Altamonte Springs, FL vs. Orlando, FL: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Deciding between Altamonte Springs and Orlando? This cost of living comparison breaks down the key differences in housing, utilities, groceries and more between these two Central Florida cities. It’s a must-read if you’re relocating for work, buying a home, or renting in the Orlando area in 2025.
Let’s start with a realistic scenario. Imagine Liz, a young professional moving from Altamonte Springs to Orlando:
- In Altamonte Springs, Liz paid $1,450/month for a 1BR apartment. In Orlando, a similar place runs $1,650/month.
- Liz’s weekly grocery run in Altamonte Springs cost about $75. In Orlando, the same items total $90.
- Liz’s electric bill averaged $110/month in Altamonte Springs. Based on Orlando utility rates, she expects to pay $125/month.
Adding it up, Liz would pay around $290 more per month living in Orlando. The rent difference alone is $2,400 per year. So is Orlando worth the premium—or is Altamonte Springs the better deal? Let’s dig into the details.
1. Housing Costs: Altamonte Springs vs Orlando
Housing is the biggest line item in most budgets. Here’s how Altamonte Springs and Orlando stack up for renters and buyers:
| Housing Type | Altamonte Springs | Orlando |
|---|---|---|
| Median rent for 1BR apartment | $1,450 | $1,650 |
| Median rent for 2BR apartment | $1,700 | $1,950 |
| Median home price | $350,000 | $400,000 |
🏆 Winner: Altamonte Springs. Renting a 1BR in Altamonte Springs saves you around $2,400 per year compared to Orlando. Buying a home is about $50,000 cheaper on average.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs don’t vary much between Altamonte Springs and Orlando. Both cities are served by Duke Energy and have similar electric rates. For a 1,000 sq ft apartment, expect to pay:
- $110-$130/month for electricity
- $30-$50/month for water and sewer
- $50-$75/month for internet
Your exact utility costs will depend on your home’s size, age, and energy efficiency. Older homes and apartments tend to have higher electric and water bills. If you’re renting, some Altamonte Springs properties include water, sewer, and trash in the monthly rent.
🏆 Winner: Altamonte Springs, but it’s close. Typical utility costs are about 5% lower in Altamonte Springs.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Altamonte Springs has slightly lower prices on groceries and everyday items compared to Orlando. Expect to pay about 5-10% less on your weekly grocery run.
For example, a gallon of milk costs around $3.50 in Altamonte Springs vs $3.75 in Orlando. A loaf of bread is about $2.50 vs $2.75.
Restaurant prices are pretty similar between the two cities. A meal at a casual restaurant averages $15 in both Altamonte Springs and Orlando. Fast food combos run about $8.
🏆 Winner: Altamonte Springs, but not by much. You might save $20-$30/month on groceries living in Altamonte Springs vs Orlando.
4. Taxes and Fees
Florida has no state income tax, so you’ll pay the same in Altamonte Springs and Orlando. However, there are some differences in sales tax and property taxes:
- Sales tax: Altamonte Springs has a 7% sales tax (6% state + 1% Seminole County). Orlando has a 6.5% sales tax (6% state + 0.5% Orange County).
- Property tax: If you buy a home, Altamonte Springs has a slightly lower property tax rate of 0.83% vs 0.97% in Orlando.
For renters, some Altamonte Springs apartments charge a nominal monthly pest control fee of $3-$5. Most Orlando rentals don’t have this.
🏆 Winner: Altamonte Springs for homeowners, Orlando for renters. But taxes aren’t a huge factor either way.
5. Cost of Living Summary
| Category | Altamonte Springs | Orlando |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (1BR rent) | $1,450 | $1,650 |
| Utilities | $200 | $210 |
| Groceries | $300 | $325 |
| Transportation | $130 | $130 |
| Taxes (sales) | 7% | 6.5% |
| Misc expenses | $250 | $250 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $2,330 | $2,565 |
These figures are based on a single person living in a 1 bedroom apartment. Families and homeowners will have higher monthly expenses. Check out our guides on sample monthly budgets for Altamonte Springs and typical living costs in Altamonte Springs for more details.
6. Lifestyle & Amenities
Altamonte Springs is a suburb with more space and a slower pace compared to Orlando. Most homes in Altamonte Springs are single-family with private yards, while Orlando has more apartments and townhomes.
Orlando has better public transportation and walkability, especially in neighborhoods near downtown. Commute times are about 20% longer in Orlando vs Altamonte Springs.
Both cities have hot, humid summers and mild winters. Orlando is slightly warmer with an average July high of 92°F vs 90°F in Altamonte Springs.
7. FAQs About the Cost of Living in Altamonte Springs vs Orlando
Is Altamonte Springs more affordable than Orlando?
Yes, Altamonte Springs is about 10% cheaper than Orlando overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs.
Which city has lower rent, Altamonte Springs or Orlando?
Altamonte Springs has lower rent, with a typical 1BR apartment costing $1,450/month vs $1,650/month in Orlando.
Is it cheaper to buy a house in Altamonte Springs or Orlando?
Homes in Altamonte Springs are about $50,000 cheaper on average compared to equivalent homes in Orlando.
Conclusion
Altamonte Springs offers a lower cost of living across the board compared to Orlando. It’s an especially good fit for families who want more space for their money. Singles and young professionals may prefer Orlando for its walkability and urban amenities, but it comes with a higher price tag.
Ultimately, the right choice depends on your budget, lifestyle, and what you value most. Use this cost of living comparison as a starting point, and be sure to check out our other city guides for more insights!