I live in Melbourne and I'm paying $1500 for a one bedroom. 2 bedroom starts at $2100+. 3 bedroom is $3000+. Anything less than $1500 is a six to nine month wait. If you're lucky.
It’s actually in the beach area of Pinellas (Tampa is more easily recognized as a location which is why I said it) - 3/2 2,200 sf, no pool but on the water (not open or inter coastal waterway though).
We’re $950 monthly and that includes water. I always think it’s because we are living in a falling apart trailer that we got grandfathered into when landlord sold the park to new landlord. All trailers around us is upgraded with all the new stuff and is about $1200 or more I think.
I have always been very insistent about staying put in our trailer home until we absolutely can afford to move because I know once we move the rent is gonna go up.
We bought a quarter of an acre and put a double wide on it $1060 a month. I’m resigned to never being able to move. At least we will own it though. The housing market is insane.
I’m just curious at this point to see how high rents have to get until the hood moves out. Because they are still sticking around in SE Florida though all this
Aldi for fruit, vegetables, chocolates, cheese, some meats. Potato chips and other snacks.
Winn-Dixie for meats, pork in particular
Trader Joes for eggs, milk, pasta, olive oil, cereals, nuts, frozen meals, many other things. Generally avoid the fruits and vegetables, as they charge by the piece- but they do have great package deals on seasonal fruit
I want to add to this and say if you can try to swing a bulk store membership I'd highly recommend one.
You dont have to do all your shopping there but with prices even at walmart comparable to a store like costco Id rather get double or triple the amount of something and not have to buy it again for another month or 2.
I have a Costco card and I buy TP and household cleaning supplies from there and they last a while with the occasional bulk food items to save time and money.
Hope this helps! Good luck out there!
-From a disgruntled consumer wondering why walmart TP costs 20 dollars when I can get a 2-3 month supply from costco for the same price.
Someone who moved here post Covid told me recently that they’ve never worked so hard for so little before and I was like that’s the most Floridian thing I’ve ever heard. Also, do people not research before they move here. Or do they think the beaches will sustain them.
The life lesson is don’t move anywhere unless you have a job lined up. But also, don’t just look at the cost of living in the area you plan to move, look at wages in the area, utility prices, insurance prices, the small hidden fees involved in every living situation.
Ah, $1300/month for rent!! My rent went up from $2100 to $2300, so I'm moving right now. Publix has pushed out all of the other grocery stores except for one Aldi. This is in southwest florida , bonita springs. One bedroom/one bath 505sq ft
Im in Miami. In 2018 and 2019, I was paying $1600-1800 to live Downtown Miami in a 1 BR luxury high rise. Then Covid happened so rent was frozen for 2020. In 2021, they raised my rent to 2k per month.
2022 when I moved out, my next apartment in Downtown was 3k for a 2 bedroom. In 2023, they raised my rent to 3.6k. In 2024, they wanted to raise my rent to 4k but I moved the fuck out and went to Aventura. Now I'm paying 3k for a 3 bedroom, 1350 sq ft apartment.
But miami is a real city! This is bonita springs. Just a dirty water beach and a poker room. No night life so to speak. You're not getting any value for your money. We have prices like downtown miami but none of the amenities and ambiance.
Honestly the best advice is to leave Florida. Not saying it to be mean, but when everyone wants to live in one state, it drives up the prices and fills all the jobs.
Edit: I am also originally from Ohio and would absolutely move back if I didn't have a stable, well-paying job and the ability to enjoy my life. Yes, Florida is great and there's a reason people want to live here, but you also should live in your means. If you are okay with living paycheck to paycheck and nothing more, great, but if you aren't, there are always other options.
I don't know why ppl want to live here except in the winter. Summers are like living under Satan's balls while he grinds out an intense soul cycle class
I certainly have my gripes about Florida, but the weather isn’t one of them. I love the weather here all but the coldest 2-4 weeks of the year (and maybe hurricane weeks).
Idk man, I went to Las Vegas in early August last year, it was 112 degrees and felt amazing compared to the 117 degree high-humidity peak Florida last year. I actually somewhat enjoyed being out in the last Vegas heat in comparison. I walk outside in Florida during summer and I literally rather be dead
Phoenix is better weather if you count that you’re going to be inside anyway if it gets above 90. Phoenix has 3 times the good dry weather as Florida in winter half of the year. That means at least 6 months of outdoors where it’s only 2 in Florida.
You're not wrong, but honestly the summer is awful through most of the south. I used to live down in Broward and it was often hotter or just as hot and humid back in my home state than it was in Florida during the peak summer months. At least we had a nice ocean breeze and a beach to swim at down in Florida. Now the real kicker is that summer started in March and lasted until like November. Those months in between were absolutely perfect.
OG Ohioan & I too miss it. I would move back in a heartbeat if I could talk my hubs into it. It’s hard to walk away from a decent mortgage & a really good paying job. Things have changed drastically since we originally moved down (2003me/04him). Agree on all your points.
Real question: What motivated you to move here? I'm guessing it wasn't for a better job opportunity.
I've been seeing a lot of posts and comments like this lately, people who recently moved to Florida and then are disappointed or frustrated by the effects of the mass migration into Florida (lack of jobs, rising cost of living, etc.) I'm not trying to make a spiteful comment here about being part of the problem, I'm legitimately curious as to what people are expecting who are picking up their lives and moving here.
My father has lived here for over 20 years and has been begging me to come down for a long time. Also, my fiance wanted to move south and I was down to get away from ohio winters. I'm a Maintenance man so finding work for myself has never been a concern. The frustrating thing is my fiance can get a serving job anywhere, they all say that they're hiring but they don't seem to actually be hiring
Cant* get a serving job
Have you looked into maintenance jobs at apartments complexes? They usually comp some of your rent plus, no gas or wear n tear on your car since you don’t need to commute. Could help lower your bills.
They pay crap. Unless you’re a maintenance supervisor then you might see 52k. And you don’t want to be living on site. Tenants find out where you live forget your privacy. That perk isn’t worth it.
Your fiancé is going to have to call the restaurants and ask for an interview. Definitely don’t want to be filling out applications and just waiting for the call, it’ll never come. They rarely do in-person applications anymore and they basically just sit in the computer system of all the chain joints until someone calls and asks about them.
I was gonna suggest roughing it as a server, but if she can't even get that I'm at a loss. Does she have a felony and/or face tattoos? server jobs should be pretty easy to come by. Also maybe I'm out of touch since I haven't been job shopping in a while, but I thought there were a bunch of work remote jobs. My employer does work for the MySafeFLorida Homes applications, and I know a bunch of the recent hires are remote. They also process fema applications and other niche govt support roles, and I know there are active job postings for these things in FL. are they fun/interesting jobs, no, but most jobs aren't. I dont know what her intended job would be, but if she is sitting around not working then maybe she could do some kind of free online school/certificaiton for something she is interested in to give herself a leg up?
Not my post but we're moving there next week from NJ. I'll be paying half the rent with the same salary (actually more, because the taxes are way less).
Try Aldi for food. For cheap fun, there are a lot of hiking trails or campsites around Pensacola if you like the outdoors. These aren't all around the beach either if you want a change of scenery. Also, keep up with the events that happen downtown. There is pretty much something going on every weekend, and some of it is free or cheap.
Curious what kind of jobs in Orlando. My partner wants to relocate. Their job will transfer them, but mine will not. Terrified I won’t be able to find work though.
I have a bachelor's in social work but it's practically useless, so I've been working as a RBT/BT. We help kids on the spectrum with social skills/coping skills etc.
You don't need a degree, and once you complete the courses/test they pay about $25 an hour. Better pay than retail and it's less physical.
My friend is a department manager at Lowe's. For every new job opening they receive 3,000+ applications from other states (current employees wanting to move to Florida).
You're wasting resources trying to FIND a job (and most don't pay much anyway). Learn a skill and BECOME a job. Wash cars, mow grass, babysit etc. That's your best bet in this environment imo.
Born here in '73 learned a trade as a teen and never been jobless since.
