Cost of Living in Florida 2025: Housing, Food & Lifestyle Expenses

There is a huge buzz around moving to Florida! Many people want to pack their lives and move here because of its year-long sunny days, fusion cuisine, and theme parks. Located in the southeastern United States, Florida boasts a population of over 21 million and lively cities like Fort Lauderdale and Sarasota. The state’s economy thrives on tourism, agriculture, and technology, with major cities including Miami, Orlando, Tampa, and Jacksonville attracting many newcomers. 

Cost of Living in Florida for International Students

The ultimate question on everyone's mind: Are living expenses in Florida a wallet-friendly paradise or a budget-busting nightmare? The living expenses tend to be higher than in many other states, especially in urban centers, making budgeting important for residents and students alike. Understanding these costs helps set realistic expectations for living comfortably in the Sunshine State. Housing is usually considered one of the most important costs to be taken care of, but this is not the case. There are many things that are considered when counting the living costs as a student. The total average living costs for a student in a year can go up to $39,000, including all the necessities, tuition fees, and many more. 

As a student pursuing their studies abroad and managing their expenses in Florida, it is essential that one realizes some common expenses that might come their way and learn how to save on them as they go. Let's dive into the facts and figures to uncover the truth and help you decide if the Sunshine State is right for your bank account. Let your expectations exceed, not your cost of living in Florida. 

1. Rent

Rent keeps on varying widely; it is  $1,200 to $2,500 monthly, depending on the city and apartment size. Places like Miami and Fort Lauderdale have higher rents, costing more than $2,000 for one-bedroom apartments.

How to save on rent?
Opt for HMOs, split costs with roommates, and choose areas that are outside city centers, as these areas have lower rents. Explore PBSAs or BTRs for better facilities. 

2. Housing and apartments

It goes unsaid that the cost of apartments in Florida will be one of your primary expenses when summing up your average cost of living Florida. Students usually have the option of choosing their own student apartments Florida while being away from home. Your Florida cost of living expenses will be heavily dependent on the type of student accommodation you want to move into. 

The median home price in Florida costs around $382,000 as of mid-2025, about 3.7%  of the national average. Single-family homes and condos change region-wise, with coastal and metropolitan areas that cost more.

‍Off-Campus Housing: Off-campus apartments range from $800 to $2,000 monthly. Price depends on location, size of the apartments, and facilities.
On-Campus Housing: University dorm rates vary from $700 to $1,500 monthly, including meal plans.
Other Options (HMO, PBSA, BTR): Shared housing like HMOs can be more affordable, around $600-$1,200. Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) and Build-To-Rent (BTR) communities offer modern, convenient living with rents from $1,000 to $2,000, depending on features.

How Can You Save On Student Housing In Florida? 

Seattle’s cost of living is considerably higher than that of many U.S. cities due to premium housing, utilities, and everyday expenses. Yet, similar to strategies for reducing the cost of living in Florida apartments, if you are on a tight budget, then you can try staying in a shared or double occupancy apartment. By doing this, you will be able to split your rent and utilities costs, which saves you a lot of money. 

3. Travel expenses

As a student, commuting becomes an indispensable part of your everyday life, and also while budgeting your living costs in Florida. There is no doubt that Florida has one of the best and most student-friendly public transportation systems in the USA. Public transport monthly passes cost $50 to $120. The transport system across the state consists of buses, trolleys, taxis, and bicycles to help students conveniently get to their destinations. Consider the following modes of transport while calculating your cost of living in Florida per month.

Bus- They are affordable and have an extensive network, which makes it extremely comfortable for travelling in big cities like Miami and Orlando. The average bus fare in Florida changes based on the transit system and location, but it can be anywhere around $1.76 for a one-way route.
Trolleys- Even though Trolleys are a rare sight across the United States, Florida is one such state that is home to this unique mode of public transportation. Trolleys are an excellent and fun way to travel and get to know about the lifestyle of Floridians. Mostly, these are free to access and use, but if charged, they would go anywhere below $2.
Taxis- Taxis are a boon, especially when you are in a rush or want to be on time for an important lecture or event. For an average hailing, a cab in big cities like Miami, Orlando, or Tampa will go from $2.70 per mile. 

How Can You Save On the Cost of Travel in Florida? 

Many areas have specialised go-pass or easy cards that help students to hop onto any transport mode at a subsidised rate or for free. This can considerably reduce one's cost of living in Florida and make commuting and transportation costs minimal. 

