The Best Cities to Live in Florida: Finding Home Sweet Home In The Sunshine State

Florida is one of the most popular relocation destinations in the U.S. — and the Sunshine State only continues to attract a diverse group of individuals, including young professionals, families, and retirees. Florida's allure lies in its lack of state income tax, year-round warm weather, and unrivaled access to some of the best beaches in the country. Considering a move? Continue reading to learn all about the best cities to live in FL

Sneak Peek: Best Cities To Live in FL

Finding the best city to live in Florida requires you to balance the state’s popular coastal appeal with the realities of living costs and lifestyle choices. The rest of this article will dive deeper into what the best cities to live in FL have to offer. Here’s our list of the top eight places to move:

1. Tampa, FL

2. St. Petersburg, FL

3. Tallahassee, FL

4. Orlando, FL

5. Gainesville, FL

6. Naples, FL

7. Jacksonville, FL

8. Sarasota, FL

8 Best Cities To Live in Florida

To find a city in Florida that meets what you’re looking for, it’s important to take key factors into consideration — like finances, safety, and career opportunities. Do you want to live near the water? Would you prefer somewhere more inland instead? To help you find the perfect match, check out this list of some of the best cities in Florida to settle down in. 

A lively urban atmosphere and strong job market are just two of the factors that make Tampa one of the best cities to live in Florida.
(Source: City of Tampa via Facebook)

1. Tampa, FL — Best for Young Professionals

• Cost of living: 104.2
• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,725
• Average home value: $365,000
• Great for: Young professionals, job opportunities, cultural activities, sports

Often regarded as the most desirable Florida city, Tampa offers a more affordable lifestyle compared to other coastal cities with a strong job market and vibrant culture. Plus, it’s a great place to find a job. In fact, the Tampa Bay region had the highest domestic migration rates compared to similarly sized metros in 2024. Key industries include: Finance, healthcare, and technology.

Highlights of Tampa’s cultural scene include historic Ybor City and Tampa Riverwalk.

Professional sports are also a big deal in the city, with top teams including the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Tampa Bay Lightning.

2. St. Petersburg, FL — Vibrant Coastal Hotspot

• Cost of living: 102.8
• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,825
• Average home value: $339,400
• Great for: Young professionals, families, retirees, beaches, cultural activities, nightlife

Also known as one of the best cities to live in FL, St. Pete is known for its great dining options, vibrant arts scene, and exciting nightlife. Situated on the Gulf Coast, residents living in St. Petersburg have access to some of the best beaches across the state, including St. Pete Beach.

Besides boating, fishing, and enjoying the sunshine along the water, St. Petersburg has quite the creative presence. It’s best represented by world-renowned museums, including The Dali and the Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg. The city’s diverse nightlife scene includes everything from sophisticated spots like Birchwood Canopy to energetic nightclubs like Good Night John Boy.

Plan a visit to Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park in Tallahassee, Florida, and enjoy the shade of a towering southern live oak.
(Source: Visit Tallahassee via Facebook)

3. Tallahassee, FL — Charming Capital City

• Cost of living: 91.2
• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,250
• Average home value: $282,100
• Great for: Young professionals, students, local universities, outdoor activities, local events

Florida’s affordable and budget-friendly capital, Tallahassee, offers more of a distinct and unique way of life compared to the state’s coastal cities, due to its rolling hills and abundance of forests. The collegetown atmosphere is strong, with Florida State University and Florida A&M University contributing to the youthful energy.

From scenic walking trails around Lake Ella to stunning floral architecture at Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park, outdoor enthusiasts have many destinations to choose from. Besides the outdoor perks, local fairs and festivals like the North Florida Fair are popular entertainment options among residents. Not to mention all the sporting events Florida State brings to the city.

4. Orlando, FL — Economic Excellence

• Cost of living: 106
• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,575
• Average home value: $367,500
• Great for: Young professionals, families, job opportunities, world-class entertainment, less hurricane risk

As the most popular theme park destination in the country, the city of Orlando’s robust economy is a major draw for those looking to relocate. With No. 1 rankings across job growth, population growth, and nominal GDP growth, Orlando is considered the fastest-growing major metro area in the U.S.

Besides the world-class theme parks like Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, Orlando is known for its lively arts scene with museums like the Orlando Museum of Art and Dr. Phillips Center for performing arts.

Due to the city’s central location, Orlando is also one of the best cities to live in FL to avoid damaging risks from hurricanes, as storms typically lose most of their strength upon hitting land — meaning they’re pretty weak by the time they hit the city.

