Study finds home affordability improving in several Florida metros
A new ConsumerAffairs analysis found affordability rankings improved in several Florida housing markets, including Jacksonville, Ocala and Orlando, though high-income thresholds remain in Naples and Miami.
While home affordability in Florida remains challenging in many markets, a new national analysis suggests conditions may be beginning to improve in parts of the state.
A study by ConsumerAffairs, a consumer advocacy and research website, found that several Florida metros became more affordable than in 2025.
The report calculated affordability using mortgage payments, property taxes and homeowners' insurance while applying the guideline that housing costs should account for no more than 28% of gross household income.
For Realtors®, that may make affordability conversations more important earlier in the process, especially as buyers compare markets, adjust expectations or search for alternatives that better fit monthly budgets.
Jacksonville showed one of the state’s largest improvements in affordability, climbing 21 spots in the rankings compared to last year. Ocala improved by 20 spots, while Orlando, Tampa and Port St. Lucie each improved by six positions.
These shifts may create new opportunities for Realtors working with buyers who paused searches when mortgage rates and prices rose rapidly. Markets with improving affordability rankings could attract buyers seeking greater value, particularly in Florida’s growing suburban and secondary metros.
Ocala posted the state’s lowest income threshold among the listed Florida metros, with buyers needing about $88,757 in annual income to afford a typical home priced at $235,283.
At the same time, affordability gaps remain substantial in many coastal and high-demand markets. Naples ranked as Florida’s least affordable metro and 20th nationally, with buyers needing nearly $190,000 in annual income to afford a median-priced home. Miami ranked 34th nationally, requiring an annual income of roughly $169,168.
The report also highlights how monthly housing costs in Florida extend beyond mortgage payments alone. Insurance premiums, taxes, HOA fees and condo assessments may significantly change affordability calculations depending on the market and property type.
| Metro | U.S. rank | Change from 2025 | Income needed | Median income | Median home price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Naples | 20 | -2 | $189,563 | $95,862 | $648,926 |
| Miami | 34 | -1 | $169,168 | $80,625 | $487,860 |
| North Port | 47 | +6 | $147,353 | $82,106 | $408,227 |
| Crestview | 48 | +2 | $147,167 | $81,933 | $469,712 |
| Port St. Lucie | 65 | -6 | $135,344 | $80,659 | $388,001 |
| Orlando | 68 | -6 | $133,021 | $81,044 | $380,544 |
| Cape Coral | 84 | -4 | $122,971 | $83,602 | $372,025 |
| Tampa | 85 | -6 | $122,933 | $78,275 | $360,119 |
| Palm Bay | 90 | 0 | $117,560 | $78,196 | $334,002 |
| Lakeland | 95 | +26 | $114,457 | $66,779 | $285,023 |
| Deltona | 96 | -1 | $114,028 | $73,701 | $332,160 |
| Jacksonville | 108 | -21 | $108,397 | $82,053 | $356,072 |
| Pensacola | 111 | +6 | $107,085 | $74,248 | $309,752 |
| Gainesville | 113 | -3 | $106,205 | $61,949 | $285,775 |
| Tallahassee | 128 | -1 | $96,182 | $65,009 | $302,693 |
| Ocala | 144 | -20 | $88,757 | $64,410 | $235,283 |
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