4. Food and Grocery Expense

Stocking up your fridge while living in Florida might put a little strain on your wallet. Compared to other parts of the United States, the food prices in Florida are a bit more expensive. In Florida, your grocery budget will heavily depend on your location, food preferences, stores, and food brands. On average, if you are a student studying in Florida, you would pay roughly $250 to $400 per month. All this cost is worth its fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and Caribbean-Latin-inspired cuisine. Unfortunately, Chinese takeaways are not an answer to all your food crises and cost problems. The solution has to be much bigger and concrete, i.e., proper planning.

How Can You Save On the Costs Of Food and Groceries in Florida? ‍

Students can bulk buy their groceries, purchase in-season items, check store circular ads, and try to get coupons to save more. One can even cook some comforting home-cooked meals. 

5. Utility Expenses

Don't be shocked if you see big figures on your electricity, gas, internet, or water bills during your stay in Florida. Like groceries, utility bills are also a bit pricey in the Sunshine State of Florida. But depending on where you choose to live, the utility costs might vary accordingly. For example, a student in Miami might budget around $172 per month, whereas an international student living in the Bay City of Tampa might have a bill of $167 per month. These costs are unavoidable, and so are the horrors of cold showers, candlelight dinners, and no Netflix, with a little budgeting trick given below to reduce your cost of living in Florida.

Electricity: The average electricity bill in Florida is about $146 monthly for 1,000 kWh, above the national average. 
Gas: Gas bills typically range from $20 to $60 monthly, influenced by weather and rates set by the Florida Public Service Commission.
Water: Water bills average $40 to $70 per month for typical households. Rates vary by municipality and usage, including sewer and wastewater fees.

How Can You Save On the Cost of Utilities in Florida? 

You should consider living with a housemate. By living in a shared apartment, you will reduce your average cost of living in Florida. Other efforts include control of using electricity, water, and time on the internet to cut costs. 

6. Tuition fees 

"Tuition fee" is a looming thought that passes every international student's mind and is a primary part of their cost of living in Florida. Here are some of the top institutes in Florida with their detailed cost of tuition. 

University of Florida (UoF) - The University of Florida basks in the glory of being one of the top and most prestigious universities in Florida. Usually, the average tuition fee for studying at UoF ranges from $6,381-$28,659 per year. As a public institution, it is best suited for students who are aiming to maintain a low cost of living in Florida. 
The University of Tampa -The University of Tampa stands under the sunny skies of Tampa and is another well-sought institution for international students. Studying here can leave you with a budget of around $21,810 to $29,820 per year, depending on your programme and course.
The University of Miami- The University of Miami is a brand name that hosts talents and innovative minds from different parts of the world. On average, students attending the University of Miami spend around $55,036 to $75,330 per year, depending on their courses. 

How can you save on tuition fees in Florida? 

You can apply for different merit or need-based scholarships offered individually by the universities, state government, or the US government. Another option can be to apply for financial aid. Many universities, like the University of Florida, provide need-based grants for aspiring students who don't have enough money to shell out from their own pockets. If you are looking for student housing in Florida, neighborhoods like Oceanway, New Berlin, and Southridge offer convenient and comfortable apartments near Florida's top universities.

7. Miscellaneous Expenses (Shopping, personal care, entertainment)

The living expenses in Florida are incomplete without mentioning Miscellaneous expenses. There are so many things to do across Florida that will make you unleash your inner wanderlust bug. As a student, you should explore various places, challenge your taste buds, scan over party scenes, and have a fun experience. Hence, it is important to include all the "fun" things in your budget. Here is a table that roughly estimates your miscellaneous expenses. 

How Can You Save On Miscellaneous Expenses in Florida? 

In order to eliminate excessive spending on things you may not need, you should consider making a list and trying things out as you need them. By budgeting, you can reduce your miscellaneous costs. Planning to purchase during sales can reduce costs. Students can save by using student discounts, campus events, or budget-friendly venues. Also, second-hand shopping is an option to save money.

How to Save Your Money While Living on a Budget?

Managing your budget wisely is key to living comfortably in Florida. By making smart housing choices, choosing the cheapest city in Florida to live in, using public transport, cooking at home, and taking advantage of discounts, students can control expenses effectively. Careful planning and spending tracking help ensure a balanced, affordable lifestyle while enjoying all that Florida offers. These practical tips help manage expenses and build savings while enjoying Florida’s lifestyle. 

Even though Florida might seem like an expensive affair, you can make a few adjustments and use the above tips and tricks to save a lot while living here. We hope this cost of living in Florida comprehensive guide helped you make your budgeting moves stronger. And if you have decided to move here, then getting the best student apartments in Florida won’t be a hassle with amber!