Many people dream of life in a vacation destination. But factors such as housing prices and expected property taxes might scare those dreams away.
However, if you’re willing to accept a rural lifestyle, you might be surprised to find an affordable place in your favorite travel spot.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Florida has one of the fastest-growing state populations, and it’s no wonder. Residents enjoy warmer weather year-round, no state income tax and plenty of water access.
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Plus, you’re not far from the action. Cities such as Miami Beach and Orlando offer world-famous amusements, including hot beaches and internationally known theme parks. If you’re considering life in Florida, here are the top 10 cheapest places to live in the state.
Cheapest places to live in Florida
After ranking property tax bills from highest to lowest per county in Florida, one thing’s for sure: Rural areas win out. You can generally find more affordable living in the countryside than in the hustle and bustle of a big city.
If you’re game for enjoying historic sites, state parks, and natural springs (and maybe want to commute for other enjoyments) check out these cheap places to live in Florida.
Note: Kiplinger used 2025 data presented by the Tax Foundation (sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau) to find the cheapest counties in Florida to live.
Madison County
Median Property Tax Bill: $928
Median Home Price: $105,900
Home prices are relatively low in Madison, as the median price tag is barely above $100,000. The median property tax bill is also cheap — less than $1,000 — and significantly less than neighboring counties such as Brooks, where property taxes are about $1,500, according to the Tax Foundation.
Relocating to Madison might offer a close-knit community feel, with its small-town vibes and annual fair and rodeo. The county is also home to natural springs and rivers, such as Madison Blue Spring State Park, known for its crystal-clear waters, swimming, and cave-diving excursions.
Gadsden County
Median Property Tax Bill: $854
Median Home Price: $154,700
Gadsden is in the panhandle of Florida and has roughly 44,000 people (according to the census recorded five years ago). Home prices are higher than other counties on this list, with the median at $154,700. However, the median property tax bill is just below $855 as of the last five-year estimate from the U.S. Census Bureau.
One of the most notable features of Gadsden is Lake Talquin State Forest Park, which promotes fishing, walking trails, camp sites, and boating activities. If you’re more of a “lake person” than an “ocean person,” and want a slower pace with low-cost home options, Gadsden might be right for your lifestyle.
Lafayette County
Median Property Tax Bill: $850
Median Home Price: $131,600
Homes in Lafayette tend to have a lower median price, at around $131,600. Property taxes, too, can be cheap, with a median bill of $850, per 2025 Tax Foundation data.
Interestingly, Lafayette is a “prohibition county,” meaning local authorities can dictate the kinds of alcoholic beverages sold. Retail sales of beer are allowed in Lafayette, although hard liquor and most wines can’t be sold.
But if you’re OK with a partially dry county, you can enjoy a couple of state parks, including one with blue springs, as well as farms, nature preserves and the Suwannee River Campground. The camp might be particularly excellent for pet owners, as it offers a pet washing station, five dog parks, and tons of trail access.
Hamilton County
Median Property Tax Bill: $806
Median Home Price: $110,400
Named for Alexander Hamilton, the first U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, the county boasts low home prices, with the median around $110,400. The median property tax bill is similarly cheap, barely above $800, according to the latest data from the Tax Foundation.
Known for its history, Hamilton has such sites as the Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center, which honors the writer of Florida’s official state song, “Old Folks at Home.” You can stay overnight on the premises and go to the Florida Folk Festival, which hosts more than 300 performances, shopping, demonstrations, and workshops. Hamilton’s rich history also extends to its Old Jail House, built in the 19th century, and County Museum.
Washington County
Median Property Tax Bill: $787
Median Home Price: $156,000
Washington County has the most expensive median home price on our list at $156,000. However, the median property tax bill is just under $800, according to five-year estimate numbers released by the U.S. Census Bureau. The low property taxes might be because effective property tax rates in the area are just .50%, well below the national average.
Washington County offers several interesting excursions for the not-so-faint of heart. You can go off-roading in a swamp park, boating in the Holmes Creek Canoe Livery, or visit the Orange Hill Gator Farm. The area is built around its forestry and agriculture industries, so if you like fishing, hunting, and boating. This might be the perfect low-cost option for your Florida lifestyle.
Calhoun County
Median Property Tax Bill: $743
Median Home Price: $134,000
Home prices in Calhoun sit comfortably at $134,000, with median property tax bills under $750, according to the Tax Foundation data for 2025. Low property taxes could be partly due to Calhoun’s status as the fifth-least populous county in Florida.
Uncrowded Calhoun is nonetheless packed with things to do. Adventures on the Apalachicola River include boating, fishing, and swimming. The Chipola River also has the largest number of freshwater springs in any Northwest Florida river and features sandy beaches and rapids.
Combined with the low property taxes, Calhoun might be a great place for adventurous fun lovers who want to stay on a budget.
Taylor County
Median Property Tax Bill: $724
Median Home Price: $100,200
Taylor is known as the “Tree Capital of the South” due to its prominence in Florida’s timber industry. An abundance of lumber might contribute to low home prices in the area, with the median of slightly more than $100,000 and property tax bills averaging around $720 per year as of 2025.
Taylor hosts the annual Florida Forest Festival, which has a rich history going back almost 70 years. The event offers a free fish fry, a large lumberjack show and competition, fireworks, a Ferris wheel, and games for children. But if you’re not into crowds, no biggie. Taylor residents also enjoy state parks, boating, and golfing.
Dixie County
Median Property Tax Bill: $715
Median Home Price: $96,900
Located in the “Big Bend” region of Florida, Dixie has relatively low home prices, with a median just above $96,000. Property tax bills are relatively cheap, too, around $700 per Tax Foundation data.
Dixie is a rural county. You might enjoy the area if you like simpler living, rustic farms, quiet wildlife centers, and peaceful natural springs. If you’re looking for an unhurried atmosphere and relatively low property prices and taxes, why not take a chance on Dixie?
Jackson County
Median Property Tax Bill: $625
Median Home Price: $113,900
Jackson home prices are relatively cheap, just under $114,000, according to the latest available data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Median property tax bills are relatively low at about $625 per year. The property tax bill in Jackson is also cheaper than most surrounding Florida counties.
Jackson is generally nature-focused, so if you’re an outdoor enthusiast, this could be the place for you. Explore the Florida Caverns State Park, swim at the Blue Springs, or kayak and fish across the county. In short, Jackson might be the best and cheapest place to live in Florida if you like adventurous water recreation.
Holmes County
Median Property Tax Bill: $527
Median Home Price: $101,400
Holmes is the cheapest place to live in Florida according to the Tax Foundation, with a median property tax bill of $527 and home prices of around $101,000 for 2025.
In addition to being low-cost, Holmes has a lot to offer. More than 80 years of rodeo tradition are packed into the county’s annual Northwest Florida Championship Rodeo, which features a 5K run, rodeo parade, and a pageant. Sites such as Waits Mansion and Ponce de Leon Springs State Park give the area a historic and outdoorsy vibe, too, so if you’re looking for history and fun on a budget, Holmes can provide it.
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