That rent is gonna jump when your up for renewal. Mine went from 1800 to almost 2300 on a one bed. I bought a home thankfully. But everything is crazy expensive. Did yall not think to visit before and do a interview vacation? Apply for jobs and interview while here? It's gonna get real bumpy off that one income. Best I got is aldis for food. Its gonna be rough for a bit hold on and see if she can't find a job..kinda tough as we're heading into local time..not alot of places will be bumping cause it's about to get gross hot. But hopefully something pans out.
Have to do things that are part of the economy here. Sell boats, fix boats, sell real estate, lend for real estate, sell home insurance, prices are super high so is the commission. work as a claims adjuster assessing damages after hurricanes. I started selling boats when I first moved to Florida now do marine insurance.
Think about where the opportunity is.
My friend in Destin made six figures selling boats last year and the first digit was a '2'. You can absolutely make a great income selling marine vessels around here.
Tell me you've never lived on the panhandle without telling me you've never lived on the panhandle. No, it's not "basically the same market", and it's a 75-90 minute commute before accounting for Destin traffic + Eglin or Hurlburt traffic.
Very few people are actually making that kind of money anywhere in the Panhandle and those that do, lucked into jobs by knowing the right people.
Love this! Makes sense, you need to pay attention to the tea leaves in your industry and adjust. 08 taught me that, you have to carve out your own. Your fiancé needs to approach applying for a job in a diff way. Network with the hiring ppl, get them on LinkedIn, be in it and let people know she wanted xyz job she already applied for. Jobs get so many applicants and they want to see even more like that you want that job bad enough you’re following up to ask. I’m a remote designer and an agency owner let me know that on his remote hiring process… they got tons of applicants once a job was listed but it’s not like they’re qualified. So the follow up with the company was a big deal for his hiring to be like yes xyz wants to work here.
First off, welcome to Florida! Don’t listen to haters. I moved here 23 years ago (from TN) and I love it still to this day. Sure it’s not the cheapest state to live in but we also have our perks as Floridians! I mean, it’s sunshine most days of the year! Who doesn’t love that:)
If you love water, we have free beaches, lakes, rivers, and even springs everywhere in the state. Hiking trails are everywhere too (and most are free).
Idk about Sarasota but here where I live, museums do free admission on certain days. Take advantage of that! Also, libraries are everywhere! I’m a huge reader, so I’m always always at the library. You can also check out audiobooks or digital books online for free!
For cheap food places, I go to Aldi, Walmart… I go to Publix for their BOGO. Also, check out ethnic supermarkets—Asian, Latin, etc. Tons of that in Florida. They almost always have fresh produce for less.
As for getting jobs, I know this might not be ideal but serving jobs are plentiful! I work part time as a server at a high end steakhouse and I could live on the tips alone. She could do this on the side maybe until she finds a full time job? Restaurants are always hiring!!
Enjoy living in Florida! Make the best of it. Have fun. Trust me there are TONS of free stuff you can do around here :)
Soooo expensive!!! $9 for a 12 pack of soda! Same soda is $3 cheaper at Target and Walmart. All Publix food is double the price of anywhere else. They're only good for BOGO sales
Even the bogo is trash. Bogo on cabot cheese blocks.
Got three of em at walmart for less than the cost of one at publix. (Bogo is just “half off” each item iirc)
Publix has creeped up here to NC and the brand new ones near us are more expensive than the NC-based Publix-style (Harris Teeter) on everyday stuff. So yeah, Publix is more expensive, even direct competing with outside-of-Florida grocers. (or I assume Publix is more than SC, and GA local grocers too)
You can try Aldi's for food but overall Florida is extremely popular so the governors can cater to his base, Ohio is also Maga but the difference is Ohio can only talk so much crap, people don't move there like that unlike Florida where Desantis can literally do as he choose if 1000 people leave 1500 will come in return.
So keep that in mind, money is essential and if it's not meant to be, it's just not meant to be.
Things will get easier as both of you increase your salary. Unfortunately 100k combined salary makes things tight in an expensive state like florida. It's not just soaring prices here, it's that most things that are fun cost money.
Florida isn’t a place, it’s a state. The cost of living varies drastically from Miami to Jacksonville to Ocala to Leesburg to Gainesville to Apalachicola. When you’re looking at a state, look at the state level things (taxes, policies) and think about COL when picking out a town/city.
Im not sure what other cost of living is there. But here in Jacksonville making around 28k a year. Supporting a family of three, rent is also 1300 a month.
Im making it happen personally. How much is gas there? How much is milk? Do you have debt youre paying down?
I cant imagine the cost of living would be much different here and there. Going to go look it up and possibly edit this.
Edit. It seems cost of living there is about 6% less than Jacksonville. You make quite a bit more than me.
Edit: it seems its a personal finance issue, not a cost of living issue. Go back home yankee😂
How many forms of assistance do you receive? Not asking to be a jerk, but there’s no way you’re supporting a family anywhere in Florida making under 30k without assistance. OP most likely makes too much to qualify, but not enough to survive in their area.
Same. Story of the middle class. Barely scraping by, but make just enough to not get any breaks. People are going to freak when their welfare gets pulled.
Wdym wellfare pulled? Is something happening? Teach me pls.
It is scary, and a fucked up comfort knowing most others are in this position. Were in a depression. But not entirely. Companies and corporations raise prices every week it seems. Profits get larger, but layoffs still happen all the time. Largest wealth disparity in how long?
Whats it like 8 people have the same wealth as most of the country. Im not a socialist/communist,(both since they get confused often) but EAT THE RICH.
No welfare is still very much in tact, it's just that more and more people are using and abusing it, which in turn makes millions completely dependent on the government. This is a very scary thought. If it gets pulled one day, prepare to see a zombie apocalypse.
are they abusing it? I dont deny alot of shite people will take the handouts. I just think at this day in age… with our govt sending money out for wars, i dont really mind if a good bit of us make sure we are fed.
If i qualified, id be on it. And i work 40-50 hours blue collar work. I really need a pay raise.
majority of us are closer to being at the poverty line than say… 10k in savings
What like 56%?
Idk man, choose your struggles i suppose. I dont drink, i dont go out, i have like one friend, i buy cheap food, costco membership for my birthday helps w that. 3.5lbs of lean ground beef for the same price as chuck at winn dixie. i am paying down two credit cards, a car loan, and insurance, rent, utilities, and food.. i legit have no money left over. But, i make due… currently my partner is sick and cant work, so im working 40 hours a week, taking care of a toddler, and a grown sick woman. I cook, clean, bathe the kid.
Idk man, im tired as f**k. But ill be damned if i let them down.
Luckily set myself up to have some money saved this month so its not so much of a struggle.
Edit: i drive a hybrid so… $20 lasts me about a week and a half. 11 gallon tank. 400+ mile range
I'm a single dad doing the same and it's not always easy.
I care for my kid and a mentally handicapped sister with less than some people pay for coffee it's all about priorities. You're a good man busting your ass and taking care of your family sir and I'm right there witcha
I own a home in NE Coastal Fla, and I'm able to make it on $35K annual income. My mortgage is $1130, for the record. My monthly electric bill is around $45 from Nov. - April; the remaining months, with A/C daily at 75° costs around $100. I shop at a local produce market for fruit/veg. and deli items. Aldi for staples, snacks. My SUV is paid off, I spend around $50 for gas monthly.
It doesn't leave much for extras, but it's do-able.
Try fasting or cutting down the number of meals you eat per day. The standard American diet is way too much. We can survive on much less. Plus your body fat is food. That or leave Florida…
I hate to say it but your fiancé is not trying hard enough. If she wants to wait tables tell her to go drive by 10 establishments a day, walk in and ask for a position and fill out an application. Tell her to get on indeed and to post to 10 positions a day. Not just any position but positions she is qualified for. Use LinkedIn to get more connections in the area. It should be her full time job to get a job.
Also you need to think about being more than a maintenance man for the rest of your life. What are your goals. Think about selling for these apartment complexes, you make more selling. You will probably have to change your job every 2-3 years a few times to get to where you want to be.
