Moving to Orlando? Wondering where you could find affordable places to live with a high quality of life? Located in Central Florida, Orlando is a city with a laid-back atmosphere, spectacular scenery, amazing tourist attractions, and a plethora of job opportunities Although housing is the main factor in the cost of living, Orlando is pretty affordable. Here’s our list of the 12 cheapest places to live in Orlando.
Rock Lake
This neighborhood in Orange County, Orlando, has a population of just over 1,000. There are many coffee shops, restaurants, schools, and parks in the vicinity. Rental prices in Rock Lake are lower than average in Orlando; the cost of living here is also lower than the average. You can find rentals here ranging from $1,500-$2,500 depending on your bedroom count and ammenities. It’s a quiet and pet-friendly neighborhood and is even walkable to restaurants and grocery stores.
Lorna Doone
Lorna Doone is another neighborhood in Orlando where rental prices are lower than average compared to other neighborhoods. The cost of living is also about 18% lower than average. The median rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Lorna Doone is $1,649. Many of the homes in the area were built in the 1920s and 1930s and feature unique architectural styles, such as bungalows and craftsman-style homes.
South Division
You will definitely experience an urban feel living in South Division. Many young professionals live here. There are a lot of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. In fact, it is quite close to Universal Studios. The neighborhood is just a short drive from downtown Orlando and the Orlando International Airport, making it convenient for residents to access the city’s amenities and travel to other destinations. Interestingly, both rental prices and cost of living are comparatively lower compared than other neighborhoods in Orlando. The median rent is $1,649.
Englewood Park
Englewood Park is a very lovely and accessible neighborhood that is also very quiet and calm. Streets are well-lit, parking is easy, and there are sidewalks. Yards are well-kept and kids can play outside. You can walk to restaurants and grocery stores. The neighborhood is very safe, so you can even walk alone at night. It is also dog- and pet-friendly. The median rent here is $1,708.
Dover Shores East
If you wish to live close to downtown Orlando and the main highway, do consider Dover Shores East. You can rent a townhouse located one block from Lake Underhill State Park with 2 beds and 2.5 baths for around $2,000 per month. Most complexes are close to major highways, grocery stores, and shopping centers and many have onsite amenities like tennis courts and swimming pools. According to residents, the neighborhood is well-lit, dog friendly, and safe for kids to play outside. Parking is also easy.
Rosemont
This is a very quiet, family-friendly neighborhood located in northwest Orlando, Florida. One of the defining features of Rosemont is its location near several bodies of water, including Lake Orlando and Lake Fairview. These lakes offer opportunities for boating, fishing, and other outdoor activities, and many residents enjoy spending time on the water. The median rent ranges from $1.13K – $1.7K. Kids can play outside, yards are well-maintained, and you can walk to restaurants and grocery stores. The cost of living here is also lower than the Orlando average.
Wadeview Park
This neighborhood has been highly rated by residents. You can walk to most restaurants, supermarkets, and grocery stores, including Walmart, Publix, and Walgreens. You can even find the best schools within walkable distance. Streets are well lit and residents feel safe to walk in the neighborhood at night. There are sidewalks, well-maintained yards, and parking is easy. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Wadeview Park is $1,391.
Eagles Nest
Eagle’s Nest is a small residential neighborhood located in the eastern part of Orlando, Florida. The neighborhood is situated near the intersection of State Road 50 and State Road 417, providing easy access to other parts of the city. The neighborhood is just a short drive from the University of Central Florida and the Waterford Lakes Town Center, which offers a variety of shopping and dining options. The neighborhood is also close to several parks, including the Blanchard Park and the Little Econ Greenway, which offer plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. Eagles Nest is one of the best neighborhoods in Orlando for families and young professionals. There are also good public schools in the vicinity. The median rent here is $1,250.
Pershing
One of the defining features of Pershing is its central location. It’s situated between some of Orlando’s major highways, including the 408 and the 528, making it easy to get to other parts of the city. Pershing is also located near many popular attractions, such as the Florida Mall, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld. This is a good community with a low cost of living for working professionals. The median rent in Pershing is $1,913.
Altamonte Springs
Altamonte Springs, a suburb in Orlando, is one of the best places to live in Florida. It is less than 30 minutes away from Downtown Orlando and all the dining, nightlife, and non-theme-park options. There are excellent dining and nightlife spots and outdoor recreation facilities, so it is ideal for singles and young professionals. There are also good public schools which makes it a great place for young families. The median rent is $1,303.
Baldwin Park
This is a picturesque, pet-friendly neighborhood close to Downtown Orlando that is also ideal for singles, young professionals, and families. It is home to Lake Baldwin, several local parks, and highly rated schools. There are many restaurants and grocery stores within walking distance. The average rent ranges from $1,500 – $2,900.
College Park
College Park is another neighborhood that is close to Downtown Orlando, so commuting into the city center is convenient, quick, and easy. There are a variety of bars and restaurants within walkable distance and several community events and family-friendly activities that residents love! There are lovely lakes and paved paths for walking. There are several parks with playgrounds. This neighborhood is ideal for all—singles, young professionals, families, and retirees.
Orlando Science Center, Mennello Museum of American Art, and Orlando Shakespeare Theater are within reach. There is also the famous historic Dubsdread Golf Course. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $1,840.
Frequently asked questions
The overall cost of living in Orlando is slightly higher than the national average, but significantly lower than other major cities like New York or Los Angeles.
The average monthly apartment rent in Orlando is $1,766, which is higher than the national average of $1,371.
There are several major industries in Orlando besides tourism, including healthcare, technology, and education. In August 2021, the unemployment rate in Orlando was 4.3%. As of December 2022 the unemployment rate was 2.3%.
These are some of the cheapest places to live in Orlando. Are you ready to make this city your home? Browse thousands of Orlando apartments on Zumper and begin your search today!
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