Affordable Palm Beach County: The Most Affordable Places to Live (and Just North), Compared With Clear Criteria

Affordable Palm Beach County housing still exists, but you have to know where to look and what "affordable" means for you. The county's single-family median reached $650,000 in August 2026, while condos and townhouses had a median of $300,000. Some towns sit well below those numbers. This guide compares Greenacres, Palm Springs, Lake Worth Beach, unincorporated Lake Worth, Lantana, Riviera Beach and, just north, Port St. Lucie. We use the same criteria for each one, so you can compare them fairly.

Key takeaways

• According to Pure Equity's MLS data as of October 1, 2026, median list prices of active listings ranged from $157,900 in Palm Springs to $436,000 in Lake Worth Beach.
• Lake Worth Beach is a city. "Lake Worth" on a mailing address often means unincorporated county land west of the city, with different taxes and services.
• Port St. Lucie, in St. Lucie County, had a median list price of $429,000 and $228 per square foot for active listings.
• Florida's admitted insurers reported an average homeowners premium of $3,736 with wind coverage, per the state's insurance regulator.
• Condos pull many town medians down. Compare single-family homes with single-family homes before you decide.

How we define affordable Palm Beach County living

A low list price is only part of the cost. So we look at six measures: median list price, list price per square foot, insurance, HOA share, property taxes and commute. Prices come from Pure Equity's MLS data as of October 1, 2026. They are median asking prices of active residential listings, not sale prices, and they change daily.

Two cautions apply. First, a median mixes condos, townhomes and houses. A town with many older condos can show a low median even if its houses cost more. Second, price per square foot helps you compare value across home sizes, but it does not reflect age, condition or lot size. Use these numbers to build a short list, then compare actual listings.

The scorecard for affordable Palm Beach County towns

All figures below are medians of active residential listings from Pure Equity's MLS data as of October 1, 2026.

• Greenacres: median list price $252,450; $214 per square foot; condos, villas and older single-family homes.
• Palm Springs: median list price $157,900; $189 per square foot; a mix of condos, townhomes and small houses.
• Lake Worth Beach: median list price $436,000; $339 per square foot; older cottages, bungalows and condos near the coast.
• Lake Worth (unincorporated): median list price $424,950; $250 per square foot; larger suburban communities, many with HOAs.
• Lantana: median list price $372,500; $339 per square foot; a small town with a mix of older homes and condos.
• Riviera Beach: median list price $384,900; $269 per square foot; mainland homes plus Singer Island condos.
• Port St. Lucie: median list price $429,000; $228 per square foot; mostly single-family homes, including newer construction.

Greenacres: a low median in affordable Palm Beach County

Greenacres, in central Palm Beach County, had a median list price of $252,450 for active listings as of October 1, 2026, per Pure Equity's MLS data. Its median list price per square foot was $214. Active listings had been on the market an average of 98 days, which gives buyers time to compare.

Much of the low median comes from condos and villas, often in 55+ or older communities. Single-family homes cost more, but they still tend to come in below the county median. The city sits near Lake Worth Road and Forest Hill Boulevard, with access to the Turnpike and I-95. For local listings and details, see our Greenacres page.

Palm Springs: small village, lower prices

The village of Palm Springs sits west of I-95, between Lake Worth Beach and West Palm Beach. Pure Equity's MLS data showed a median list price of $157,900 for active listings as of October 1, 2026, the lowest on this list, or $189 per square foot. The village has many older condos and townhomes, plus small single-family homes from earlier decades.

Its central location is the main draw. Downtown West Palm Beach, the airport and the beaches are a short drive away. Older buildings, however, can mean older roofs and systems, which affect insurance and repairs. Budget for an inspection and an early insurance quote.

Lake Worth Beach versus unincorporated Lake Worth

This is the most common mix-up in the county. The City of Lake Worth changed its name to Lake Worth Beach after a March 2019 vote. Yet many addresses west of the city still say "Lake Worth," even though they sit in unincorporated Palm Beach County. Those areas follow county rules and services, not city rules.

Lake Worth Beach

Lake Worth Beach is an older coastal city with cottages, bungalows and small condos, plus a downtown along Lake and Lucerne avenues. As of October 1, 2026, Pure Equity's MLS data showed a median list price of $436,000 for active listings, or $339 per square foot. The city runs its own electric utility, so utility costs can differ from FPL areas. Ask the seller for recent bills.

Unincorporated Lake Worth

West of the city, "Lake Worth" addresses include larger suburban subdivisions and gated communities. Pure Equity's MLS data tracks this area separately from the city. As of October 1, 2026, its median list price was $424,950, close to the city's, but at $250 per square foot versus $339 in Lake Worth Beach, because homes out west tend to be larger. So the two areas offer different kinds of value, and the mailing address alone tells you little. Our Lake Worth page covers both areas.