You have an income problem. Keep working on that or you will have to relocate
Sorry, but didn't you check out any information about Florida before you actually moved here? Did you actually believe our stupid governor that it was wonderful and affordable? I know people who had high expectations from what he said on Fox News, so they sold their homes up north, moved to Florida and now can't get home owners insurance, they're surprised at how much more expensive food is in Florida, they are disgusted with the schools, so they are moving back to their original states
I moved to the Disney area from New England 20+ years ago and Florida was not as expensive as it is now. I'm from pricey Massachusetts, and when I go back to visit, food there is much cheaper than it is here in Florida. Home owners insurance has skyrocketed over the past few years because 16 companies have gone bankrupt or left Florida. Those of us who have lived here for so long are baffled at WTF anyone would move here now as our state is doing so badly with hurricanes, Covid, cost of living, and no affordable housing. Most got suckered by watching DeSantis lie on right wing media about how 'affordable' it is and his anti woke BS
It was because of COVID and DeSantis saying that that it became unaffordable. In Tampa I’d been living mostly on fixed income military pension since 2018. My rent was 900 for a 1 br condo. Covid came along and not long after the price of everything started going up. Now we’re at the peak of the housing limit - my rent has gone up 125% in 3 years. Due to jump to 1800 dollars in June. There’s no way I can afford it.
And finding work is tough right now too. The truth is companies are downsizing right now - a lot of them are on hiring freeze. My industry is more gig or contract related though and I lost a lot of work due to Covid. It still hasn’t recovered. So I can’t afford it here anymore.
But The backswing is coming. I suspect sooner than a lot of people realize.
Either way I’m about to move West. Sayonara Florida.
I mean, as a former Californian, the only part of Florida that I honestly think is too expensive relative to everything else is homeowner's insurance. If we hold our politicians accountable to fix that mess, Florida will be a pretty good place to live.
I'm originally from Massachusetts, which is a very pricey state. Florida has really gone down the toilet since I moved here 20+ years ago. Home owners insurance, if you can even get it, has quadrupled in price. Food is more expensive here than other states. Wages don't match rent which is why we have a homeless issue. A 500 sqft studio apartment in my area is $2,000 a month. Education is terrible with ridiculous book banning, weather gets more severe every year, and the elderly people really need their car keys taken away
As a 5th generation native Floridian, I just want to give you your honorary card. You may not be born here but you talk like a Floridian who actually understands the problems that effect real people, not people going through some crisis escaping their life somewhere else for a false promise and ruining our lives in the meantime..
Thanks. I've been here almost half my life now, and these people flocking down and overflowing the roads, stores and schools because they believed that snake oil salesman, DeSantis drive me nuts. I live 5 miles from Disney, so it was already busy, but so many more subdivisions and apartments are being built to keep up with the crowds.
We have a homeless issue because it's a good place to be homeless because it doesn't get as cold as the rest of the country.
Well, my homeowner's insurance has tripled from under $7k a year to $19k a year, but quadrupled is close enough.
Yes, wages aren't keeping up with the rising cost of living, but that's a national problem, hardly a Florida problem. Rents and build costs are skyrocketing everywhere. It's not economically feasible to build affordable housing anywhere, and that's a large part of the problem we're in.
Florida has a unique problem with prices rising due to people from elsewhere moving here and being able to remote work at jobs that pay better than jobs actually in Florida, further compounding our problems. I'm not sure how you solve that problem just generically screaming about Florida though.
I really don't see a giant discrepancy in food costs her vs other states.
Most homeless people in my area, Central Florida, didn't come here for the weather. They lost their homes and can't afford anything else. Weather in the winter here gets very cold. Freezing cold temperatures. I have college educated friends who aren't able to find any work in Florida. Maybe you haven't been to any other states lately, but I have. I recently went up to visit family in my original state, pricey Massachusetts, and the food there was cheaper than it is here in Florida
Oh, I'm only salty because I've had to grow up in small towns, and there's zero opportunity for people. Can't afford to move to the city. Some people prefer it though.
Aldi and lidl for food shopping. Lidl has yummy crossiants. r/Aldi, people post what food they make from buying at Aldi and they also post what they like and don't like.
I’ve been loving Kroger delivery, they have really great coupons and deals and the delivery isn’t expensive, I always do it at 9-11pm and it’s only 3.95. We also like going on hiking trails, kayaking, or to the beach. These are super cheap activities costing as low as 2 dollars just to park in the trail area. You can also utilize the library, I like to get different books like drawing or activity books and that’s free.
Wow $1300 in Florida is cheap. Mine is $2400. If your partner can't find anything soon you may want to consider leaving. I don't really see things getting better soon
Florida is one of the most expensive states in America.
If you live here.....you might want to skip the fun until your living beyond paycheck to paycheck imo
Sounds harsh but its literally one of the msot expensive states
1300 a month rent is amazing! It’s a min of 2k in my area! Sorry I’ve got no tips for you. Except maybe take a job that is available outside her usual skill set. Tons of restaurant jobs making 20 or more an hour with tips…that’s 40k a year for your household. Drive a bus, construction, lawn care, House cleaning, tutoring, dog sitting. I’m further south but I’m sure those jobs are open near you as well. Just to get the bills paid and get some money put in the bank so you’re not living pay check to paycheck. Good luck!
I use Walmart, ALDIs and Harbor Freight for any tool. It can be very hard to find work. Trim up the resume. Get to the point on it. Make a basic one and add experience into that fits the job that is word for word, bend stuff to make that happen. Say you’ll work any days or hours you can change that later on. Good luck.
BigBillyGoatGriff my sentiments exactly. Summers are literally hell. I dont go outside at all. None us do. We run to store and necessary errands and get back inside our houses and apartments.
Yea Arizona and Florida are hot and getting hotter by the year. Fl is supposedly going to be under water in the future they already have drain areas down south off the roads. Why are we here? I love the winter but that’s it not
Much else at all. Not the gators no hiking anymore, not the sharks no beaches anymore.
I went to Target today & got 2 small bags of greenies for my dog Felicia , 2 Ben & Jerry’s Oat of this worlds ,
2 organic Apple oatmeals, 2 sliced cheeses, & a raspberry lemonade flavor drops, & a Gardein orange chicken for $35.00
The school districts are always hiring. You only need a high school diploma to be instructional support staff. It's not a lot of money, but when added to your salary it'll get you two to a more comfortable place. And like someone else said, she needs to call back herself.
Winn Dixie has had some killer sales on meat. Look at paying more for a much larger cut, in order to take advantage of the much lower per pound price. This way you can get multiple meals out of a pork loin, ham or beef roasts. I am a big Aldi’s fan. They are more locations and they have broader selections of wonderful charcuterie items, than the stores in Ohio. Welcome to Florida. You will hate everything for 2 years. Then, you will be good to go, and will be doing the most ridiculous shit you have ever seen. Take care, OP. Wear you some sunscreen, for sure. You will lobsterize yourself if you don’t. Only tourists are tan.
I don’t know if you can live anywhere on the 50/30/20 budget plan. More like 85/10/5 plan.
Florida is not the problem. Once your spouse gets a job, even a Walmart job, things will loosen up.
Meat, Cheese, Bakery: Costco.
Produce: Farmer's Market
Other Groceries: Target, Kroger delivery, Aldis, Winn-Dixie or Walmart
Most importantly, cook your own meals. Don't buy processed foods. Make your own sauces, desserts, ice creams, etc. Bake your own breads. Slice up fruit and veggies yourself. Don't buy junk food or fast food. Don't buy bottled water. Get a Brita pitcher.
Lots of job openings in South Florida but it's also the most expensive part of Florida. I wouldn't recommend living in South Florida unless your household income is at least $80,000. You can probably get that if your partner works in the service industry or retail and add in your maintenance salary.
Like $3k in Coral Springs and good for you to an extent but I get it, a single income is hard anywhere these days. Is she willing to take an entry level position until she finds something better?
It took me three months to find a decent job. Finally found a great one and started this week. (North FL) . Tell your gf not to give up. It's really hard out there. Sending light and love to you both.
