Survey data show affordability pressures are reshaping health, stress, and stay-or-leave decisions in South Florida

Affordability is increasingly shaping how South Florida is experienced

Affordability pressures are altering how residents evaluate daily life in South Florida, with new survey findings linking economic strain to stress and broader quality-of-life indicators. A national wellness ranking tied to self-reported habits and well-being shows Miami sliding sharply in its perceived “healthiest places to live” standing over the past year, a change that coincides with continued concern about housing and everyday costs.

In the latest iteration of the “Healthiest Places to Live” ranking produced by wellness software company Mindbody, Miami was ranked No. 2 in 2024 but fell to No. 20 out of 25 in 2025. The ranking is based on survey responses about exercise and sleep habits, stress levels, and community connection—factors that can be influenced by financial conditions and time constraints.

Housing costs and financial insecurity remain central

Housing affordability is a recurring theme in multiple Florida-focused surveys conducted over the past two years, suggesting that cost pressures are not limited to one county or income bracket. A statewide poll conducted in late 2025 found widespread concern about inflation and housing affordability, alongside a substantial share of residents reporting paycheck-to-paycheck living and limited emergency savings. Nearly half of respondents said they had considered leaving Florida due to cost-of-living pressures.

At the local level, a 2024 poll of Miami residents reported that a large majority considered the cost of living in Florida not manageable, with housing expenses—rents, mortgages, and insurance—frequently cited as key stressors.

Rents show signs of cooling, but remain high

Recent market data indicate that rent growth in parts of South Florida has cooled from earlier post-pandemic surges, with year-over-year declines reported for one-bedroom units in several high-cost cities, including Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Even with those declines, median rents in core markets remain elevated, commonly at or above $2,000 for a one-bedroom apartment, with some neighborhoods and municipalities still significantly higher.

Analysts have attributed softer rent trends in certain areas to increased new housing supply and rising vacancy, which can give renters more options. Surrounding suburbs with less new construction have shown steadier patterns, reflecting shifting demand for relatively more affordable alternatives.

Stress, routines, and community connection

In interviews tied to the Mindbody-based ranking, a Miami homeowner who also rents out part of his property described the strain of navigating both renting and ownership in the current market, including difficulties finding renters at price points that cover costs. Mental health professionals interviewed in the same context emphasized routine-based coping strategies—such as consistent sleep, regular exercise, and maintaining community ties—as practical tools for managing stress when financial pressures persist.

• Miami’s position in a national wellness ranking dropped from No. 2 (2024) to No. 20 (2025).
• Florida surveys in 2024–2025 show broad concern about housing affordability and cost of living, with many residents considering relocation.
• Rent growth has cooled in parts of South Florida, though median rents remain high across many urban markets.

As affordability pressures continue, survey data and housing metrics suggest that South Florida’s appeal is increasingly weighed against day-to-day financial strain.