Which Coastal Housing Market Is Stronger, California Or Florida?

California and Florida remain two of the nation’s most visible coastal housing markets. Both are adjusting this fall. HW Data for the week of Oct. 3 shows California’s median list price at $775,000 with inventory of 57,048 homes and a market action index of 37.3. Florida’s median list price is $484,000 with inventory of 97,525 homes and a market action index of 30.3. Price reductions reached 36% of active listings in California and 44% in Florida. HW Data’s Market Action Index measures the balance between supply and demand and higher values indicate stronger conditions for sellers.

California supply remains lean relative to demand

California’s active inventory trails Florida’s larger pool by a wide margin. Even so, an index reading in the high 30s points to a market that is closer to balance. Sellers are adjusting to competition, and more than one in three listings took a reduction in the latest seven day period. As a result, buyers have options while well priced homes continue to draw attention. In addition, monitoring new listings and absorbed homes will help track how quickly conditions shift through the season.

Florida carries larger inventory and deeper discounts

Florida enters the fall with a significantly bigger base of active listings than California. By contrast, the state’s index near 30 signals softer conditions. Nearly half of listings recorded a price decrease in the latest reading. Consequently, list price strategy matters more, and faster adjustments are often required to meet demand. Lower statewide prices compared with California can attract interest, yet the higher share of reductions shows sellers are working to align with active buyers.

Coastal markets show different paths into fall

The two states present a clear contrast. California pairs a higher price point with a smaller active base and measured reductions. Florida combines a lower median price with much larger inventory and wider discounts. Together, these signals describe how each market is pacing into year end. Watching the weekly relationship between newly listed and absorbed homes will clarify whether balance improves or tilts further toward buyers.

Takeaway for housing professionals

Pricing strategy remains the common denominator. In California, leaner supply supports strong positioning for well-prepared listings while targeted reductions help reach buyers at higher price points. In Florida, the larger inventory and higher share of reductions point to a market where sharper initial pricing and real time adjustments can shorten time to contract. For both states, align list price with local comps, track weekly absorption, and communicate adjustments quickly. Get the latest full market data and the Altos Market Action Index powered by HousingWire.