10 of the Cheapest Places to Buy a House in Florida

The statewide median home sales price is $425,000, and every city on this list has a local median price lower than that.

Cheapest places to buy a house in Florida

1. Quincy

Quincy, often described as the historic heart of Gadsden County, is a historic North Florida town known for its charming downtown, Southern character, and agricultural roots. With a population of 8,226 growing at about 0.78% annually, it offers a small-town atmosphere without feeling completely removed from larger neighboring communities like Tallahassee.

Life in Quincy tends to be laid-back, community-oriented, and family-friendly, with residents enjoying local events, historic sites, arts, and outdoor activities. The town has a creative side, with places like the Gadsden Arts Center and Museum and Quincy Music Theatre adding an artistic touch to its traditional Southern setting.

For homebuyers who want a quieter lifestyle, Quincy offers a blend of affordable small-town living, historic charm, and access to jobs in public administration and manufacturing, and amenities in the surrounding area.

• Median home value: $102,465
• Median household income: $35,671
• Cost of living index: 83.7
• Cost of utilities index: 103
• Property tax rate: 0.98%
• Listings in Quincy: View available homes

2. Marianna

Marianna, known as the “City of Southern Charm,” is a historic North Florida community with a relaxed, small-town atmosphere and easy access to outdoor attractions like the Chipola River and Florida Caverns State Park. With a population of 7,715 growing at about 5.84% annually, the city has been experiencing notable population growth while maintaining its close-knit feel.

Residents tend to enjoy a laid-back, family-oriented lifestyle, with plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, community events, and enjoying the slower pace of rural North Florida. As the county seat of Jackson County and home to Chipola College, Marianna also has a strong role in the region’s education, government, and community life. Those moving to Marianna for work can find opportunities in health care, agriculture, and manufacturing.

• Median home value: $106,869
• Median household income: $44,503
• Cost of living index: 77.1
• Cost of utilities index: 110.0
• Property tax rate: 0.78%
• Listings in Marianna: View available homes

»Learn more: Get a clear picture of your homebuying budget before you fall in love with a Florida home. Use HomeLight’s Home Affordability Calculator to crunch the numbers, find a comfortable price range, and start house hunting with confidence.

3. 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 10,966 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.

• Median home value: $128,277
• Median household income: $36,972
• Cost of living index: 81.9
• Cost of utilities index: 100.3
• Property tax rate: 0.96%
• Listings in Palatka: View available homes

4. Arcadia

Arcadia, known for its cowboy culture and historic downtown, blends Old Florida character with a growing collection of boutiques, cafés, antique shops, and local events. Its population sits at 8,192 residents, growing at 1.81% annually. Locals enjoy a relaxed, rural lifestyle shaped by cattle ranches, citrus groves, the Peace River, and plenty of open space.

Outdoor enthusiasts and adventure-seekers can spend their free time canoeing, camping, hunting for fossils and shark teeth along the river, or taking in one of the city’s rodeos. Arcadia has a strong community spirit, with rodeos, festivals, antique fairs, and other events bringing residents together throughout the year.

• Median home value: $155,820
• Median household income: $40,006
• Cost of living index: 81.1
• Cost of utilities index: 105
• Property tax rate: 1.28%
• Listings in Arcadia: View available homes

5. 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 is 73,305, growing at an annual rate of 2.16%.

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 10 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.

• Median home value: $278,954
• Median household income: $59,206
• Cost of living index: 87
• Cost of utilities index: 104.2
• Property tax rate: 1%
• Listings in Ocala: View available homes

6. Lakeland

Lakeland 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, supported by robust industries like logistics and manufacturing. Over 128,000 people live in this city, and the population is growing at 2.2% annually, making it an increasingly popular choice for homebuyers.

• Median home value: $285,898
• Median household income: $64,999
• Cost of living index: 91.6
• Cost of utilities index: 98.0
• Property tax rate: 0.93%
• Listings in Lakeland: View available homes

7. Tallahassee

Tallahassee, Florida’s capital city and a major college town, combines the energy of a growing urban center with the leafy, laid-back feel of North Florida. With a population of 206,428 growing at 0.74% annually, it has a younger, more educated population and a lively atmosphere shaped by students, government workers, families, and professionals.

