The Cost of Living in Orlando, Florida

Ready for sunshine and gorgeous weather? Orlando, home to many internationally renowned tourist attractions, including Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando, is a large metropolitan area in Florida with a population of more than 287,000 and a lower cost of living than many other places in the country. 

The cost of living in Orlando, Florida, is slightly above the national average. However, when compared to other Florida cities, like Miami, it’s less expensive. Learn everything you need to know about the cost of living in Orlando including the following:

• Overall cost of living
• Housing costs
• Transportation costs 
• Florida utilities 
• Orlando food costs
• Taxes in Orlando
• Your income and the job market
• Entertainment costs 
• FAQs

Overall cost of living in Orlando, FL

• Average cost of a one-bedroom apartment for rent in Orlando is $1,650 per month
• Average cost of utilities in Orlando is $165.22 per month
• Average annual salary in Orlando is $54,233 per year
• Cost of living in Orlando is 18.5% lower than in Miami, Florida

Housing costs in Orlando

The overall cost of living in Orlando comes in slightly above the national average. Housing is one of the higher areas of Orlando’s cost of living, earning a score of at 103.3 compared to the national average score of 100.

Here is how much you can expect to pay for an apartment in Orlando:

• Studio apartment: $1,675 per month
• One-bedroom apartment: $1,650 per month
• Two-bedroom apartment: $1,900 per month

The greater surrounding metro area of Orlando is known as the Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford metro, which has lower average rental prices than the city proper. In Kissimmee, you can expect to pay around $1,500 per month in rent for a one-bedroom apartment. Sanford apartments are slightly more expensive, costing $1,566 per month on average for one-bedroom units.

Some of the most popular neighborhoods in Orlando to consider living in are Park Lake/Highland, Thornton Park, Audubon Park, and Rowena Gardens.

Transportation costs in Orlando

Due to its sprawling size, Orlando is a place that requires motorized transportation to get around, so you’ll want to factor the cost of a car and gas prices into your budget.

Orlando does have a number of public transportation options, including:

• Lynx Bus Service: The Lynx Bus Service operates across the city. A single ride pass is $2, a seven-day pass is $16, and a 30-day pass is $50.  
• SunRail: SunRail is a commuter train system that connects Orlando with Central Florida. Round-trip prices vary depending on area traveled, from $3.75 to $9.50.
• Uber/Lyft: Because Orlando is a popular tourist attraction, popular ride-share companies are easy to use and find. Ride prices vary depending on destination and surge pricing.

Orlando also has access to Amtrak, and soon Brightline, a train system connecting Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach. While there are plenty of places to walk and bike, it’s not as feasible to count on these modes of transportation for your daily commute. If you plan to drive your own vehicle in Orlando, you can expect to pay around $1,862 per year for car insurance.

Cost of utilities in Orlando

The basic utility package of electricity, water, cooling, heating, and garbage collection for a 915-square-foot apartment is $165.22. Florida Power & Light Company supplies power to Orlando residents. You’ll also be responsible for paying for internet, and based on your provider, costs can vary greatly. Fortunately, there are ways you can reduce your utility costs.

Food costs in Orlando

You’ll also want to factor in food costs when calculating the cost of living in Orlando. You can expect to pay approximately $6.57 for a pound of ground beef and $4.62 for a gallon of milk. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Orlando is around $20, while a more expensive restaurant may cost an average of $80 for two people.

Orlando health care costs

The average cost for health care insurance in Orlando is $467 per person per month. Some of Orlando’s biggest health care insurance providers include Aetna, Ambetter, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida, and Centivo Insurance.

Orlando entertainment costs

Orlando is a great place to call home, with so many things to do and see. Residents have access to some of the most popular amusement and theme parks in the world, as well as museums, outdoor recreational opportunities, and plenty of inexpensive dining options and shopping areas. Area attractions include:

• Universal Studios: Prices vary, starting at around $109 per day person.
• Walt Disney World: Prices vary depending on package but start at around $109 per day per person.
• SeaWorld: Tickets start at $94.99 per day per person.
• Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens: Tickets range between $13.95 to $21.95, depending on age and whether you purchase online or in person.
• Orlando Shakespeare Theater: Ticket prices vary depending on seat, show time, and production, but you can expect to spend anywhere from $26.25 to $56 per ticket.
• Orlando Museum of Art: Adult admission is $20, and a child’s ticket is $8.

One of the best things about living in Orlando is that these ticket prices include in-state discounts. If you live in Florida, you’ll pay less for theme park tickets than those visiting the parks from out of state.

Orlando, Florida, also offers a lot of free entertainment. Some free entertainment attractions to enjoy in Orlando include Disney Springs, Disney’s Boardwalk, Old Town, and Celebration Town Center. You can also visit one of the free public parks, like Gilbert McQueen Park or Demetree Park.

Other expenses to consider when living in Orlando

Other expenses to consider when living in Orlando include child care, fitness memberships, and taxes. You can expect to pay around $992.86 per month per child for child care in Orlando. The average cost of a fitness membership is around $40 per month.

Florida doesn’t have an income tax, which is why many people choose to retire in Florida. You can expect to pay approximately 1.16% for property taxes. The state sales tax is 6%, with Orlando adding .5% for a total sales tax of 6.5%.

Average salary in Orlando

The average salary in Orlando is $54,233 per year. A liveable wage in Orlando is $18.85 per hour, with no kids. WalletHub lists Orlando as the second-best place to find a job in the United States.

A few companies based in Orlando, or with a large presence, include: 

• Red Lobster
• Tupperware
• Disney
• Universal Studios
• Marriott Vacations
• SeaWorld

Many Orlando residents work in tourism, travel, and hospitality. Others may work in manufacturing.

FAQ: Orlando cost of living

Whether you’re looking to relocate or retire, Orlando has plenty to offer at a reasonable price. Between the sun, sand, and amazing activities available, it’s easy to see why people want to live in Orlando.