Lantana: a small town near the water

Lantana is a small town between Lake Worth Beach and Boynton Beach. Pure Equity's MLS data showed a median list price of $372,500 for active listings as of October 1, 2026, or $339 per square foot. Active listings had been on the market an average of 120 days, so buyers often have room to negotiate.

Because the town is small, inventory is limited, and a few sales can move the median a lot. The town has a public beach on the barrier island and access to the Intracoastal Waterway. East of U.S. 1, prices can be much higher, so look closely at the exact location.

Riviera Beach: two very different markets

Riviera Beach's median list price was $384,900 for active listings as of October 1, 2026, per Pure Equity's MLS data. That number blends two separate markets. On the mainland, many homes are older single-family houses with lower prices. On Singer Island, oceanfront condos can cost far more.

If your budget is tight, focus on mainland neighborhoods and compare like with like. If you are looking at Singer Island condos, read the association's budget and reserve study closely. Florida's condo safety laws have raised costs at many older buildings.

Port St. Lucie: more house for the money, just north

Port St. Lucie is not in Palm Beach County, but many buyers priced out of the county look there. It sits in St. Lucie County, roughly an hour north of West Palm Beach depending on traffic. Pure Equity's MLS data showed a median list price of $429,000 for active listings as of October 1, 2026, with $228 per square foot.

The city is mostly single-family homes, including newer construction in areas such as Tradition. Price per square foot is lower than in most of Palm Beach County, so buyers often get a larger or newer home. The trade-off is a longer commute for anyone who works farther south.

Insurance, taxes and HOA costs in affordable Palm Beach County areas

Monthly cost matters as much as price. Here is how the other three criteria compare.

Insurance

The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation reported an average homeowners premium of $3,736, including wind coverage, among admitted insurers. Your own quote depends on the roof's age, the wind mitigation features, the flood zone and the coverage you pick. Older homes in Greenacres, Palm Springs and Lake Worth Beach can cost more to insure if they have older roofs. Get a quote before your inspection period ends.

Property taxes

Taxes depend on the assessed value and the local millage rate, which differs by city and special district. A Florida homestead exemption can reduce your taxable value by up to $50,000, and Save Our Homes limits how fast your assessed value can rise. Check the Property Appraiser's estimator for any address. Remember that the seller's tax bill may not match yours, because their homestead benefit ends at the sale.

HOA share

Condos and many newer subdivisions come with association fees. In towns with many condos, such as Greenacres and Palm Springs, the low price often comes with a monthly fee. Older single-family neighborhoods in Lake Worth Beach and mainland Riviera Beach often have no HOA. Add the HOA fee to your mortgage payment to see the true monthly cost.

Commute and daily life in affordable Palm Beach County towns

Greenacres, Palm Springs, Lake Worth Beach and Lantana are all close to I-95 and central to the county. Riviera Beach sits just north of West Palm Beach. Unincorporated Lake Worth is farther west, closer to the Turnpike. Port St. Lucie has the longest drive to Palm Beach County jobs, but it works well for people who work locally or remotely.

Frequently asked questions

What is the most affordable Palm Beach County city?

Among the towns we compared, Palm Springs had the lowest median list price, $157,900 as of October 1, 2026, followed by Greenacres at $252,450. Both medians include many condos and villas.

Is Lake Worth the same as Lake Worth Beach?

No. Lake Worth Beach is the city, renamed in 2019. Many "Lake Worth" addresses sit in unincorporated Palm Beach County, west of the city.

Is Port St. Lucie cheaper than affordable Palm Beach County towns?

Often, but not always. Port St. Lucie's median list price was $228 per square foot as of October 1, 2026, and many homes are newer. Palm Springs and Greenacres came in lower per square foot, largely because of their older condos and villas.

How much is homeowners insurance in affordable Palm Beach County areas?

It varies by home. The statewide average among admitted insurers was $3,736 with wind coverage. Roof age, flood zone and wind mitigation features drive your actual quote.

Should I buy a condo to save money?

A condo can lower your price, but add the association fee and any special assessments. Read the budget, reserve study and recent meeting minutes before you buy.

Sources

• Miami Realtors, Palm Beach County August 2026 market report
• Pure Equity MLS data (BeachesMLS active listings), as of October 1, 2026: Greenacres, Palm Springs, Lake Worth Beach, Lake Worth, Lantana, Riviera Beach, Port St. Lucie
• WFLX, Lake Worth changing its name to Lake Worth Beach
• Florida Realtors, Florida approves more home insurance rate cuts
• Florida Department of Revenue, property tax exemptions

Own a home in one of these towns? Buyer demand for lower-priced homes is steady, so find out what yours is worth with a free home valuation. Shopping for an affordable home instead? Set up new-listing alerts with a Pure Equity agent, and we will send you matching homes in the towns you pick. Talk with our team.