estate market. Boasting 165 miles of man-made waterways, the community is perfect for boating, fishing, and kayaking. This scenic coastal community offers a laid-back lifestyle with beautiful beaches and lush parks.

There were 65,500 residents in Port Charlotte in 2024, and the population continues to grow at a steady 1.23% annually. With an unemployment rate of 5.0% and a projected job growth of 38.9% over the next 10 years, it offers strong economic opportunities to residents.

The cost of living remains affordable, making it an attractive choice for those seeking a balance of nature, recreation, and financial stability. The median home sales price in Port Charlotte rose by 1.6% year-over-year in December 2024.

Median home sales price: $320,000

Median household income: $60,501

Cost of living index: 93.7

Cost of utilities index: 96.7

Property tax rate: 1.34%

Listings in Port Charlotte: View available homes

4. Palm Bay

Palm Bay is the largest city in Brevard County, offering a perfect mix of natural beauty and suburban charm. Known for its laid-back, family-friendly atmosphere, it provides a welcoming environment for homebuyers seeking space and tranquility.

The city’s population has reached 140,700 in 2024, growing at a 3.79% rate annually. With an unemployment rate of 4.9% and a strong projected job growth of 42.2% over the next decade, Palm Bay residents can find stability here.

Outdoor lovers can explore scenic trails and parks, making it an excellent place to call home. The median home sales price saw a slight decline of 3.4% year-over-year in December 2024.

Median home sales price: $312,450

Median household income: $67,928

Cost of living index: 95.6

Cost of utilities index: 97.7

Property tax rate: 1%

Listings in Palm Bay: View available homes

5. Titusville

A charming town that embraces a laid-back coastal lifestyle, Titusville is perfect for those who enjoy fishing, beachside relaxation, and a slower pace of life. With a population of 49,967 and an annual growth rate of 0.58%, it remains a peaceful yet steadily expanding community. 

The town’s unemployment rate sits at 5.1%, below the national average, while future job growth is projected at an impressive 40.7% over the next 10 years. Titusville’s scenic beauty, combined with its economic potential, makes it an appealing choice for homebuyers looking for tranquility and opportunity. 

Should you choose this location for your next home, note that the median home sales price grew 3.3% year-over-year in December 2024.

Median home sales price: $310,000

Median household income: $64,898

Cost of living index: 95.6

Cost of utilities index: 96.7

Property tax rate: 0.95%

Listings in Ocala: View available homes

6. Frostproof

Ignoring the opportunity for jokes about how the whole of Florida could likely be referred to as “frostproof,” the tiny town of Frostproof — pop. 3,451 — sits in the state’s southern interior region. You won’t be minutes from the beach in Frostproof, but there are several lakes in the area that make for the perfect spot for bonding with loved ones and friends.

Frostproof’s unemployment rate is just slightly below the national average, but forecasted job growth is positive. Economy experts estimate a 43.7% boost over the next 10 years. The town’s median home sales price had a 37.1% rise in December 2024 compared to the year before.

Median home sales price: $295,000

Median household income: $39,301

Cost of living index: 91.6

Cost of utilities index: 107.5

Property tax rate: 1.3%

Listings in Frostproof: View available homes

7. Winter Haven

If you love outdoor adventures, Winter Haven is another option to consider. Known for its beautiful lakes, the city is a hotspot for boating, fishing, and water sports. It’s also home to Legoland, offering family-friendly entertainment and a vibrant local culture to residents.

The population is nearing 60,000, with an annual growth rate of 3.78%, highlighting the city’s potential for expansion and development. As more people move in, new businesses, job opportunities, and infrastructure improvements heighten Winter Haven’s appeal, making it a great place to call home. 

With future job growth projected at 44.5%, the city offers a promising balance of career opportunities and recreational activities for residents. If you’re eyeing to buy a home here, the median home sales price experienced a slight 1.9% decrease in December 2024 compared to the same month in 2023.

Median home sales price: $295,000

Median household income: $59,604

Cost of living index: 91.6 

Cost of utilities index: 102.2

Property tax rate: 1.12%

Listings in Winter Haven: View available homes

8. Ocala

Known as the Horse Capital of the World, Ocala boasts a unique mix of natural beauty, rich history, and a thriving equestrian culture. Its population was 70,000 in 2024, growing at an annual rate of 2.25%. 

With career opportunities on the rise, Ocala is an appealing place to call home for professionals, families, and entrepreneurs alike. The city’s projected job growth of 37.6% over the next ten years surpasses the national average, offering a promising future for those seeking stable employment. 

As new industries emerge and local businesses expand, Ocala continues to develop a thriving job market, making it an excellent choice for long-term investment and economic stability. The city’s median home sales price decreased by 3.6% in December 2024 compared to the same month in the previous year.

Median home sales price: $270,000

Median household income: $52,121

Cost of living index: 87

Cost of utilities index: 104.2

Property tax rate: 1%

Listings in Ocala: View available homes

9. Palatka

Palatka, often referred to as the Gem of the St. Johns, truly lives up to its name with the St. Johns River at its heart. The river offers endless opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts, whether you’re into bass fishing, kayaking, or enjoying a relaxing boat ride. With its abundant waterways, Palatka is the perfect destination for those who appreciate nature.

Its population of 10,800 makes this cozy town a quiet place to buy an affordable home in Florida. The unemployment rate in Palatka is slightly above the national average, and job growth isn’t as favorably projected as some cities on this list. However, jobs are readily available in retail and healthcare especially, with more opportunities if you’re willing to commute or work remotely.

The median home sales price climbed by 28.2% in December 2024 compared to the previous year.

Median home sales price: $249,900

Median household income: $33,628

Cost of living index: 81.9

Cost of utilities index: 100.3

Property tax rate: 1.07%

Listings in Palatka: View available homes

10. Bartow

Bartow, known as the “City of Oaks and Azaleas,” offers a charming, historic atmosphere with many homes dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its scenic beauty, combined with a population of over 20,000 and steady growth at 1.7% annually, creates a vibrant community.

With a future job growth projection of 43.7% and an unemployment rate slightly below the national average, Bartow is a promising place for both living and career opportunities. If this community appeals to you and you would want to shop for homes here, note that the median home sales price fell gently by 11.5% in December 2024 from the previous year.

Median home sales price: $247,000

Median household income: $66,944

Cost of living index: 91.6

Cost of utilities index: 104.5

Property tax rate: 0.92%

Listings in Bartow: View available homes

Key takeaways

As long as you’re willing to step outside the major cities and resort areas, Florida is still a very affordable place to buy a home. The U.S. median home price in December 2024 is $400,000, and the Floridian cities we’ve shared here have median prices ranging from $250,000 to $350,000.

As always, remember that there’s no better way to find your perfect home in Florida — or any other state — than to work with a great real estate agent. A knowledgeable agent can help you sort through listings while prioritizing your budget and needs. With HomeLight, you can be matched with top agents in your area in just a few minutes — at no cost to you.

Header Image Source: (Rebecca Cairns / Unsplash)