These 2 Metros Are The Least Expensive Cities In Florida To Raise A Family
Searches for remote jobs are skyrocketing as people are looking to escape some areas and move to others. The difference between the least expensive cities in Florida and some of the higher priced metro areas is staggering. Sure, small Florida towns like Labelle and Clewiston are always going to be cheaper, but if you're looking to be near a city, or even the coast, you gotta pay up. A little.
Data from MIT's Living Wage Institute was analyzed by Creditnews to rank America's largest metros based on minimum "living income" thresholds. Basically, the income needed to cover essential expenses without public assistance. Rating the 100 largest metro areas, they then revealed the top 10 most, and the top 10 least expensive cities in the United States to raise a family. Although it is definitely more expensive to live in Florida now than it was just a few years ago, no Florida city ranked in their top 10 and 2 Florida cities actually ranked near the bottom.
Most Expensive
Before we get to our Florida cities, it's really no surprise where the most expensive city in America to raise a family is. California.
1. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
- A family of four needs at least $167,271 annually, which translates to an hourly wage of $40.21 if both parents work;
- Single adults require $68,379 annually;
- A family’s minimum income is approximately 2.45 times that of a single adult.
Major technology firms like Nvidia and Apple are in that area. It's been estimated that a large number of Nvidia's 29,600 employees are millionaires thanks to stock options given to them. Many of them multi-millionaires. How do you stay focused at work when you're already rich? Your massive house payment.
The Least Expensive Cities In Florida To Raise A Family
As I mentioned, 2 Florida metropolitan areas scored on the least expensive side of the study. The second cheapest in Florida, and number 10 overall in the country, is the Daytona Beach area.
Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach, FL
- A family must earn at least $97,025 annually, equating to an hourly wage of $23.32 per parent;
- Single adults need $40,929 per year;
- The family income threshold is about 2.37 times that of a single adult.
And finishing the study on the least expensive cities in Florida to raise a family is the Lakeland-Winter Haven area. The cheapest in Florida, and number 5 overall.
Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL
- Families need at least $94,024 annually, which translates to an hourly wage of $22.60 for each parent;
- To scrape by, single adults require $39,691 annually;
- The family income threshold is around 2.37 times that of a single adult.
No Surprise - Southwest Florida Is Not One Of The Least Expensive Cities In Florida
Fort Myers-Cape Coral
- Families need at least $105,064 annually, which translates to an hourly wage of $25.26 for each parent;
- To scrape by, single adults require $46,655 annually;
*This study ranked the 100 largest metro areas, so Naples was not part of the data. Find the full study and methodology here.
Lakeland Florida Woman Makes Jewelry Out Of Breastmilk And Cremation Ashes
Living in Florida is expensive. You almost have to have a side hustle just to get by. But one woman in Lakeland, Florida launched a side hustle so lucrative she made it her full time gig. She makes jewelry out of breastmilk. No breastmilk? She can also make jewelry from cremation ashes, hair, placenta or umbilical cord. Personalized keepsakes.
According to Good News Network, Rachel Heinze of Lakeland left her job as "a professional neuroscientist that specialized in concussions before quitting her job to stay at home with the kids." That's quite a leap, but she's reportedly making $30K a year and gets to be at home with the kids. That's everything right there. She calls her business Mommy s Comfort Keepsakes and based her on Instagram, business is good.
How she got started making jewelry out of breastmilk
As Rachel was weaning her son, she was looking for a way to commemorate their journey. She had him early with a cesarean section at 34 weeks. After time spent in the NICU and other complications they happily made it to his first birthday.
That's when she ran across breastmilk jewelry. And then, with her background in chemistry, she realized she could make this jewelry herself and create it for others.
As you'll see in the pictures, she does beautiful work. And most of the designs are under $150. Turn around time is 2-3 months, art can't be rushed. Full details on her creations are on this website.
Another cool thing she does is offer 'do it yourself kits'. That's right, Rachel will teach you how to do your own jewelry. But personally, I'd be a lot more inclined to see what she comes up with. Here's some of her work.
We actually stumbled upon her work when she was about to have a sale
Love the necklace. The designs are very meaningful. Love what she's doing.
Pandora Beads
If you already have Pandora, it looks like this will fit in nicely with your collection.
She also does jewelry with hair
In the post she notes that it's not easy to work with. But I do like the finished piece.
Even the sheriff reached out
Usually I use the Polk County Sherriff's account for Florida man stories. This is a nice change.
More pics
These have an 'estate feel' to them. Love the look.