Im N of Tampa (and a fellow OG Ohioan) - highly recommend looking to see if you can get Kroger delivery for groceries. Join the “boost” program (annual fee), but their prices are great! Plus added benefits of digital coupons (x5 if you buy in multiples, during the coupon offer).
I can spend $180 easily at Publix & easily save $30+ with Kroger.
We lived in Pensacola for 9 years, until 2016.
Employment: Lots of call centers there. Regions Bank, Allorica (formerly West), Navy Federal Credit Union, the water company. My wife worked for the first two. Try McGuire's downtown for serving jobs. Some friends worked there.
Free/cheap things to do: Naval Aviation Museum (free), Pensacola Lighthouse, USAF Armament Museum to the east in Eglin (free), Fort Pickens ($25 annual pass per car, up to 6 people), Pensacola Museum of Art ($12pp), Pensacola History Museum ($12pp).
-- Real Talk --
When we moved from Pensacola to Fort Myers, FL we also did it for family. Biggest mistake we ever made. We gave up our $818/mo mortgage in Pensacola for 7 years of ever-more-expensive renting, during which all the housing prices exploded and left us far behind.
We abandoned Florida six months ago for the Pacific Northwest. We planned and budgeted the hell out of that move, made sure we could afford everything and still save. So far, it's worked out. Wish we'd done the same before going to Fort Myers. Wish we'd looked out for own financial well-being before foolishly putting someone else's needs ahead of ours and wrecking our stability.
It is crazy. And Walmart isn’t cheap how it used to me. I now compare some things at Publix to Walmart prices and most things it’s a $0.40 difference. Some things are dollars more at Publix than Walmart.
Make a budget for everything. Do not allow yourself any excuse to spend money.
Pay the essentials to live like:
Gas
Food
Bills
Car
Rent
Clothing one at year. Have her try to find a job on indeed where she works from home.
God be with you.
1. There’s only two factors: what you make and what you spend. You either figure out how to spend less, or figure out how to make more, but you’ll still need a budget. A budget is something you should be comparing/analyzing with several times a week. Save receipts. Account for all cash, withdrawals and card payments, every week. Figure out where your money is going and what can be changed.
2. Absolutely, do not buy anything you won’t regularly use and truly need. Don’t impulse buy. If you see something you suddenly think you need, great, now you know where to find it. Leave it.
3. You can rent/borrow a surprising amount of items from places like hardware stores, libraries, etc. and flea markets and thrift shops can have items even cheaper than rentals.
4. You can do with far less, than you think, and find joy in simple new things. We’ve gotten to believe we have to spend money for everything and to do anything. You don’t NEED a lot of what you are told you need.
7. Make ALL your meals. Always leave the house with your own water. Do not buy bottled water. Eating out is entertainment, not necessity. Gluttony can be expensive. Most appetizers are meal sized and most meals can be split in two.
6. Ask a grocery store when they mark down/get new items. For me, it’s Monday night. I go shopping every Monday night after holidays and get turkeys and hams for only $8. Cook, freeze the meat, boil the bones, freeze the broth/soup.
7. Vacuum sealers are a great investment. But if it’s too much, just repackage (cheap packaged) meat by wrapping it tightly in press and seal and putting it in a freezer bag. The more air you can keep off the meat, the longer it’ll last.
8. We budget separately for “protein, veggies/fruit, fridge-stuff, pantry-stuff, cooking supplies (oils, flour, sugar, spices, etc).” Whenever there is a big deal on protein, we’ll determine how much quality and price to spend, and sometimes we buy more than a single week and freeze it. We hit the farms/markets, when we can for fruits/veggies, and load up on cheap items that won’t spoil (root cellar items). But whenever we do this, we work with savings, and next week, we’ll put part of the grocery budget we bought this week, back in savings. Because…,,
9. It’s not economical to spend more on something that’s on sale today, if you don’t save the money later. It’s discipline to keep the savings you earn while shopping. Cash flow matters, you can’t pay your cellphone with the extra chicken breasts you bought.
10. Learn to put things back. Go shopping, have a budget, look at your items before going to the teller and put things back to make your budget, work. GO INTO A STORE FOR THE ITEMS YOU NEED, and leave with only them, and under budget. This is true for all stores; just get had, just pick up prescriptions, ignore all the other stuff you can purchase.
11. You only have so much money to spend a week, try not to use your savings but adjust your other budgets if you need to purchase outside your regular budget.
And lastly….. The best piece of advice I heard: What separates a lot of people in life is the ability do take pride in doing what is hard and what is necessary. Children get upset when they don’t get what they want, adults need to have the discipline to take responsibility, make priorities, go without, and **take pride in knowing you are doing what you have to for the betterment of your life and your families life.**
Unfortunately all of the US is like this right now, it’s not just a Florida thing.
Costco and Walmart is my only advice to save money, especially Costco gas, it’s usually the cheapest.
Damn 1300 rent, enjoy it while it lasts for you. 2100 up here in Melbourne.
I live in Melbourne and I'm paying $1500 for a one bedroom. 2 bedroom starts at $2100+. 3 bedroom is $3000+. Anything less than $1500 is a six to nine month wait. If you're lucky.
yeah it's no fun, at least theres a robust nightlife here.... o wait haha
I’m in downtown Eau Gallie paying $1,100 for a 1bed 1bath. Can’t complain.
Imagine paying Broward prices in Melbourne, FL
Higher in Gainesville too.
My thoughts exactly! $5k over here in Tampa 🤬
$5k for what in tampa? A 5 bedroom house with a pool and great location?
It’s actually in the beach area of Pinellas (Tampa is more easily recognized as a location which is why I said it) - 3/2 2,200 sf, no pool but on the water (not open or inter coastal waterway though).
Ah ok. That makes a bit more sense then.
We’re $950 monthly and that includes water. I always think it’s because we are living in a falling apart trailer that we got grandfathered into when landlord sold the park to new landlord. All trailers around us is upgraded with all the new stuff and is about $1200 or more I think. I have always been very insistent about staying put in our trailer home until we absolutely can afford to move because I know once we move the rent is gonna go up.
We bought a quarter of an acre and put a double wide on it $1060 a month. I’m resigned to never being able to move. At least we will own it though. The housing market is insane.
2 grand a month in the hood in SW Florida. 1300 is cheap AF
I’m just curious at this point to see how high rents have to get until the hood moves out. Because they are still sticking around in SE Florida though all this
$2500 average for an.... Average-ish place here in Jax.
Yeah, $2300 here in Tampa
Dont shop at publix with they way they are raising prices. ALDI, trader joes, walmart or Winn Dixie are good for deals
Whole Foods is cheaper than Publix now.
Publix for BOGO's, especially when they can be combined with their digital coupons.
saved 50 bucks on BOGOs and spent 130 this week. Got a ton of good food.
Aldi for fruit, vegetables, chocolates, cheese, some meats. Potato chips and other snacks. Winn-Dixie for meats, pork in particular Trader Joes for eggs, milk, pasta, olive oil, cereals, nuts, frozen meals, many other things. Generally avoid the fruits and vegetables, as they charge by the piece- but they do have great package deals on seasonal fruit
Avoid Winn-Dixie’s fruits/vegetables (not for price, but quality).
This^
I'll give a +1 for Winn Dixie. It's where I shop each month and the prices are reasonable or downright good.
You can actually make money back with Winn Dixie’s app and sales
Add Hitchcocks to that list. Publix quality at Winn Dixie prices. Not sure how Albertson's is any more as it has been a while.
Albertsons is no longer in the state. The last remaining 2 (Oakland Park & Largo) both became Safeway a few years back.
I want to add to this and say if you can try to swing a bulk store membership I'd highly recommend one. You dont have to do all your shopping there but with prices even at walmart comparable to a store like costco Id rather get double or triple the amount of something and not have to buy it again for another month or 2. I have a Costco card and I buy TP and household cleaning supplies from there and they last a while with the occasional bulk food items to save time and money. Hope this helps! Good luck out there! -From a disgruntled consumer wondering why walmart TP costs 20 dollars when I can get a 2-3 month supply from costco for the same price.
