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Florida Ranks Among Nation’s Most Expensive States to Buy Property, Study Finds

A recent real estate affordability study has placed Florida near the top of the list of the most expensive states in the U.S. to buy property — a development with implications for Naples buyers, investors and everyday residents navigating an increasingly costly market.

According to the analysis, the average cost per acre in Florida is nearly $700,000, underscoring the steep prices that prospective buyers face across the state. Using that figure and the state’s average wage, researchers estimated it would take the typical Floridian roughly 42 years of saving 30% of their income to afford just one acre of land, highlighting long-term affordability pressures. Within the state, the study also found significant variation in land prices. Miami Beach ranked as the most expensive area, with land costs topping more than $8.5 million per acre, while more rural markets like Dunnellon in Marion County sat at the more affordable end of the spectrum.

What the Numbers Mean for Naples Buyers

For residents and prospective homebuyers in Naples and Southwest Florida, Florida’s costly property landscape translates into real challenges:

High land values drive overall home prices. Even if home prices soften slightly in some segments, elevated land costs — especially near prime coastal areas — remain a major component of total property value.
Affordability gap persists. The decades-long calculation for “saving up for an acre” underscores how far wages lag behind land costs for many working and middle-income households.
Competition pressures local inventory. Naples — a desirable coastal market with luxury homes, waterfront estates, and lifestyle appeal — attracts buyers from high-cost out-of-state regions, reinforcing upward price pressure on limited listings.

While Naples may not match Miami Beach’s staggering land prices, premium parcels along the Gulf Coast and in established neighborhoods continue to command strong valuations. This has been reflected in recent high-end sales and continuing demand for luxury homes in Collier County.

Broader Real Estate Trends in Florida

The study’s findings are part of a larger pattern redefining Florida’s real estate market:

Florida consistently appears on lists of high-cost markets for real estate, with luxury segments and sought-after coastal regions often leading nationwide rankings.
Regional reports have shown both brisk pricing in some areas and softening home values in others, illustrating varied dynamics across metros. For example, some West Coast regions have seen median home price declines and longer days on market amid shifting demand.
Elevated land and home prices coincide with migration trends that drive demand — Florida’s population continues to grow as buyers move in from other states, fueling competition for available properties.

Naples in the National Context

Although Florida is among the more expensive states overall, local factors like amenities, lifestyle demand, and coastal proximity make markets like Naples particularly impactful on land and housing values. Naples remains a draw for retirees, second-home buyers and investors alike — all of whom contribute to spirited pricing for premium properties.

Still, other parts of Florida offer different affordability profiles. Rural and inland regions tend to have more modest land prices, while major urban cores and luxury coastal markets push the upper bounds of costs.

What Buyers and Sellers Should Know

For buyers, especially first-timers and local residents, elevated land and housing prices mean strategic planning and realistic budgeting are essential. Working with local agents who understand market nuances — including Naples micro-markets — can help identify opportunities amid rising costs.

Sellers, on the other hand, continue to benefit from strong demand for quality homes and land, particularly where inventory remains limited.

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