Cheapest Cities to Rent in Florida

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Whether you’re moving here from out of state, relocating within Florida, searching for affordable living options, or considering buying an investment property, you may want to know which markets offer cheaper rent. If you’re looking for the cheapest cities to rent in Florida, look no further than our list!

Living in Florida comes with so many benefits, from great year-round weather to beautiful places to enjoy on your time off. Healthy living is very doable, the diversity here is fantastic, the economy is strong, and the state is ranked #3 in higher education (According to US News). No wonder people love living in Florida!

While Florida may not have many of the cheapest cities to rent in the U.S. it does have areas where houses rent for less compared to the rest of the state.

Florida Rental Statistics

Before we dive into the cheapest cities to rent in Florida, let’s look at a few general rental facts and statistics:

• The average rent in Florida is $1,790 per month, compared to $1,100 nationwide
• Across the U.S., rental rates have increased by 31% in the past ten years
• Approximately 109 million Americans reside in rental housing
• The state with the highest number of rental units is California
• About 33.75% of households in Florida rent their homes

What does all this mean for you? If you are a tenant looking for affordable rentals, you’ll want to know where to find cheaper rent in Florida.

Cheapest Cities to Rent in Florida

This list of the most affordable cities to rent in Florida does not just focus on rental prices alone. We’re taking a comprehensive approach, examining various factors contributing to the overall cost of living and quality of life in each city. This includes:

• Population: The size of the city’s population can impact the availability and pricing of rental properties.
• Median Home Listing Price: This gives us a sense of the overall real estate market in the city.
• Average Number of Days on the Market: This helps us understand how quickly properties are rented or sold.
• Median Household Income: This figure offers a glimpse into the earning potential in the area.
• Average Rent Price: Most crucial to our analysis, this tells us the typical cost of renting in the city.

Whether you’re a potential renter seeking the most value for your money or an investor scouting for high-return opportunities, our analysis will provide the insights you need to explore these affordable Florida rental markets.

Here are the top ten cheapest cities to rent in Florida, let’s dive in!

1. Lake City

• Population: 12,352
• Median home listing price: $244,450
• Average number of days on the market: 41 days
• Typical home value: $107,206
• Median household income: $38,000
• Average rent price: $856

Home prices are very reasonable in Lake City compared to the rest of the state, which makes investing in rental property here a sound choice. As a result, renters can enjoy lower rates, while investors can make a solid rental income. Lake City stands currently as the cheapest city to rent in Florida!

2. Haines City

• Population: 26,009
• Median home listing price: $334,450
• Average number of days on the market: 35 days
• Typical home value: $127,247
• Median household income: $44,279
• Average rent price: $1,024

Many are drawn to the region for its affordability and end up staying long-term. Because of its reasonably priced homes and wide range of rent prices, the market moves quickly. Homes tend to stay on the market for an average of 35 days. However, affordable rent can be had here for singles, couples, and families who are drawn to the area for economic sustainability.

3. Titusville

• Population: 46,580
• Median home listing price: $260,975
• Average number of days on the market: 40 days
• Typical home value: $141,580
• Median household income: $46,609
• Average rent price: $948

Rent is affordable here, which as a result, draws many to the area. While not the cheapest city in Florida to rent on our list, both the real estate and rental markets thrive in Titusville. Homes in this area typically appreciate well in value. Purchasing a home here and renting it out provides a reasonably good return on investment.

4. Green Cove Springs

• Population: 8,577
• Median home listing price: $396,945
• Average number of days on the market: 51 days
• Typical home value: $189,973
• Median household income: $57,009
• Average rent price: $916

Rent here is affordable, and many people choose to live here instead of in nearby Jacksonville or Gainesville because of Green Cove Spring’s reasonable rent price ranges.

Houses here sell at a more extended pace, being on the market an average of 51 days, but the real estate market is still healthy, and good deals can be found by savvy investors. All this and more makes it one of the cheapest cities in Florida to rent!