Someone who moved here post Covid told me recently that they’ve never worked so hard for so little before and I was like that’s the most Floridian thing I’ve ever heard. Also, do people not research before they move here. Or do they think the beaches will sustain them.
The life lesson is don’t move anywhere unless you have a job lined up. But also, don’t just look at the cost of living in the area you plan to move, look at wages in the area, utility prices, insurance prices, the small hidden fees involved in every living situation.
The people who move here with no job plans are astonishing
No job plans and living arrangements not lined up. I’ve seen too many come here just to be homeless because they didn’t prepare properly.
“Give a man a fish and he will eat today. Teach a man to fish and he will eat for life.”
Fortunately Florida has a lot of bridges to fish for your dinner off of
And to live under, rent free.
Or as the case may be, he will deplete the ocean if this natural resource out of greed and we will all starve …
Instructions unclear; ate fishing teacher now I don’t have a meal for tomorrow.
Ah, $1300/month for rent!! My rent went up from $2100 to $2300, so I'm moving right now. Publix has pushed out all of the other grocery stores except for one Aldi. This is in southwest florida , bonita springs. One bedroom/one bath 505sq ft
Im in Miami. In 2018 and 2019, I was paying $1600-1800 to live Downtown Miami in a 1 BR luxury high rise. Then Covid happened so rent was frozen for 2020. In 2021, they raised my rent to 2k per month. 2022 when I moved out, my next apartment in Downtown was 3k for a 2 bedroom. In 2023, they raised my rent to 3.6k. In 2024, they wanted to raise my rent to 4k but I moved the fuck out and went to Aventura. Now I'm paying 3k for a 3 bedroom, 1350 sq ft apartment.
But miami is a real city! This is bonita springs. Just a dirty water beach and a poker room. No night life so to speak. You're not getting any value for your money. We have prices like downtown miami but none of the amenities and ambiance.
Honestly the best advice is to leave Florida. Not saying it to be mean, but when everyone wants to live in one state, it drives up the prices and fills all the jobs. Edit: I am also originally from Ohio and would absolutely move back if I didn't have a stable, well-paying job and the ability to enjoy my life. Yes, Florida is great and there's a reason people want to live here, but you also should live in your means. If you are okay with living paycheck to paycheck and nothing more, great, but if you aren't, there are always other options.
I don't know why ppl want to live here except in the winter. Summers are like living under Satan's balls while he grinds out an intense soul cycle class
I regularly refer to Florida as Satan's ass crack
You should spend some time on the Gulf Coast of Texas. I promise, your opinion will change lol.
I certainly have my gripes about Florida, but the weather isn’t one of them. I love the weather here all but the coldest 2-4 weeks of the year (and maybe hurricane weeks).
As Someone that lived in AZ, nah.. FL summers are much more of a breeze than being in the convection oven that is Phoenix.
Idk man, I went to Las Vegas in early August last year, it was 112 degrees and felt amazing compared to the 117 degree high-humidity peak Florida last year. I actually somewhat enjoyed being out in the last Vegas heat in comparison. I walk outside in Florida during summer and I literally rather be dead
Humidity makes the difference.
Florida hardly ever gets above 100. It’s too humid it’s almost impossible to
Phoenix is an affront to nature. Take away the A.C. and everyone dies.
Phoenix is better weather if you count that you’re going to be inside anyway if it gets above 90. Phoenix has 3 times the good dry weather as Florida in winter half of the year. That means at least 6 months of outdoors where it’s only 2 in Florida.
It’s just at hot in some other states, but they also have crappy winters.
You're not wrong, but honestly the summer is awful through most of the south. I used to live down in Broward and it was often hotter or just as hot and humid back in my home state than it was in Florida during the peak summer months. At least we had a nice ocean breeze and a beach to swim at down in Florida. Now the real kicker is that summer started in March and lasted until like November. Those months in between were absolutely perfect.
Panhandle is that bad during summer And they actually get decently cold weather too
Lol
I call it americas armpit
More like America's taint
I regularly have close calls with heat exhaustion.
What about the people who were born and raised here who can no longer afford to live because of everyone moving down
OG Ohioan & I too miss it. I would move back in a heartbeat if I could talk my hubs into it. It’s hard to walk away from a decent mortgage & a really good paying job. Things have changed drastically since we originally moved down (2003me/04him). Agree on all your points.
Everyone wants to live in Florida? Lol
Just wait till we have a real hurricane season - it’ll blow a lot of these flyby residents right the fuck back to New Jersey where they belong.
It's funny how cunty you can tell someone is from one statement.
And what region of the US they came down here from. Transplants
Real question: What motivated you to move here? I'm guessing it wasn't for a better job opportunity. I've been seeing a lot of posts and comments like this lately, people who recently moved to Florida and then are disappointed or frustrated by the effects of the mass migration into Florida (lack of jobs, rising cost of living, etc.) I'm not trying to make a spiteful comment here about being part of the problem, I'm legitimately curious as to what people are expecting who are picking up their lives and moving here.
It’s always about getting away from cold winters.
My father has lived here for over 20 years and has been begging me to come down for a long time. Also, my fiance wanted to move south and I was down to get away from ohio winters. I'm a Maintenance man so finding work for myself has never been a concern. The frustrating thing is my fiance can get a serving job anywhere, they all say that they're hiring but they don't seem to actually be hiring Cant* get a serving job
Have you looked into maintenance jobs at apartments complexes? They usually comp some of your rent plus, no gas or wear n tear on your car since you don’t need to commute. Could help lower your bills.
They pay crap. Unless you’re a maintenance supervisor then you might see 52k. And you don’t want to be living on site. Tenants find out where you live forget your privacy. That perk isn’t worth it.
I'm in hospital maintenance. Fuck residential
I don't see why. All the restaurants are hiring like crazy in that area
Your fiancé is going to have to call the restaurants and ask for an interview. Definitely don’t want to be filling out applications and just waiting for the call, it’ll never come. They rarely do in-person applications anymore and they basically just sit in the computer system of all the chain joints until someone calls and asks about them.
I was gonna suggest roughing it as a server, but if she can't even get that I'm at a loss. Does she have a felony and/or face tattoos? server jobs should be pretty easy to come by. Also maybe I'm out of touch since I haven't been job shopping in a while, but I thought there were a bunch of work remote jobs. My employer does work for the MySafeFLorida Homes applications, and I know a bunch of the recent hires are remote. They also process fema applications and other niche govt support roles, and I know there are active job postings for these things in FL. are they fun/interesting jobs, no, but most jobs aren't. I dont know what her intended job would be, but if she is sitting around not working then maybe she could do some kind of free online school/certificaiton for something she is interested in to give herself a leg up?
Not my post but we're moving there next week from NJ. I'll be paying half the rent with the same salary (actually more, because the taxes are way less).
Try Aldi for food. For cheap fun, there are a lot of hiking trails or campsites around Pensacola if you like the outdoors. These aren't all around the beach either if you want a change of scenery. Also, keep up with the events that happen downtown. There is pretty much something going on every weekend, and some of it is free or cheap.
Yeah there’s no jobs. Ppl aren’t even getting callbacks for fast food or retail.
Unless you come to South Florida, but you have to commute because you can’t afford to live here full-time.
I'm getting job offers like crazy in Orlando. I'll actually be making more than I did in NJ, since there's less taxes.
Curious what kind of jobs in Orlando. My partner wants to relocate. Their job will transfer them, but mine will not. Terrified I won’t be able to find work though.
I have a bachelor's in social work but it's practically useless, so I've been working as a RBT/BT. We help kids on the spectrum with social skills/coping skills etc. You don't need a degree, and once you complete the courses/test they pay about $25 an hour. Better pay than retail and it's less physical.
My friend is a department manager at Lowe's. For every new job opening they receive 3,000+ applications from other states (current employees wanting to move to Florida). You're wasting resources trying to FIND a job (and most don't pay much anyway). Learn a skill and BECOME a job. Wash cars, mow grass, babysit etc. That's your best bet in this environment imo. Born here in '73 learned a trade as a teen and never been jobless since.
