(Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Last year, we reported on the fact that Florida has not just one, but two of the best cities to retire on a fixed budget, according to a study from GoBankingRates.com. Now, in searching for more affordable living spots throughout the U.S., it appears Florida also has two the best cities to live on $1,500 – or even less – a month, whether you’re retired or not. Surprised? We'll explain.
The staff at MindYourDollars.com has conducted a study to find the best cities in the U.S. to live on a budget of $1,500 a month. “Realistically, living on a budget of $1,500 a month is possible, you just need to be in the right place,” they state in the study. “We’ve compiled 30 cities in the United States where citizens can keep their total monthly expenditures down to $1500 or less. Don’t confuse affordability with boring, though. These cities still have plenty to keep you entertained and enjoying life.”
So, which Florida cities made the cut? Well, it's certainly not Naples, or any of the other nearby Southwest Florida cities. I have an aunt living in Fort Myers off her $2,200 a month Social Security check and she is just barely getting by. She won't take money to help so we make her soup and other meals and put it in her freezer so she can make them whenever. If you plan on living on a very tight budget, you'll need to move away from the coast, but you won't need to leave Florida entirely. Think - north of Orlando. This article was originally written by Beasley Detroit staffer Anne Erickson.
Here's the list of the 10 Cheapest Places To Live In Florida, To see how you can live for $1,500 month, find the full list below.
Best Cities to Live on $1,500 or Less a Month (via Mind Your Dollars):
Davenport, Iowa
The average cost of living is 18.3 percent lower than the national average, according to MindYourDollars.com.
Lawton, Oklahoma
Lawton is a small town with “big city amenities,” says MindYourDollars.com.
Tallahassee, Florida
If you want to continue to enjoy warm weather and palm trees on a budget, Tallahassee, Florida has earned itself a spot on our list here.
El Paso, Texas
Average healthcare costs are 13.3% lower than the national average, says MindYourDollars.com.
Lansing, Michigan
Grocery prices and healthcare costs are markedly lower than the national average, says MindYourDollars.com.
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Lots of costs are lower here, including healthcare costs, average grocery prices, and the median cost for average homes, says MindYourDollars.com.
Odessa, Texas
The average housing cost is 25% less than the national average, says MindYourDollars.com.
St. Cloud, Minnesota
This spot has a “friendly, small-town Midwestern feel,” says MindYourDollars.com.
Lorain, Ohio
Lorain offers museums, galleries, and wineries, in addition to affordable living,” says MindYourDollars.com.
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
The cost of living is 18.4% lower than the national average, says MindYourDollars.com.
Lynchburg, Virginia
The cost of living is 17.1% lower than the U.S. average, says MindYourDollars.com.
Grand Forks, North Dakota
Average grocery costs are 4.3% lower than the national average, says MindYourDollars.com.
Bloomington, Illinois
This spot offers independent restaurants, jazz, art galleries, and museums, says MindYourDollars.com.
Lubbock, Texas
There’s a lower cost of living here, says MindYourDollars.com.
Akron, Ohio
This spot is ideal for people looking to live on a budget, says MindYourDollars.com.
Minot, North Dakota
The cost of healthcare is lower in this spot, says MindYourDollars.com.
Terre Haute, Indiana
This city offers “college-town perks like athletic games and arts,” says MindYourDollars.com.
Abilene, Texas
Housing is very affordable in Abilene, says MindYourDollars.com.
Erie, Pennsylvania
Erie offers the Presque Isle State Park, professional hockey and soccer teams, and the Presque Isle Downs & Casino, says MindYourDollars.com.
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Grocery costs are really low here, says MindYourDollars.com.
Waterloo, Iowa
Groceries are 7.1% lower than the national average, says MindYourDollars.com.
Lake Charles, Louisiana
Groceries and healthcare are lower than the national average, says MindYourDollars.com.
Amarillo, Texas
Lower grocery costs and reasonable rent make this a perfect choice, says MindYourDollars.com.
Muncie, Indiana
The cost of living in this city is near the lowest in the state, says MindYourDollars.com.
Springfield, Missouri
Springfield is a small city, but it’s actually the third-largest in the state, says MindYourDollars.com.
Ocala, Florida
The cost of living is 16.2% lower than the national average, says MindYourDollars.com. So, you CAN live in the Sunshine State on a budget. There's some nice golf there, too.
Evansville, Indiana
The cost of living is “much lower than the national average,” says MindYourDollars.com.
Shreveport, Louisiana
The cost of living is 22.5% lower than the national average, says MindYourDollars.com.
Winston Salem, North Carolina
The cost of living is 18.7 percent lower than the national average, says MindYourDollars.com.
UPDATE
This article is a few months old but I see that's it's still be seen in Google searches. As of June 2022, only six of the original 30 are left on the list. Lansing, Lawton, Lake Charles, St. Cloud, Fort Wayne, Odessa. Inflation ya'll.
