Oviedo is considered moderately expensive in 2025, with average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment around $1,900 per month and utility costs slightly above the national average.
As Jenna unpacked the last box in her new Oviedo apartment, she couldn’t help but feel a mix of excitement and apprehension. Moving to a new city always came with a learning curve, especially when it came to managing expenses. She pulled out her laptop, determined to get a clear picture of what her monthly budget would look like in Oviedo.
Housing Costs in Oviedo
The first item on Jenna’s list was housing. Oviedo offers a range of options, from apartments and condos to single-family homes. For renters, a typical 2-bedroom apartment in Oviedo costs around $1,900 per month as of 2025. Prices can vary depending on the neighborhood and amenities, with some luxury complexes commanding higher rents.
Those looking to purchase a home in Oviedo can expect to pay a median price of around $450,000 for a 3-bedroom house. However, prices can range from the mid-$300,000s in older neighborhoods to over $600,000 for newer homes in gated communities. Many neighborhoods in Oviedo have homeowners associations (HOAs), which can add an additional $200-$400 per month to housing costs.
- Renting a 2-bedroom apartment: $1,700 – $2,200 per month
- Buying a 3-bedroom house: $350,000 – $600,000+
- Typical HOA fees: $200 – $400 per month
Utilities and Energy Bills
Next, Jenna looked into the cost of basic utilities in Oviedo. According to Carlos Rivera, an expert in electricity rates and usage patterns, residents can expect to pay around $150 per month for electricity for a 2-bedroom apartment, with costs rising in the summer months due to increased air conditioning use. Water and sewer bills typically add another $60-$80 per month.
For those living in houses, energy costs can be higher due to larger square footage and outdoor watering needs. A typical 3-bedroom home in Oviedo might incur the following monthly utility costs:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Electricity | $180 – $250 |
| Water & Sewer | $80 – $120 |
| Natural Gas | $30 – $50 |
| Trash & Recycling | $20 – $30 |
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Jenna was relieved to find that grocery costs in Oviedo are generally in line with the national average. She estimated that her monthly grocery bill would be around $350 for a single person, including a mix of cooking at home and occasional takeout or restaurant meals. For a couple, a typical monthly food budget might be around $600-$700.
To get a sense of local prices, here’s what a typical grocery basket might look like:
- 1 gallon of milk: $3.50
- 1 dozen eggs: $2.75
- 1 lb of chicken breast: $4.50
- 1 lb of ground beef: $5.00
- 1 loaf of bread: $2.50
Dining out can add up quickly, with a typical fast-food meal costing around $8-$10 per person and a sit-down restaurant meal averaging $15-$25 per entree.
Taxes and Hidden Fees
As a homeowner in Oviedo, property taxes are an important factor to consider. The average property tax rate in Oviedo is around 1.1% of assessed value, which equates to about $4,500 per year for a $400,000 home. For renters, these costs are often built into monthly rent prices.
Florida has no state income tax, which can help offset some of the higher costs of housing and utilities. However, there is a 6% sales tax on most goods and services, with some counties adding an additional 0.5-1.5% local tax.
Vehicle owners in Oviedo must also account for annual registration fees, which vary based on the type and weight of the vehicle. For a typical passenger car, registration fees are around $225 per year.
Monthly Cost of Living Estimates
To help summarize the various expenses, here’s a rough breakdown of what different household types might expect to spend monthly in Oviedo. Keep in mind these are gross income figures (pre-tax).
| Expense | Single Person | Couple | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing (rent/mortgage) | $1,400 | $1,900 | $2,200 |
| Utilities | $200 | $280 | $450 |
| Groceries & Dining Out | $400 | $650 | $1,100 |
| Transportation | $300 | $500 | $750 |
| Healthcare | $250 | $500 | $800 |
| Other (entertainment, clothes, etc.) | $400 | $600 | $900 |
| Total Monthly Expenses | $2,950 | $4,430 | $6,200 |
Lifestyle Considerations
While Oviedo is not the cheapest place to live in Florida, many residents find that the quality of life and amenities make the higher costs worthwhile. The city boasts excellent schools, low crime rates, and plenty of parks and recreational opportunities. For families, the tradeoff of a higher housing cost may be offset by access to top-notch education and a safe, friendly community.
Commute times in Oviedo are generally reasonable, with most residents able to reach downtown Orlando in 30-40 minutes. However, traffic can be congested during peak hours, so those working in Orlando may want to budget extra time or consider carpooling or public transit options.
Oviedo also offers a good balance of established neighborhoods and newer developments. While older homes may come with lower price tags, they may also require more maintenance and updates. Newer homes, while pricier, often come with modern amenities, energy-efficient features, and less need for immediate repairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: What salary do you need to live comfortably in Oviedo?
A: To live comfortably in Oviedo, a single person would need a gross monthly income of at least $3,500, while a couple would need around $5,000, and a family of four would require $7,000 or more. - Q: Is Oviedo more expensive than other Orlando suburbs?
A: Oviedo is generally more expensive than suburbs like Apopka or Altamonte Springs, but less costly than high-end areas like Winter Park or Windermere. - Q: Are utility costs higher in the summer?
A: Yes, electricity costs in Oviedo tend to spike in the summer months due to increased air conditioning use. Budget an extra 20-30% for cooling costs from June through September. - Q: How much should I budget for entertainment and dining out?
A: For a single person, allocating $400-$500 per month for entertainment and dining out is a reasonable starting point. Couples may want to budget $600-$800, while families should plan for $800-$1,000 or more. - Q: Are there ways to save on housing costs in Oviedo?
A: Renters can often find better deals on apartments in the winter months, when demand is lower. Homebuyers may be able to negotiate better prices on older homes that need some updating. Long-term residents may also save by locking in fixed-rate mortgages before interest rates rise.
Armed with this information, Jenna felt more prepared to navigate the costs of living in her new hometown. While Oviedo wasn’t the cheapest place to live, she was excited to start building a life in a city that offered so much in terms of community, safety, and opportunity.