Melissa Donovan
As the cost-of-living crisis continues to affect households across the U.S., Florida has emerged as the fifth most affected state, according to new research from TurboDebt. This ranking places the Sunshine State among the hardest-hit regions, alongside other Southern states like Louisiana, Mississippi, and South Carolina. For Floridians, the rising costs of housing, food, and essential services are becoming more burdensome, making it harder to make ends meet.
How Florida Is Impacted by the Cost-of-Living Crisis
The study conducted by TurboDebt analyzed 13 key factors from 2021 to 2024, including housing expenses, grocery costs, energy bills, and income levels. These metrics were scored to create an overall ranking of the states most affected by the financial strain of daily life. Florida’s final score of 61.86 out of 100 highlights just how much residents are feeling the pressure.
One of the most alarming findings is Florida’s high housing costs. The state scores a perfect 10 in housing affordability, with residents spending an average of 26.79% of their annual income on rent—more than any other state in the nation. To make matters worse, 50.09% of Florida households spend over 35% of their income on rent, the highest percentage in the country. This is a clear indication that housing costs are outpacing income growth, making it increasingly difficult for Floridians to afford a comfortable living.
In addition to skyrocketing rental prices, Florida also faces a substantial challenge with homeownership costs. Around 27.01% of households in Florida allocate more than 35% of their income to mortgage payments, insurance, and other related expenses, earning a score of 6.77 out of 10 for this factor. These figures reflect the broader trend of rising real estate prices that have affected much of the state, particularly in metro areas like Orlando, Tampa, and Miami.
Why Is Florida Struggling So Much?
Florida’s cost-of-living challenges are driven by several factors. As one of the fastest-growing states in the U.S., Florida has seen a significant increase in housing demand. More people are moving to the state, drawn by its favorable climate, tax advantages, and no state income tax. However, this influx of new residents has led to a surge in housing prices, which has put a strain on the availability of affordable homes and apartments.
The state also faces a high level of income inequality. While Florida has a large number of high-income residents, many households are struggling to keep up with rising living costs. In fact, Florida’s average income is not as high as that of other states in the top 10, which exacerbates the challenge of paying for necessities.
Additionally, Florida’s reliance on tourism and hospitality industries, which have been volatile in recent years, means that many residents work in low-wage sectors with limited benefits. This contributes to a higher-than-average percentage of the population living paycheck to paycheck and finding it difficult to save or invest for the future.
The Broader Impact on Floridians
The rising cost of living is taking a toll on families, particularly in terms of daily expenses. According to the TurboDebt study, residents of Florida spend a significant portion of their income on essential goods like groceries and utilities. While the state fares better than some others in grocery costs (with an average of 7.45% of income spent on food), the high cost of housing and energy is still a major burden for many.
In fact, Florida is not alone in facing these challenges. Louisiana, Mississippi, and South Carolina also rank in the top five states most affected by the cost-of-living crisis. However, Florida’s combination of high housing costs and a relatively low average income compared to other states makes it one of the hardest-hit regions in the country.
Florida’s Struggle is a Wake-Up Call
Florida’s ranking as the fifth most affected state in the cost-of-living crisis is a stark reminder that even in a state known for its booming economy, rising housing costs and financial pressures are a real issue for many families. As the state continues to grow, it will be critical for policymakers and residents alike to address these challenges head-on to ensure that Florida remains an affordable and livable place for everyone.
“Millions of Americans are struggling to afford the basics,” Josh Stomel, co-founder of TurboDebt, said. “Without meaningful policy changes, we risk deepening the divide between those who can manage the rising costs and those who are struggling to keep up.”
While Florida may offer a sun-soaked lifestyle and numerous economic advantages, it’s clear that the state is facing significant challenges in terms of affordability. With rising housing costs, stagnant income growth, and increasing living expenses, Florida ranks among the top states grappling with the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. Addressing these issues will take time, but with proactive measures and policy changes, Florida can work toward becoming more affordable and accessible for all its residents.
In the meantime, Floridians will need to navigate this financial storm carefully, finding ways to adapt, budget, and plan for a future where the cost of living is more manageable.
Full Ranking
| Rank | State | Final score out of 100 |
| 1 | Louisiana | 68.76 |
| 2 | Mississippi | 68.57 |
| 3 | South Carolina | 62.49 |
| 4 | Alabama | 61.92 |
| 5 | Florida | 61.86 |
| 6 | West Virginia | 58.19 |
| 7 | New Mexico | 58.06 |
| 8 | Oklahoma | 57.95 |
| 9 | Tennessee | 57.67 |
| 10 | Georgia | 57.04 |
| 11 | Arkansas | 55.76 |
| 12 | Texas | 53.79 |
| 13 | Kentucky | 53.52 |
| 14 | Maine | 51.93 |
| 15 | North Carolina | 51.52 |
| 16 | Nevada | 51.48 |
| 17 | New York | 51.04 |
| 18 | Rhode Island | 48.19 |
| 19 | Hawaii | 47.45 |
| 20 | Ohio | 47.22 |
| 21 | California | 47.16 |
| 22 | Arizona | 47.01 |
| 23 | Wyoming | 46.50 |
| 24 | Pennsylvania | 45.88 |
| 25 | Montana | 45.57 |
| 26 | Michigan | 45.44 |
| 27 | Connecticut | 44.23 |
| 28 | Oregon | 43.90 |
| 29 | Missouri | 43.78 |
| 30 | Vermont | 42.54 |
| 31 | Indiana | 40.17 |
| 32 | Delaware | 39.85 |
| 33 | Idaho | 39.78 |
| 34 | South Dakota | 39.20 |
| 35 | Illinois | 37.87 |
| 36 | Kansas | 36.88 |
| 37 | Alaska | 36.68 |
| 38 | Wisconsin | 36.60 |
| 39 | Nebraska | 36.35 |
| 40 | New Jersey | 35.67 |
| 41 | Colorado | 32.50 |
| 42 | Virginia | 32.33 |
| 43 | Washington | 32.19 |
| 44 | Massachusetts | 32.18 |
| 45 | Iowa | 31.67 |
| 46 | Utah | 30.71 |
| 47 | North Dakota | 28.62 |
| 48 | Maryland | 28.26 |
| 49 | New Hampshire | 26.03 |
| 50 | Minnesota | 23.53 |
Source: https://www.turbodebt.com/
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