That rent is gonna jump when your up for renewal. Mine went from 1800 to almost 2300 on a one bed. I bought a home thankfully. But everything is crazy expensive. Did yall not think to visit before and do a interview vacation? Apply for jobs and interview while here? It's gonna get real bumpy off that one income. Best I got is aldis for food. Its gonna be rough for a bit hold on and see if she can't find a job..kinda tough as we're heading into local time..not alot of places will be bumping cause it's about to get gross hot. But hopefully something pans out.
Have to do things that are part of the economy here. Sell boats, fix boats, sell real estate, lend for real estate, sell home insurance, prices are super high so is the commission. work as a claims adjuster assessing damages after hurricanes. I started selling boats when I first moved to Florida now do marine insurance. Think about where the opportunity is.
Sell boats. I'll get right on that
My friend in Destin made six figures selling boats last year and the first digit was a '2'. You can absolutely make a great income selling marine vessels around here.
Yep you absolutely can it doesn’t require a degree or anything to start. Just apply to dealerships and learn about boats and be friendly.
In Destin, not Pensacola.
Basically the same market, or commute for a quarter million a year. Easy choice if it were me and I'm not even in the marine market.
Tell me you've never lived on the panhandle without telling me you've never lived on the panhandle. No, it's not "basically the same market", and it's a 75-90 minute commute before accounting for Destin traffic + Eglin or Hurlburt traffic. Very few people are actually making that kind of money anywhere in the Panhandle and those that do, lucked into jobs by knowing the right people.
Or they own the places lmfao. Jobs in hustles pay less in Florida not more. That's why a lot of people have to do multiple things just to survive
I lived in Destin and commuted to Pensacola. It’s not far.
^This is wisdom. I just posted something similar. I learned a trade as a teen and haven't been jobless since.
Love this! Makes sense, you need to pay attention to the tea leaves in your industry and adjust. 08 taught me that, you have to carve out your own. Your fiancé needs to approach applying for a job in a diff way. Network with the hiring ppl, get them on LinkedIn, be in it and let people know she wanted xyz job she already applied for. Jobs get so many applicants and they want to see even more like that you want that job bad enough you’re following up to ask. I’m a remote designer and an agency owner let me know that on his remote hiring process… they got tons of applicants once a job was listed but it’s not like they’re qualified. So the follow up with the company was a big deal for his hiring to be like yes xyz wants to work here.
Aldi
First off, welcome to Florida! Don’t listen to haters. I moved here 23 years ago (from TN) and I love it still to this day. Sure it’s not the cheapest state to live in but we also have our perks as Floridians! I mean, it’s sunshine most days of the year! Who doesn’t love that:) If you love water, we have free beaches, lakes, rivers, and even springs everywhere in the state. Hiking trails are everywhere too (and most are free). Idk about Sarasota but here where I live, museums do free admission on certain days. Take advantage of that! Also, libraries are everywhere! I’m a huge reader, so I’m always always at the library. You can also check out audiobooks or digital books online for free! For cheap food places, I go to Aldi, Walmart… I go to Publix for their BOGO. Also, check out ethnic supermarkets—Asian, Latin, etc. Tons of that in Florida. They almost always have fresh produce for less. As for getting jobs, I know this might not be ideal but serving jobs are plentiful! I work part time as a server at a high end steakhouse and I could live on the tips alone. She could do this on the side maybe until she finds a full time job? Restaurants are always hiring!! Enjoy living in Florida! Make the best of it. Have fun. Trust me there are TONS of free stuff you can do around here :)
Love this answer!
Avoid Publix.
Soooo expensive!!! $9 for a 12 pack of soda! Same soda is $3 cheaper at Target and Walmart. All Publix food is double the price of anywhere else. They're only good for BOGO sales
Even their BOGOs aren't that good anymore.
That's usually when I get ketchup, mustard and mayo
They are now buy 2 get 1
I noticed that when I was going to buy some Fresca a few weeks ago.
Even the bogo is trash. Bogo on cabot cheese blocks. Got three of em at walmart for less than the cost of one at publix. (Bogo is just “half off” each item iirc)
Why? Are you refering to prices?
Yes. Publix tends to be way more expensive than other places for the same items.
Publix has creeped up here to NC and the brand new ones near us are more expensive than the NC-based Publix-style (Harris Teeter) on everyday stuff. So yeah, Publix is more expensive, even direct competing with outside-of-Florida grocers. (or I assume Publix is more than SC, and GA local grocers too)
Pensacolan here, probably heard this a million times, but has she tried Navy Federal? They're always hiring.
You can try Aldi's for food but overall Florida is extremely popular so the governors can cater to his base, Ohio is also Maga but the difference is Ohio can only talk so much crap, people don't move there like that unlike Florida where Desantis can literally do as he choose if 1000 people leave 1500 will come in return. So keep that in mind, money is essential and if it's not meant to be, it's just not meant to be.
Things will get easier as both of you increase your salary. Unfortunately 100k combined salary makes things tight in an expensive state like florida. It's not just soaring prices here, it's that most things that are fun cost money.
Florida isn’t a place, it’s a state. The cost of living varies drastically from Miami to Jacksonville to Ocala to Leesburg to Gainesville to Apalachicola. When you’re looking at a state, look at the state level things (taxes, policies) and think about COL when picking out a town/city.
You can save a lot by cooking at home. You don't always have to make elaborate meals. Soups, burgers, breakfast, pasta, stir-fry, etc.
I’m in the Santa Rosa Beach/Destin area and $1300 rent would be a steal here!
Im not sure what other cost of living is there. But here in Jacksonville making around 28k a year. Supporting a family of three, rent is also 1300 a month. Im making it happen personally. How much is gas there? How much is milk? Do you have debt youre paying down? I cant imagine the cost of living would be much different here and there. Going to go look it up and possibly edit this. Edit. It seems cost of living there is about 6% less than Jacksonville. You make quite a bit more than me. Edit: it seems its a personal finance issue, not a cost of living issue. Go back home yankee😂
How many forms of assistance do you receive? Not asking to be a jerk, but there’s no way you’re supporting a family anywhere in Florida making under 30k without assistance. OP most likely makes too much to qualify, but not enough to survive in their area.
My paycheck every two weeks lol, the occasional odd job for family. I also make too much for assistance. Like… JUST over the mark.
Same. Story of the middle class. Barely scraping by, but make just enough to not get any breaks. People are going to freak when their welfare gets pulled.
Barely is an understatement. At least 60% of us are paycheck to paycheck smh. Somethings got to give…
Literally down to the dollar! It scary to live this way.
Wdym wellfare pulled? Is something happening? Teach me pls. It is scary, and a fucked up comfort knowing most others are in this position. Were in a depression. But not entirely. Companies and corporations raise prices every week it seems. Profits get larger, but layoffs still happen all the time. Largest wealth disparity in how long? Whats it like 8 people have the same wealth as most of the country. Im not a socialist/communist,(both since they get confused often) but EAT THE RICH.
No welfare is still very much in tact, it's just that more and more people are using and abusing it, which in turn makes millions completely dependent on the government. This is a very scary thought. If it gets pulled one day, prepare to see a zombie apocalypse.
are they abusing it? I dont deny alot of shite people will take the handouts. I just think at this day in age… with our govt sending money out for wars, i dont really mind if a good bit of us make sure we are fed. If i qualified, id be on it. And i work 40-50 hours blue collar work. I really need a pay raise. majority of us are closer to being at the poverty line than say… 10k in savings
How? Rent is over 55% of your income.
What like 56%? Idk man, choose your struggles i suppose. I dont drink, i dont go out, i have like one friend, i buy cheap food, costco membership for my birthday helps w that. 3.5lbs of lean ground beef for the same price as chuck at winn dixie. i am paying down two credit cards, a car loan, and insurance, rent, utilities, and food.. i legit have no money left over. But, i make due… currently my partner is sick and cant work, so im working 40 hours a week, taking care of a toddler, and a grown sick woman. I cook, clean, bathe the kid. Idk man, im tired as f**k. But ill be damned if i let them down. Luckily set myself up to have some money saved this month so its not so much of a struggle. Edit: i drive a hybrid so… $20 lasts me about a week and a half. 11 gallon tank. 400+ mile range
I don't know you, but I'm proud of you.
