The Sunshine State has seen home prices continue to rise in recent years. Unfortunately for Floridians, many of the state's most popular cities are becoming too expensive. If you're looking to save money on bills, the forecast of higher costs in these cities may spell trouble for your financial future.
This guide explores which cities real estate agents believe could be unaffordable by 2030.
Editor's note: All housing data comes from Zillow, unless otherwise stated.
Set up direct deposit - pocket $400
Set up an eligible direct deposit with SoFi Checking and Savings and you could pocket a bonus of up to $400. Make the switch, set up direct deposit, earn the bonus. It basically takes no extra work at all other than following these steps.
Why people are switching: This account earns up to an insane 4.00% APY1 <p>Earn up to 4.00% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on one SoFi Savings account with a 0.90% APY Boost (added to the 3.10% APY as of 5/28/26) for up to 6 months. Open your first SoFi Checking and Savings account and receive eligible direct deposits OR qualifying deposits of $5,000 every 31 days by 12/31/26. Rates are variable, subject to change. Terms apply at <a href="https://www.sofi.com/banking/#4">sofi.com/banking#4</a>. SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.</p> on savings for up to six months (3.10% APY standard + 0.90% APY boost) on top of that $50 or $400 bonus.2 <p>New and existing Checking and Savings members who have not previously enrolled in Direct Deposit with SoFi are eligible to earn a cash bonus of either $50 (with at least $1,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more) OR $400 (with at least $5,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more). Cash bonus amount will be based on the total amount of Eligible Direct Deposit received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more. If you have satisfied the Eligible Direct Deposit requirements but have not received a cash bonus in your Checking account, please contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. Direct Deposit Promotion begins on 5/15/2026 and will be available through 12/31/26. See full bonus and annual percentage yield (APY) terms at <a href="https://www.sofi.com/banking/checking-offer/">sofi.com/banking/checking-offer/</a></p> That's way better than the measly 0.38% APY (as of 06/15/26)3 <p>Based on <a href="https://www.fdic.gov/national-rates-and-rate-caps">this</a> FDIC data, as of 6/15/26.</p> national average savings accounts offer.
No monthly fees and no surprises. Open your account and earn up to a $400 bonus
Destin, Florida
Average home value: $624,660
This beach town has seen enormous growth in recent years. And the demand for living in this beachfront city continues to grow, which could make it unaffordable in the coming years.
"While prices are holding steady elsewhere in Florida, Destin is still posting high growth," says Omer Reiner, realtor and president of FL Cash Home Buyers LLC.
Beyond rising home prices, "Even everyday items cost more in a beach town, from groceries to gas," says Reiner.
Ocala, Florida
Average home value: $268,444
Up until recently, Ocala was known for offering a "slower, less expensive lifestyle," says Dell Jeanty, Realtor at Dell Residential.
"Because of its position between Gainesville and Orlando, residents have access to larger employment centers while preserving a smaller-city environment," says Jeanty.
But as more people pour into the area, housing supply is struggling to keep up.
Groveland, Florida
Average home value: $370,644
Once a small town, Groveland was named after the orange orchards that used to sprawl in the area. "The community is known for its rolling hills, an unusual feature in Florida," says Jeanty.
But now, most of those groves have been replaced with housing developments. Even with increasing home supply, Groveland is seeing home prices climb due to insatiable demand.
Jupiter, Florida
Average home value: $700,734
"The amount of money coming in cash is crazy," says Elyse Berman, realtor at LoKation Real Estate.
Berman continues, "People moving from the Northeast to South Florida is still happening. Homes have doubled and, in some cases, tripled in price, and there are no signs of it slowing down."
Miami, Florida
Average home value: $583,609
Miami has always drawn an international crowd. But as more newcomers pour in, costs continue to rise.
"Income hasn't been able to keep pace with global demand," says Thomas O'Shaughnessy, Vice President at Clever Real Estate.
As costs rise, many locals might be pushed out of the market.
Orlando, Florida
Average home value: $374,196
Many are drawn to this magical destination. But, unfortunately, there's more demand than supply.
"Constant demand and limited opportunity for new supply exist in the central Orlando metropolitan area, which means a more unaffordable environment," says O'Shaughnessy.
Parkland, Florida
Average home value: $1,070,470
Parkland is one of the many parts of Florida that has seen an influx of residents in recent years. But supply limits could drive prices higher.
"People still want to move to Parkland because of the schools, gated communities, big lots and the family lifestyle," says Leah Sajovits, a Realtor with Douglas Elliman Real Estate. "However, there is not land left to build on."
Delray Beach, Florida
Average home value: $343,917
Homebuyers looking for an affordable beachside retreat may already be disappointed in Delray Beach. But according to Sajovits, prices seem likely to continue rising.
"Buyers who could afford Delray Beach years ago are finding that their money just does not go as far today," says Sajovits.
Boca Raton, Florida
Average home value: $576,025
Another favorite destination for buyers moving to South Florida, Boca Raton could be an unaffordable option for most in the coming years.
"Boca Raton has completely changed over the several years," says Sajovits. "There are communities where homes that used to sell for between $500,000 and $1.1 million are now selling for $2 million, $3 million or even $4 million."
Get instant access to hundreds of discounts
Over 50? Join AARP today— because if you’re not a member you could be missing out on huge perks like discounts on travel, dining, and even prescriptions.
Get 25% off membership — just $15 for your first year with auto-renewal — and a free gift if you join today.
Lakeland, Florida
Average home value: $312,574
Lakeland is a smaller market. But it's near major cities, like Tampa and Orlando.
"Buyers that don't want to pay the higher prices in those cities will be attracted to Lakeland," says Jessica Robinson, co-owner of Family Nest North Central Florida.
"The median household income is already much lower than the cost of a median home," says Robinson. "I think that the combination of Lakeland's location and limited housing could push home prices higher by 2030."
Bottom line
As home prices rise in cities across the Sunshine State, the question may soon be what cities in Florida remain affordable. If you live in the area or plan to move to one of these cities, it's important to factor the potential for rising costs into your long-term financial plan and consider building multiple streams of income.
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice.
More from FinanceBuzz:
- Retire like the rich: 14 ways you could build wealth in your 50s.
- Find out if you could pay less for car insurance in just a few clicks.
- Make these 7 savvy moves when you have $1,000 in the bank.
- 14 moves seniors could benefit from but often forget about.
Add Us On Google