A study by the Tax Foundation found that overall, living in Florida is less expensive than living in the Northeast and Midwest.


Based on the national average, your dollar goes farther in Florida than other states. $100 in Florida buys $101.21 of goods based on national prices. However, as the Clearwater Gazette reported, prices are higher near cities, but prices in and around Tampa are still cheaper than many northern cities.

The Tax Foundation’s figures are based on housing costs, state income taxes and average price of goods in the area.

In Southwest Florida we should see an even greater variation. Home prices in this area are still far lower than more densely populated areas in the north. At this writing, there are over seventy-five 3 bedroom, 2 bath pool homes listed for sale under $150,000 in Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda and North Port with several available under $100,000. Sarasota and Bradenton also had impressive bargains.

These prices will not last forever but this area should remain a bargain long into the future.