Florida may be known for its beaches, sunshine and family attractions, but a new WalletHub study suggests the state still faces significant challenges when it comes to affordability and quality of life for families.

WalletHub ranked Florida 40th overall in its 2026 “Best & Worst States to Raise a Family” report, which compared all 50 states using 50 key indicators tied to family life. The study measured everything from housing affordability and median family income to school quality, health care access, violent crime rates and recreational opportunities.

Researchers grouped the data into five major categories:

AffordabilityEducation and child careHealth and safetyFamily funSocioeconomics

The affordability category included metrics such as housing costs, cost of living, unemployment rates and the percentage of families living in poverty. Education and child care scores were based on public school quality, day care costs, high school graduation rates and access to child care services.

Health and safety rankings factored in crime rates, air quality, pediatric health access and overall public safety. Family fun measured access to parks, recreational facilities, attractions and entertainment options for children and parents. Socioeconomics included divorce rates, income growth, job security and work-life balance indicators.

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Florida scored especially well in family fun, ranking sixth nationwide because of its beaches, theme parks, outdoor recreation and entertainment options. But the state ranked last — 50th overall — in affordability, reflecting rising housing prices, insurance premiums and child care expenses across much of the state. Florida also ranked 39th in health and safety and 35th in socioeconomics.

WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo said the study highlights the increasing financial pressures facing families nationwide.

“Raising a family has become significantly more expensive in recent years as the cost of living has risen quickly,” Lupo said in the report. “It’s important to live in a city that is affordable while still providing quality health care, education, safety and opportunities for enrichment.”

The top 10 states to raise a family in 2026, according to WalletHub, are:

MassachusettsMinnesotaNorth DakotaWisconsinNebraskaNew YorkConnecticutNew HampshireIllinoisMaine

Massachusetts earned the top spot because of its highly rated public schools, strong health care system and high median family incomes. Minnesota and North Dakota followed closely behind because of strong socioeconomic conditions and lower poverty rates.

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WalletHub also ranked the best cities in the country for families. Among Florida cities included in the study, the highest-ranked were:

Pembroke PinesOrlandoTampaCape CoralJacksonvilleFort LauderdaleMiamiSt. PetersburgPort St. LucieHialeah

The city rankings used many of the same metrics as the statewide study, including housing affordability, school systems, access to parks and recreation, crime statistics and family income levels.

Despite Florida’s lower statewide ranking, the state continues to attract families because of its climate, job growth and lack of a state income tax. But WalletHub’s findings suggest that rising costs remain one of the biggest obstacles for families trying to build long-term stability in the Sunshine State.