How Much House $1M Will Buy You in These 10 Popular Florida Cities

Though highly vulnerable to the increasing effects of climate change, Florida remains a desirable state to live in, particularly because of its tropical climate, high quality of life and no state income tax.

Cost of living tends to be lower in Florida than in many other states (2% below the national average, according to RentCafe). Though you can get by on less there than in say, California, Hawaii or Massachusetts, it’s still not exactly a cheap state to live in, particularly not if you’re looking to buy a home.

According to Zillow, the average home price in the Sunshine State is $398,077, up 2.5% year over year. But of course, this is only the average: you could pay way more or way less. 

Using recent US Census Bureau data, as reported by Moving to Florida Guide, GOBankingRates found the 10 most populated Florida cities. Then, we dug into Zillow listings to see how much house $1 million will buy you in each of these cities.

Take a look at what a $1 million dollar house looks like in these populous Florida cities.

• Population: 184,599

Fort Lauderdale is known for its epic white sand beaches and waterfront canals. It’s also got plenty of high-priced housing.

Over on SW 20th street, there’s a listing on Zillow for a four-bed/three-bath house that spans 1,666 sq. ft. The asking price for that one, which also has a pool, is $1 million.

Another $1 million Fort Lauderdale listing found on Zillow, on SW 12th Ave, features three bedrooms, two bathrooms and spans 1,833 sq. ft.

• Population: 199,205

The state capital of Florida and popular college town, Tallahassee has a thriving arts scene and is home to the No.1 disc golf course in the state.

A million bucks goes far here, in terms of the amount of house it can buy. For example, there’s a $1 million listing on Zillow for a spacious home on Shoal Creek Dr.; it has five bedrooms, five bathrooms and runs 3,519 sq. ft. It’s decked out with vast lawns and a large pool.

• Population: 204,549

Famed for its 400+ miles of waterways and canals winding through backyards, Cape Coral is an awesome spot for wildlife enthusiasts and those who enjoy fishing.

One million-dollar listing on Zillow features a home on SW 37th Ter. It has a pool, along with four bedrooms, three bathrooms. It spans 2,566 sq. ft. For the same asking price, there’s a listing on Zillow for a four-bedroom/two-bathroom, 2,150 sq. ft. home on SW 25th Pl.

• Population: 206,410

Port St. Lucie offers stunning golf courses, outdoor water fun and more. There are some truly majestic – and enormous – homes available for just above $1 million in this city.

Consider a four-bedroom/three-bathroom house on SW River Shore Dr., which spans 2,587 sq. ft and has an asking price of $1,009,000. If you can bump your budget up to $1,190,000, you can get a four-bedroom/three-bathroom home that spans 3,509 sq. ft., located on Bay Tree Ct. 

• Population: 243,208

You may not have heard of Hialeah, but there are plenty of solid reasons to check out this city, which dates back to 1925 and has a fascinating history, along with tons of recreation and leisure opportunities.

There’s currently a $1 million listing for a “prime development opportunity” (indicating some work may need to be done to make it comfortably livable): a 5-bedroom/5-bathroom abode spanning 2,028 sq. ft. on E 39th St. For a bit over $1 million ($1,050,000), you can buy a home that has seven bedrooms, seven bathrooms and spans 2,878 sq. ft. 

• Population: 271,842

Fondly called the “Sunshine City,” St. Petersburg is a peninsular city surrounded by 244 miles of shoreline along Tampa Bay, Boca Ciega Bay, the Gulf of Mexico and the intracoastal waterways.

It’s undoubtedly a gorgeous city – with gorgeous and some very expensive homes to match. There are currently no available listings on Zillow for houses that cost exactly $1 million, but if you have a roomier budget, you’ll find no shortage of options. For example, for $1,059,000 you can get a five-bedroom/three bathroom house on 41st Ave NE that spans 2,450 sq. ft.

• Population: 309,154

A city that needs no introduction, thanks largely to the global fame of Disney World, Orlando is a popular tourist attraction, but also a popular place to call home if you want to enjoy all the beachy bliss Florida offers.

There are currently no available listings on Zillow for houses that cost exactly $1 million, but if you can bump up your budget, you’ll be in luck. There’s a large, cute house on Nemours Pkwy that’s got five bedrooms, four bathrooms and spans 3,069 sq. ft. It’s going for $1,025,000.  

• Population: 413,704

Did you know that the dance “The Twist” originated in Tampa? Or how about that the world’s biggest “pirate invasion” party happens here annually? Fun facts aside, Tampa is a beautiful and popular city – especially for those who love clearwater beaches.

There’s currently one $1 million (on the nose) listing in Tampa: A five-bedroom/three-bathroom house spanning 3,036 sq. ft.

• Population: 486,388

Brimming with beaches running high on artistic energy, Miami is a hot spot for both retirees and young people.

You can currently find a house here that’s asking price is $1 million. It’s located on SW 164th Ave and has five bedrooms, three bathrooms and spans 2,733 sq. ft. You can scale way up with an extra $75k and get a mini mansion on SW 136th Ter. It has three bedrooms, four bathrooms and spans 32,698 sq. ft. 

• Population: 971,319

Filled with museums, parks and, of course, beaches, Jacksonville is an enriching place to call home. But how much does it cost to call it home? Well, if you have a million dollars to comfortably spend on a place, you’re well situated.

A home on Eunice Road is going for $1 million and has three bedrooms, four bathrooms and spans 2,650 sq. ft. If you’re able to substantially bump up your budget $1.2 million, you can own an impressively handsome and spacious house.