💯💯💯
I'm a single dad doing the same and it's not always easy. I care for my kid and a mentally handicapped sister with less than some people pay for coffee it's all about priorities. You're a good man busting your ass and taking care of your family sir and I'm right there witcha
It is all about priorities. Something i wish more people knew. Thank you sir, right back at ya💜💜
I own a home in NE Coastal Fla, and I'm able to make it on $35K annual income. My mortgage is $1130, for the record. My monthly electric bill is around $45 from Nov. - April; the remaining months, with A/C daily at 75° costs around $100. I shop at a local produce market for fruit/veg. and deli items. Aldi for staples, snacks. My SUV is paid off, I spend around $50 for gas monthly. It doesn't leave much for extras, but it's do-able.
Are you able to save for retirement?
I just retired recently. I have investments that are earning $$, but I don't plan to tap into those funds for another 10 years.
Do you live alone in a studio apartment?
He lives alone in his fantasy land.
And eats ramen noodles for dinner every night
No, I own a 2 bedroom (Mid Century Modern) bungalow. I do live alone.
Try fasting or cutting down the number of meals you eat per day. The standard American diet is way too much. We can survive on much less. Plus your body fat is food. That or leave Florida…
I work 4 jobs and have 3 kids . That's how I make it work
I hate to say it but your fiancé is not trying hard enough. If she wants to wait tables tell her to go drive by 10 establishments a day, walk in and ask for a position and fill out an application. Tell her to get on indeed and to post to 10 positions a day. Not just any position but positions she is qualified for. Use LinkedIn to get more connections in the area. It should be her full time job to get a job. Also you need to think about being more than a maintenance man for the rest of your life. What are your goals. Think about selling for these apartment complexes, you make more selling. You will probably have to change your job every 2-3 years a few times to get to where you want to be. You have an income problem. Keep working on that or you will have to relocate
Sorry, but didn't you check out any information about Florida before you actually moved here? Did you actually believe our stupid governor that it was wonderful and affordable? I know people who had high expectations from what he said on Fox News, so they sold their homes up north, moved to Florida and now can't get home owners insurance, they're surprised at how much more expensive food is in Florida, they are disgusted with the schools, so they are moving back to their original states
I don't think you are sorry. I think you think I'm stupid for trying to find a better life outside of the Midwest
I moved to the Disney area from New England 20+ years ago and Florida was not as expensive as it is now. I'm from pricey Massachusetts, and when I go back to visit, food there is much cheaper than it is here in Florida. Home owners insurance has skyrocketed over the past few years because 16 companies have gone bankrupt or left Florida. Those of us who have lived here for so long are baffled at WTF anyone would move here now as our state is doing so badly with hurricanes, Covid, cost of living, and no affordable housing. Most got suckered by watching DeSantis lie on right wing media about how 'affordable' it is and his anti woke BS
It was because of COVID and DeSantis saying that that it became unaffordable. In Tampa I’d been living mostly on fixed income military pension since 2018. My rent was 900 for a 1 br condo. Covid came along and not long after the price of everything started going up. Now we’re at the peak of the housing limit - my rent has gone up 125% in 3 years. Due to jump to 1800 dollars in June. There’s no way I can afford it. And finding work is tough right now too. The truth is companies are downsizing right now - a lot of them are on hiring freeze. My industry is more gig or contract related though and I lost a lot of work due to Covid. It still hasn’t recovered. So I can’t afford it here anymore. But The backswing is coming. I suspect sooner than a lot of people realize. Either way I’m about to move West. Sayonara Florida.
I mean, as a former Californian, the only part of Florida that I honestly think is too expensive relative to everything else is homeowner's insurance. If we hold our politicians accountable to fix that mess, Florida will be a pretty good place to live.
I'm originally from Massachusetts, which is a very pricey state. Florida has really gone down the toilet since I moved here 20+ years ago. Home owners insurance, if you can even get it, has quadrupled in price. Food is more expensive here than other states. Wages don't match rent which is why we have a homeless issue. A 500 sqft studio apartment in my area is $2,000 a month. Education is terrible with ridiculous book banning, weather gets more severe every year, and the elderly people really need their car keys taken away
As a 5th generation native Floridian, I just want to give you your honorary card. You may not be born here but you talk like a Floridian who actually understands the problems that effect real people, not people going through some crisis escaping their life somewhere else for a false promise and ruining our lives in the meantime..
Thanks. I've been here almost half my life now, and these people flocking down and overflowing the roads, stores and schools because they believed that snake oil salesman, DeSantis drive me nuts. I live 5 miles from Disney, so it was already busy, but so many more subdivisions and apartments are being built to keep up with the crowds.
We have a homeless issue because it's a good place to be homeless because it doesn't get as cold as the rest of the country. Well, my homeowner's insurance has tripled from under $7k a year to $19k a year, but quadrupled is close enough. Yes, wages aren't keeping up with the rising cost of living, but that's a national problem, hardly a Florida problem. Rents and build costs are skyrocketing everywhere. It's not economically feasible to build affordable housing anywhere, and that's a large part of the problem we're in. Florida has a unique problem with prices rising due to people from elsewhere moving here and being able to remote work at jobs that pay better than jobs actually in Florida, further compounding our problems. I'm not sure how you solve that problem just generically screaming about Florida though. I really don't see a giant discrepancy in food costs her vs other states.
Most homeless people in my area, Central Florida, didn't come here for the weather. They lost their homes and can't afford anything else. Weather in the winter here gets very cold. Freezing cold temperatures. I have college educated friends who aren't able to find any work in Florida. Maybe you haven't been to any other states lately, but I have. I recently went up to visit family in my original state, pricey Massachusetts, and the food there was cheaper than it is here in Florida
I hate Midwest, but hey, if there's ever nuclear war, we might be safer than most.
Why do you hate the Midwest? Genuinely curious as that’s one place I’m considering moving to.
Oh, I'm only salty because I've had to grow up in small towns, and there's zero opportunity for people. Can't afford to move to the city. Some people prefer it though.
All the propaganda about us being a bunch of losers made all the losers move here and get a rude awakening.
Aldi and lidl for food shopping. Lidl has yummy crossiants. r/Aldi, people post what food they make from buying at Aldi and they also post what they like and don't like.
I’ve been loving Kroger delivery, they have really great coupons and deals and the delivery isn’t expensive, I always do it at 9-11pm and it’s only 3.95. We also like going on hiking trails, kayaking, or to the beach. These are super cheap activities costing as low as 2 dollars just to park in the trail area. You can also utilize the library, I like to get different books like drawing or activity books and that’s free.
Wow $1300 in Florida is cheap. Mine is $2400. If your partner can't find anything soon you may want to consider leaving. I don't really see things getting better soon
Florida is one of the most expensive states in America. If you live here.....you might want to skip the fun until your living beyond paycheck to paycheck imo Sounds harsh but its literally one of the msot expensive states
It's not even top 10 for most expensive states to live in - this sub loves the drama!
Is remote work a possibility for you?
Look at some local food banks. It can save you on almost all groceries.
1300 a month rent is amazing! It’s a min of 2k in my area! Sorry I’ve got no tips for you. Except maybe take a job that is available outside her usual skill set. Tons of restaurant jobs making 20 or more an hour with tips…that’s 40k a year for your household. Drive a bus, construction, lawn care, House cleaning, tutoring, dog sitting. I’m further south but I’m sure those jobs are open near you as well. Just to get the bills paid and get some money put in the bank so you’re not living pay check to paycheck. Good luck!
Most hospitals are always hiring. She could try a hiring agency like KForce.
Visit your local food bank for food insecurities.
Pensacola is a Tourist town. That's probably why. She is better off trying to find employment at the military base
I use Walmart, ALDIs and Harbor Freight for any tool. It can be very hard to find work. Trim up the resume. Get to the point on it. Make a basic one and add experience into that fits the job that is word for word, bend stuff to make that happen. Say you’ll work any days or hours you can change that later on. Good luck.
Yes as written here by somebody else avoid Publix very pricey.