Residents can enjoy a mix of outdoor recreation, college sports, arts and culture, restaurants, and community events, making the city a good fit for people who want more activity and amenities without the feel of a major Florida metro.

As the state capital, Tallahassee has a particularly strong public-sector presence, while its universities and health care institutions add depth to the local economy. The outlook is also promising for prospective homebuyers, with 37.9% projected job growth over the next 10 years, outpacing the 33.5% U.S. average and pointing to continued economic opportunities in the area.

• Median home value: $307,353
• Median household income: $60,777
• Cost of living index: 91.2
• Cost of utilities index: 107.2
• Property tax rate: 1.2%
• Listings in Tallahassee: View available homes

8. Jacksonville

Jacksonville, affectionately known as “Jax,” offers a mix of laid-back coastal living and big-city energy, with miles of beaches, diverse neighborhoods, and a growing arts, dining, and entertainment scene. It hosts 1,032,061 residents, with the population growing at 1.41% annually.

Outdoor enthusiasts and active families can make the most of Jacksonville’s beaches, waterways, parks, and hiking trails, while its cultural attractions give the city a more urban side. The local economy is broad, with employment opportunities across health care, finance, retail, and hospitality, making it a practical choice for workers in many fields.

With 44.4% projected job growth over the next 10 years, Jacksonville is also expected to outpace the U.S. average, pointing to continued economic opportunity for people considering a move. Overall, Jax can appeal to homebuyers who want the space and amenities of a major city without giving up the relaxed, outdoorsy lifestyle that comes with living on Florida’s First Coast.

• Median home value: $313,862
• Median household income: $70,119
• Cost of living index: 95.7
• Cost of utilities index: 102.8
• Property tax rate: 1.24%
• Listings in Jacksonville: View available homes

9. Pensacola

Often called the “City of Five Flags,” Pensacola blends historic coastal character with a relaxed beach-town lifestyle and the amenities of a small city. With a population of 53,634, Pensacola has a laid-back yet lively atmosphere, attracting families, military personnel, retirees, and younger residents drawn to its beaches, waterfront, arts, festivals, and outdoor recreation.

Life here leans toward the outdoors, with residents able to enjoy boating, fishing, water sports, and the city’s historic downtown and cultural scene. The local economy is diverse, with employment opportunities in tourism, hospitality, retail, and aerospace and defense. For those considering a move, Pensacola also has a promising employment outlook, with 42% projected job growth over the next 10 years, exceeding the U.S. average.

• Median home value: $320,128
• Median household income: $76,006
• Cost of living index: 89
• Cost of utilities index: 105.3
• Property tax rate: 0.87%
• Listings in Pensacola: View available homes

10. Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach, famously known as the “World’s Most Famous Beach” and the “Speed Capital of the World,” brings together a lively coastal atmosphere and a deep-rooted racing culture. With a population of 91,916 growing at 3.89% annually, the city is attracting new residents while maintaining its easygoing beach-town character.

Residents tend to embrace an active, outdoorsy lifestyle, with opportunities for surfing, fishing, kayaking, boating, and enjoying the city’s 23 miles of beaches, while motorsports fans have plenty to keep them entertained year-round.  Beyond tourism and racing, Daytona Beach has a diverse local economy with jobs in manufacturing, hospitality, and retail.

For homebuyers, Daytona Beach offers a mix of coastal recreation, entertainment, and employment opportunities, making it a natural fit for people who want a more energetic Florida lifestyle without moving to a major metro.

• Median home value: $345,676
• Median household income: $56,083
• Cost of living index: 94.9
• Cost of utilities index: 97.0
• Property tax rate: 1.12%
• Listings in Daytona Beach: View available homes

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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 August 2026 is $429,100, and the Florida cities we’ve shared here have median prices ranging from $100,000 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)