
Florida, in general, is an affordable place to retire. There are no state income taxes, housing prices are still relatively affordable, and general cost-of-living incidentals—such as gas, groceries, and recreation—are economical. Also, you certainly won’t have a high heating bill in the winter.
If you’re looking for a cost-effective retirement destination in Florida, here are the 10 best areas for you and your budget.
1. Ocala

Active adults looking for lush forests, accessible golf, and gently sloping hillsides dotted with horse farms should consider the Ocala area. This Central Florida paradise offers low-cost living that’s also beautiful. Swim in some springs, take horseback riding lessons, and explore a lot of the local area in Ocala.
Things to Love
- Ocala National Forest for hiking, biking, and camping
- Silver Springs State Park for glass-bottom boat rides
- less than an hour drive from Orlando and about 90 minutes from Tampa and St. Petersburg.
Recommended 55+ Communities in Ocala
2. Lakeland

Right along the Interstate 4 corridor between Tampa and Orlando, Lakeland is a growing Central Florida area that has maintained its affordability. Active adults have a lot of good reasons to live here, especially if saving money is a priority. Lakeland is all about culture and art, with regular poetry readings, exhibits, and unique dining experiences in the quaint and historic downtown district.
Things to Love
- Polk Museum of Art at Florida Southern College
- Spring training facilities for the Detroit Tigers
- More alligators than you can count at Circle B
Recommended 55+ Communities in Lakeland
3. Jacksonville
As the largest geographical city in Florida, Jacksonville offers a lot of options for retirees who want sun, sand, and self-care on a budget. Some of the best hospitals in the state are in Jacksonville, and there’s professional football, a thriving riverfront full of shops and restaurants, and plenty of public beaches that are great for surfing, boating, and sunning.
Things to Love
- Thousands of plants and animals at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
- Mayo Clinic’s Florida campus is one of the best in the nation
- Waterfront food and fun at Riverwalk Jacksonville
Recommended 55+ Communities in Jacksonville
4. Daytona Beach
Good news: You can retire to a beach city in Florida while staying on budget. Daytona Beach on Florida’s Atlantic Coast provides affordable housing, lots of coastal activities, and a front-row seat for the famous Daytona 500 NASCAR race. The city also includes easy access to Interstate 95 and an international airport for frequent fliers.
Things to Love
- Races, events, and tours at Daytona International Speedway
- The beach with a boardwalk and pier that’s been around since 1938
- Delicious seafood at Bay Street Seafood or The Oyster Pub
Recommended 55+ Communities in Daytona Beach
5. Gainesville

The University of Florida is one of the best public universities in Florida, and it’s found in Gainesville, one of the most affordable parts of Florida to retire. There’s a lot of nature in this area of Central Florida as well as excellent small towns that are worth exploring. If you’re looking for a quiet and scenic place to spend your retirement, grab your UF Gators gear and settle into Gainesville.
Things to Love
- Paynes Prairie and its wild horses and buffalo
- Southern small towns like Archer, High Springs, and antique shopping in Micanopy
- Florida Gators football
Recommended 55+ Communities in Gainesville
Additional Affordable Florida Retirement Hotspots
The top five places for active adults to spend an affordable retirement offer endless benefits and attractions. The remaining areas on our list are also well-known for their 55+ communities, affordable living, and high quality of life.
6. Tampa
In the Tampa Bay area (including St. Petersburg and Clearwater), residents love living on the Gulf Coast. Professional sports, outlet shopping, and perfect sunsets are the high points.
7. Fort Myers and Cape Coral
The Fort Myers/Cape Coral area offers beautiful beaches and spring training baseball. If you love seashells, this is the place to pick them out of the white sands.
8. Melbourne
Melbourne is close to Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, and even Miami. Grab a cruise from the nearby port or enjoy one of the many public golf courses.
9. Orlando and Kissimmee
The Orlando/Kissimme area is about so much more than just theme parks. There’s also some excellent shopping, unique hiking trails, and a vintage amusement park in Old Town.
10. Punta Gorda
Punta Gorda is a quiet seaside enclave that offers luxury living at affordable prices. Here, retirees are close to Sarasota and several islands and keys. Fishing and boating are the most popular pastimes.
48 Comments