The Cheapest And Most Expensive Florida Counties To Live And Work In

Cost of living has gone up considerably in the past few years. Even though the government says that inflation is under control, prices aren't coming down - they just aren't going up as fast. We've seen tremendous increases in insurance rates here in Florida, but Florida is still a prime destination for people to move to. People are coming from up north to live and work in Florida. And there are still places here that can be considered affordable. So how does Southwest Florida cities like Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and Naples, stack up against other Florida cities when it comes to affordability? Well, that depends.

Smartasset took a look at the Places with the Most Favorable Cost of Living. They took into account the basics. Housing, food, childcare, medical expenses, and transportation. Also everyday items like toiletries, clothing, and misc.  Entertainment was not factored in. If you need to spend the holidays down at the Cheesecake Factory drinking scotch, that's on you.

Taxes is where Floridians see the most benefit. We have no state tax, and the Homestead Exemption really helps with property tax values. If you ever wondered how the state of Florida makes up for those tax breaks, stay at a hotel and take a look at your bill. The ol' tourist development tax, also known as the bed tax.

With these metrics, the average cost of living in Florida is $39,679. The average median income is $55,660. Here's the 10 cheapest counties to live and work (or retire) in Florida.

If you're wondering, Levy County is Southwest of Gainesville and borders the Gulf Of Mexico. Most of those counties are nearer to Georgia. But that's a whole different type of Florida than what we're used to here in Southwest Florida. Speaking of - here's the bottom of the list. The most expensive counties.

Collier comes in number 64 of the 67 Florida counties in the 2024 Cost Of Living calculator. No surprise there with Naples. Elsewhere in Southwest Florida is Lee County at 49, and Charlotte at 38. Heading east and away from the coast is Hendry at number 18, at Glades at number 19. Florida really is just like anywhere else. Some places to live are just a lot more expensive than others. If you're looking to move, hopefully this list can help.

Related: The Cheapest And Most Expensive Places To Live And Work In North Carolina

Well, that got my attention. Whether you're here in Florida visiting, or a long time resident, you need to know that Florida has dangers. Sure, we've got our share of fluffy bunnies and squirrels, but Florida animals can kill.  Also, an honorable mention to the wild monkeys near Ocala that have the deadly herpes B virus. No one in Florida has died from that - yet.

Let’s face it, there’s a lot of things down here trying to kill you. There’s 6 venomous snakes in Florida, and only 2 of them were deadly enough to make this list. Deaths from these animals are rare, but not zero. I personally think you're more likely to be injured by a New York snowbird driving into you in a Publix lot. I kid, I kid. I'm only singling out New York because ya'll are terrible drivers. Nothing personal. The left lane is for passing.

Did I ever tell you about the time a guy with Jersey plates wanted to fight me at the car wash in Estero? He had all his floor mats out and was vacuuming his truck so I pulled in the wash bay in front of him. I just wanted to wash off some dirt. He stormed up and was ready to fight because "that's not how you do it." Sorry, I'm getting sidetracked.

Ranker put together a list of  the most dangerous animals here in Florida. Florida Man is a lot more dangerous than any of these animals, but we've covered that extensively. So here we go, with 14 animals in Florida that can kill you.

Did you know? Box jellyfish kill more people each year than sharks. A sting from a box jellyfish can stop your heart. More than 8 different species have caused deaths. And they're not just here in the tropics. They've even, on occasion, made their way up to New Jersey where I'm sure someone guy probably tried to fight it.

I know someone that had multiple brown recluse spider bites on her arm and into her armpit. She didn’t die but it suuuuuuuuuucked. Necrosis, fever, vomiting are all likely symptoms. 

You normally you won’t die if you get bit by one of these, but are you ready to take that chance? One time I was at a transmitter site and opened a panel to find a black widow nest waiting inside. Momma and all her babies.  I don’t help with engineering anymore. Nope.

It’s called a rattlesnake for a reason, it’ll rattle it’s tail to let you know you need to move on. If unheeded, this snake has an incredible painful bite. If you don’t get help immediately, you can die. Painfully.

You knew there’d be a shark on this list. Big and aggressive, they cruise the coast of Florida. They're generally not looking to bite humans but you know, things happen.

Class, this is what’s know as an Apex predator. Top of the food chain. More and more often we’re seeing these beasts on the golf course. Don’t wanna get eaten? Stick to Top Golf. I took this picture in the Everglades from an air boat. Was it smart to stop an airboat on shore next to an alligator? Probably not, but this is Florida. 

Look at how that thing blends in with the leaves – watch your step. Interesting fact, this snake will generally give you a warning strike with little or no venom. The second bite though… Strangely enough my cat does the same thing. 

It sounds friendly enough, except that the “kiss” is actually a bloodsucking bite. Not fun. But that’s not really where the real danger is. These bugs transfer a parasite that transmits Chagas, which may lead to fatal cardiac arrest.

Yes, as in “Jaws”. Like old people from New York, they come down here in the winter for the warmer climate. Fortunately they don't have cars. 

I’ve been bit by fire ants many times, it’s not fun. Fortunately for me after the first couple of bites I’m smart enough to get out of the grass. If you’re allergic, or even if you get enough bites, your body can swell up to the point where you suffocate. The best way to avoid this is to stay inside and play video games. I've probably killed millions of these things in my yard over the last decade. But there's always more. 

Super sharp teeth and don’t normally attack humans. These things can swim up to 35 mph (OMG!) and if something shiny catches their eye, like a necklace on a swimmer, they might accidentally attack.

If you live in a rural area down here, you’ve seen these things. They are mean, and will attack. The best part? They’re full of diseases and bacteria – including anthrax. I knew a guy in North Fort Myers that spotted one but didn't have his gun. So he killed it with a screwdriver. North Fort Myers people are different. 

True story, that picture was taken in Charlotte County. There’s actually no reported deaths in Florida from panther attacks, although they have been know to take down livestock. No human deaths in Florida, don’t want to be the first.

If they do attack, they tend to maul rather than kill. So, maybe scarring and horrible disfigurement? Black bears live in the rural areas and are quite known to sift through trash and if you leave pet food outside – you may get a new pet. These things are why people in Golden Gate have to be careful where they put their trash cans. 

Be sure to check out the companion piece: The 6 venomous snakes of Florida