10 Best Places to Retire in Florida on A Budget

4. Lakeland – Winter Haven

In the Lakeland – Winter Haven metro area the overall cost of living is calculated at 5 percent below the national average, which is great news, especially if you’re planning on moving to this beautiful area. The taxes here are 28 percent below the national average, an impressive stat. Healthcare costs, however, are a bit above the median line, sitting at 7 percent above the average throughout the United States.

Housing costs, on the other hand, are 1 percent below this line. The median home price in Lakeland sits at over $98,000, while in Winter Haven the price dips to $81,000. The metro area’s median home price sits at over $106,000.

While the cost of living and the diversity of the leisure activities in the area are considered by many among the pro reasons for living here, others consider that the summer heat and humidity may be a bit too much, along with the growth and sprawl of the residential areas.

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