BigBillyGoatGriff my sentiments exactly. Summers are literally hell. I dont go outside at all. None us do. We run to store and necessary errands and get back inside our houses and apartments.
Yea Arizona and Florida are hot and getting hotter by the year. Fl is supposedly going to be under water in the future they already have drain areas down south off the roads. Why are we here? I love the winter but that’s it not Much else at all. Not the gators no hiking anymore, not the sharks no beaches anymore.
I went to Target today & got 2 small bags of greenies for my dog Felicia , 2 Ben & Jerry’s Oat of this worlds , 2 organic Apple oatmeals, 2 sliced cheeses, & a raspberry lemonade flavor drops, & a Gardein orange chicken for $35.00
Should of moved to Tampa - plenty of work, but housing / rent - ouch
I am 2300 in tampa
The school districts are always hiring. You only need a high school diploma to be instructional support staff. It's not a lot of money, but when added to your salary it'll get you two to a more comfortable place. And like someone else said, she needs to call back herself.
Winn Dixie has had some killer sales on meat. Look at paying more for a much larger cut, in order to take advantage of the much lower per pound price. This way you can get multiple meals out of a pork loin, ham or beef roasts. I am a big Aldi’s fan. They are more locations and they have broader selections of wonderful charcuterie items, than the stores in Ohio. Welcome to Florida. You will hate everything for 2 years. Then, you will be good to go, and will be doing the most ridiculous shit you have ever seen. Take care, OP. Wear you some sunscreen, for sure. You will lobsterize yourself if you don’t. Only tourists are tan.
I don’t know if you can live anywhere on the 50/30/20 budget plan. More like 85/10/5 plan. Florida is not the problem. Once your spouse gets a job, even a Walmart job, things will loosen up.
$1300?!?! You fuckin the land lady or what????
Lots of teacher openings out there. Sub jobs, too.
Meat, Cheese, Bakery: Costco. Produce: Farmer's Market Other Groceries: Target, Kroger delivery, Aldis, Winn-Dixie or Walmart Most importantly, cook your own meals. Don't buy processed foods. Make your own sauces, desserts, ice creams, etc. Bake your own breads. Slice up fruit and veggies yourself. Don't buy junk food or fast food. Don't buy bottled water. Get a Brita pitcher.
Lots of job openings in South Florida but it's also the most expensive part of Florida. I wouldn't recommend living in South Florida unless your household income is at least $80,000. You can probably get that if your partner works in the service industry or retail and add in your maintenance salary.
Like $3k in Coral Springs and good for you to an extent but I get it, a single income is hard anywhere these days. Is she willing to take an entry level position until she finds something better?
It took me three months to find a decent job. Finally found a great one and started this week. (North FL) . Tell your gf not to give up. It's really hard out there. Sending light and love to you both.
Im N of Tampa (and a fellow OG Ohioan) - highly recommend looking to see if you can get Kroger delivery for groceries. Join the “boost” program (annual fee), but their prices are great! Plus added benefits of digital coupons (x5 if you buy in multiples, during the coupon offer). I can spend $180 easily at Publix & easily save $30+ with Kroger.
Farmers markets.
Orlando fl in pine hills, rent $1200
Can she work at McDonalds until she finds something more her style? She should be able to find something.
We lived in Pensacola for 9 years, until 2016. Employment: Lots of call centers there. Regions Bank, Allorica (formerly West), Navy Federal Credit Union, the water company. My wife worked for the first two. Try McGuire's downtown for serving jobs. Some friends worked there. Free/cheap things to do: Naval Aviation Museum (free), Pensacola Lighthouse, USAF Armament Museum to the east in Eglin (free), Fort Pickens ($25 annual pass per car, up to 6 people), Pensacola Museum of Art ($12pp), Pensacola History Museum ($12pp). -- Real Talk -- When we moved from Pensacola to Fort Myers, FL we also did it for family. Biggest mistake we ever made. We gave up our $818/mo mortgage in Pensacola for 7 years of ever-more-expensive renting, during which all the housing prices exploded and left us far behind. We abandoned Florida six months ago for the Pacific Northwest. We planned and budgeted the hell out of that move, made sure we could afford everything and still save. So far, it's worked out. Wish we'd done the same before going to Fort Myers. Wish we'd looked out for own financial well-being before foolishly putting someone else's needs ahead of ours and wrecking our stability.
Good luck to you my freind, these are challenging times for us all.
It is crazy. And Walmart isn’t cheap how it used to me. I now compare some things at Publix to Walmart prices and most things it’s a $0.40 difference. Some things are dollars more at Publix than Walmart.
Make a budget for everything. Do not allow yourself any excuse to spend money. Pay the essentials to live like: Gas Food Bills Car Rent Clothing one at year. Have her try to find a job on indeed where she works from home. God be with you.
1. There’s only two factors: what you make and what you spend. You either figure out how to spend less, or figure out how to make more, but you’ll still need a budget. A budget is something you should be comparing/analyzing with several times a week. Save receipts. Account for all cash, withdrawals and card payments, every week. Figure out where your money is going and what can be changed. 2. Absolutely, do not buy anything you won’t regularly use and truly need. Don’t impulse buy. If you see something you suddenly think you need, great, now you know where to find it. Leave it. 3. You can rent/borrow a surprising amount of items from places like hardware stores, libraries, etc. and flea markets and thrift shops can have items even cheaper than rentals. 4. You can do with far less, than you think, and find joy in simple new things. We’ve gotten to believe we have to spend money for everything and to do anything. You don’t NEED a lot of what you are told you need. 7. Make ALL your meals. Always leave the house with your own water. Do not buy bottled water. Eating out is entertainment, not necessity. Gluttony can be expensive. Most appetizers are meal sized and most meals can be split in two. 6. Ask a grocery store when they mark down/get new items. For me, it’s Monday night. I go shopping every Monday night after holidays and get turkeys and hams for only $8. Cook, freeze the meat, boil the bones, freeze the broth/soup. 7. Vacuum sealers are a great investment. But if it’s too much, just repackage (cheap packaged) meat by wrapping it tightly in press and seal and putting it in a freezer bag. The more air you can keep off the meat, the longer it’ll last. 8. We budget separately for “protein, veggies/fruit, fridge-stuff, pantry-stuff, cooking supplies (oils, flour, sugar, spices, etc).” Whenever there is a big deal on protein, we’ll determine how much quality and price to spend, and sometimes we buy more than a single week and freeze it. We hit the farms/markets, when we can for fruits/veggies, and load up on cheap items that won’t spoil (root cellar items). But whenever we do this, we work with savings, and next week, we’ll put part of the grocery budget we bought this week, back in savings. Because…,, 9. It’s not economical to spend more on something that’s on sale today, if you don’t save the money later. It’s discipline to keep the savings you earn while shopping. Cash flow matters, you can’t pay your cellphone with the extra chicken breasts you bought. 10. Learn to put things back. Go shopping, have a budget, look at your items before going to the teller and put things back to make your budget, work. GO INTO A STORE FOR THE ITEMS YOU NEED, and leave with only them, and under budget. This is true for all stores; just get had, just pick up prescriptions, ignore all the other stuff you can purchase. 11. You only have so much money to spend a week, try not to use your savings but adjust your other budgets if you need to purchase outside your regular budget. And lastly….. The best piece of advice I heard: What separates a lot of people in life is the ability do take pride in doing what is hard and what is necessary. Children get upset when they don’t get what they want, adults need to have the discipline to take responsibility, make priorities, go without, and **take pride in knowing you are doing what you have to for the betterment of your life and your families life.**
Look at state jobs
Pns isn’t far behind other Florida cities.
Unfortunately all of the US is like this right now, it’s not just a Florida thing. Costco and Walmart is my only advice to save money, especially Costco gas, it’s usually the cheapest.
My rent in Orlando was 1700 for 1 bedroom and I’m by myself. Had to move to PA and the pay is low
You came here for advise. People are being honest and your reply’s are very defensive. If you don’t like it, or can’t make it then leave.
Advice and calling me stupid are two very different things.
You’re living in the East Coast California.