As summer vacation planning kicks into high gear, savvy travelers are looking for budget-friendly escapes that don't skimp on fun — and according to a new analysis, there are several special places in Florida where you can enjoy the sun, without breaking the bank.
In recent years, more and more new vacation rentals have come onto the market, leading to tougher competition for hosts, but more choice (and lower prices) for guests. Statewide, average vacation rental prices are down 5% from a year ago.
In Florida, the average cost of an overnight stay is $295 per night. But, according to a new study from Avantio, there are many destinations across the state where travelers can only pay $93 to $111 per night.
Those looking for an affordable Florida vacation should generally avoid the southern part of the state and focus on cities near Jacksonville, Orlando, and the Florida Panhandle. And, in collaboration with rental data company Key Data, Avantio put together a list of the best value places in the Sunshine State.
Here are their top five.
Riverfront, Jacksonville
The Riverside Historic District is home to vintage shops, trendy restaurants, gastropubs and cafes as well as the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens. And every Saturday, the Riverside Arts Market features local artwork, live music and food trucks.
It also has 430 active vacation rentals and tops the list of most budget-friendly destinations, with average rates of $93 per night, well below the state average. And with guests booking just 12 days in advance of their stay, the average person looking for a last-minute getaway without breaking the bank still has plenty of time to score a good deal.
A view from the Riverside Arts Market.Photo courtesy of Visit Jacksonville
Lullwater Beach
If you're dreaming of a beach vacation, Panama City Beach's Lullwater Beach neighborhood might just be the destination for you, offering waterfront condos or homes for an average of $108 per night. But with only 42 active vacation rentals, just be sure to book at least 26 days in advance.
Located in northwest Florida on the Gulf Coast, the white sands of Lullwater Beach are a great place to sunbathe and swim. Several nearby companies offer sailing tours, snorkeling, scuba tours and deep-water fishing charters.
An aerial view of age group athletes participating in swim class at Ironman Florida on November 5, 2022, in Panama City Beach, Florida. (Patrick McDermott | Getty Images for Ironman)Getty Images for IRONMAN
Southeast Orlando
About 20 minutes from downtown Orlando, the Southeast Orlando neighborhood spans nearly 20,000 acres (the size of a mid-sized city) and was part of one of the largest major urban planning and development projects for the city, with the aim of creating more than a simple dormitory suburb. , but a community. The area is home to several attractions, including Nona Adventure Park with its inflatable water park and climbing towers, rope and cable courses, rock walls, and kayak and paddleboard rentals.
Located in southeast Orlando, the park offers a variety of water sports activities.Photo courtesy of Nona Adventure Park
Vacation rentals for a house or villa average $101 per night. With 887 vacation rentals on the market, there is plenty to choose from, but it is advisable to book 29 days in advance. According to Avantio, it's not the closest neighborhood to Orlando's theme parks, but it's convenient to the airport and offers great villas at a good value.
Marie-Esther
Mary Esther is located in northwest Florida, between Fort Walton Beach and Navarre, as well as two air bases, Hurlburt Field and Eglin Air Force Base. Rich in history, the region's first settlers arrived in 1842.
The tree-lined streets are covered in Spanish moss, and the town is just 3 miles from the beach, located on the banks of the Intercoastal Waterway. The Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, Okaloosa Island Pier, and Okaloosa Island Boardwalk are all just a 10-minute drive away. With 55 vacation rentals in the area, averaging $110 per night, be sure to book your stay at least 32 days in advance.
The town of Mary Esther is located on the banks of the Intercoastal Waterway.Photo courtesy of Mary Esther City, Florida
Palm Island
As a boating community along the Intracoastal Waterway, Isle of Palms is a neighborhood in Jacksonville, with a population of 4,061 and made up primarily of young professionals. The area offers a dense suburban atmosphere, with numerous restaurants, cafes and parks, including Isle of Palms Park, a 5-acre family recreation park with tennis and pickleball courts, playgrounds, swings, grills, paved trails and a picnic pavilion. . With 75 active vacation rentals, which cost an average of $111 per night, book at least 26 days in advance.
Isle of Palms Park is a five-acre family recreation park.Photo courtesy of the City of Jacksonville
How to Find a Budget Vacation Rental in Florida
Tommy Ciaccio, business development manager at Avantio, said budget-conscious travelers should look to condos, which average $228 per night throughout the year in Florida, half the average price ($417) of a house or villa.
“In some destinations, like Haines City and North Fort Myers, the average apartment price is as low as $50,” Ciaccio said. “But if you really want a house, Southeast Orlando has the cheapest single-family vacation rentals, averaging just $101 a night.”
He also recommends travelers keep an eye out for “dupe destinations,” which are places that offer the same experience as tourist hotspots, at much lower prices.
“Florida destinations can be great alternatives to Caribbean beaches or city swaps for hot Southern cities like Nashville,” Ciaccio said. “Meanwhile, if you're more of a history buff – but the budget doesn't stretch to a transatlantic flight to Rome and Greece, then historic St. Augustine, commonly known as the oldest city in America, will more than satisfy your desire for history. Mediterranean. With its charming cobblestone streets, centuries-old Spanish colonial architecture, and rich cultural heritage, it echoes the vibe of a European adventure.