5. Panama City

• Population: 34,667
• Median home listing price: $343,700
• Average number of days on the market: 49 days
• Typical home value: $151,560
• Median household income: $43,953
• Average rent price: $945

While the real estate market here is hot, home prices are relatively affordable. Panama City’s median household income is lower than some of the other cities listed above, so people have a little less income to spend. Rents are also higher here, on average, but the lower range of rent prices is still very affordable.

Panama City offers plenty to do, with a wide range of cultural and recreational offerings. 

6. Plant City

• Population: 39,653
• Median home listing price: $336,637
• Average number of days on the market: 32 days
• Median household income: $57,025
• Average rent price: $973

Nestled in the heart of Florida, Plant City is renowned for its annual Strawberry Festival, an eleven-day event filled with rides, live music, and of course, strawberries. The city presents a delightful mix of small-town charm and big-city amenities. With its historic downtown, bustling community events, and lush parks, it offers a rich, family-friendly environment.

7. Lynn Haven

• Population: 18,990
• Median home listing price: $389,900
• Average number of days on the market: 50 days
• Median household income: $71,812
• Average rent price: $1305

Lynn Haven is a charming coastal city in Bay County, Florida. Known for its picturesque landscapes and tranquil suburban lifestyle, the city boasts beautiful green parks, bountiful fishing areas, and a variety of local shopping spots. Lynn Haven’s community-oriented atmosphere and coastal charm make it a wonderful place to call home.

8. Tarpon Springs

• Population: 25,560
• Median home listing price: $505,400
• Average number of days on the market: 41 days
• Median household income: $58,328
• Average rent price: $1,469

Distinguished by its rich Greek heritage, Tarpon Springs is an enchanting waterfront city on Florida’s Gulf Coast. The city is famous for its Sponge Docks, a historic district lined with authentic Greek restaurants, markets, and sponge diving shops. With numerous art galleries, antique stores, and outdoor festivals, Tarpon Springs offers a vibrant cultural experience.

9. Winter Haven

• Population: 52,710
• Median home listing price: $319,900
• Average number of days on the market: 45 days
• Median household income: $50,842
• Average rent price: $1,456

Located in the heart of Central Florida, Winter Haven is a city of natural beauty, known for its canal-linked Chain of Lakes. It’s home to the world-famous Legoland Florida Resort and is a paradise for watersports enthusiasts. The city’s downtown area brims with charm, offering a variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

10. Tallahassee

• Population: 197,102
• Median home listing price: $308,000
• Average number of days on the market: 37 days
• Median household income: $49,077
• Average rent price: $1,464

As the capital city of Florida, Tallahassee is a hub of activity filled with rich history, diverse culture, and vibrant nightlife. From the beautiful canopy roads to the historic Florida State Capitol building, there is always something to explore. It’s also a university city, home to Florida State University and Florida A&M University, fostering a youthful and energetic atmosphere.

Final Thoughts

Which cheapest city to rent in Florida is calling you? All of these cities have thriving communities, healthy real estate markets, and strong economies.

All of them attract new residents thanks to affordable housing options, strong employment opportunities, good public schools, and proximity to outstanding attractions known around the world. Many of these people will be looking for communities that have affordable rent prices and a thriving economy.

Cities like Lake City, Haines City, Titusville, Green Cove Springs, and Panama City provide some of the best that Florida has to offer without the high price tags!

Ready to Rent in One of the Cheapest Cities in Florida?

If you’d like to explore these communities further and see if investing in property in one of these cities is right for you, we invite you to reach out to FastExpert.com. As a company that connects people buying or selling a home with top real estate agents, we can match you with the perfect real estate agent who understands your motivation for investing in Florida.

We make it easy for you to hire the right real estate agent, and we provide convenient options to easily compare top agents to simplify your selection. Give us a try and discover why over 400,000 happy clients choose FastExpert!