5. Gainesville, FL — Premier College Town

• Cost of living: 92.2
• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,250
• Average home value: $289,000
• Great for: Young professionals, students, families, retirees, healthcare, unique outdoor atmospheres

Another one of the most affordable major cities in Florida is Gainesville — an intellectual hub known for its exceptional healthcare and unique outdoor adventures. Home to the University of Florida, this top-tier public university has been ranked among the best in the country. The renowned UF Health Shands Hospital also provides some of the best healthcare nationwide, which is a draw for families and retirees in particular.

Gainesville prides itself on its abundant nature at parks like Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, while also offering a rare proximity to freshwater springs at Ichetucknee Springs.

Downtown Naples, Florida, is a hot spot for popular restaurants, boutique shopping, and the iconic Naples Pier. This beach town is also considered one of the safest cities in Florida.

6. Naples, FL — Sophisticated Luxury

• Cost of living: 113
• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,600
• Average home value: $540,500
• Great for: Families, retirees, beaches, golfing

Considered one of the safest cities in Florida with violent crime rates much lower than the state average, Naples is one of the best cities to live in FL and even in the nation overall. The luxurious and resort-style way of life is one of the city’s major draws.

Outdoor enthusiasts living in Naples will feel like they’re in paradise, with access to hotspots including Naples Pier and the Barefoot Beach Preserve. With a reputation as the “Golf Capital of the World,” Naples features nearly 100 world-class golf courses, including the Tiburon Golf Club and Calusa Pines Golf Club.

7. Jacksonville, FL — Florida’s Most Populous City

• Cost of living: 95.7
• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,300
• Average home value: $278,300
• Great for: Families, young professionals, job opportunities, abundant parks

Jacksonville is one of the largest cities in Florida known for its affordable home prices, strong job market with immense projected growth, and good schools like Stanton College Preparatory and Paxon School for Advanced Studies. As “America’s Logistics Center,” the city is a major port for national and international shipping.

Living in Jacksonville means you’re surrounded by the largest urban park system in the nation. Local favorites include Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park for fishing, kayaking, and trails. Timucan Ecological and Historic Preserve is another local fave that’s ideal for exploring historic sites with just under 50,000 acres of land to traverse.

8. Sarasota, FL — Cultural Oasis

• Cost of living: 105.3
• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,800
• Average home value: $406,800
• Great for: Families, young professionals, retirees, beaches, cultural activities, local festivals

Sarasota is one of the best cities to live in FL for those seeking an upscale coastal lifestyle. Plus, you have access to the best beaches in the nation, like Siesta Key Beach, famous for its white quartz sand.

Sarasota is also known as the cultural capital of Florida’s Gulf Coast, with highlights like the Sarasota Opera House, regarded as one of the finest opera venues in the U.S. From the Sarasota Fall Fine Art Festival to the Sarasota Seafood & Music Festival, the city is popular for its wide range of events with a packed calendar year-round.

Best Cities To Live in FL — FAQs

Q: Which city in Florida is best to live in?
A: Tampa’s dynamic urban environment and strong job market make it one of the best cities to live in Florida, often topping lists on platforms like Niche.

Q: What is the nicest, safest place to live in Florida?
A: Naples is considered one of the safest cities in Florida, known for its beautiful beaches and luxurious lifestyle.

Q: What is the nicest and cheapest place to live in Florida?
A: The capital city of Tallahassee is considered one of the best cities to live in Florida, while also being one of the cheapest.

Q: Can you live comfortably on $50,000 a year in Florida?
A: Living comfortably on $50,000 in Florida is tough, and it will most likely only cover basic necessities. Ultimately, it will depend heavily on your location and lifestyle choices.

Moving with PODS means packing and loading on your own schedule with a full month of storage built into the cost of every move.

Move to One of the Best Cities To Live in FL With PODS

Make your move to Florida flexible with a portable moving container from PODS. Have the container delivered to your driveway, where you can load up on your own schedule. Need help with the heavy lifting? PODS can even refer you to local packing and loading assistance. Once you're ready to move, your container will either be picked up and taken to your new home or it can be stored in a PODS Storage Center until you're ready for it.

Visit PODS online for a free local moving quote or call 877-350-7637 for long-distance moving.

Editor’s note: Average and median rent prices were obtained from RentCafe; and average home values were obtained from Zillow. For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100.

_{*This article was written on behalf of PODS Enterprises, LLC (“PODS”). PODS does not warrant the completeness or accuracy of any information contained in this article and disclaims any liability for reliance upon the content herein.}