Renting vs. Owning in Kissimmee: What You’ll Pay
When comparing the cost of living in an apartment vs house in Kissimmee, housing is the biggest factor. The average rent for a 3BR house in Kissimmee is $2,450 per month, while a 2BR apartment averages $1,800 monthly. Homeowners also need to factor in property taxes, insurance, and maintenance costs.
Kissimmee’s housing market has been competitive in recent years, with rising prices for both rentals and purchases. Many newer apartment complexes offer amenities like pools, fitness centers, and included utilities that can add value compared to renting a house.
Cost Comparison – Apartment vs House
Here’s a side-by-side breakdown of common monthly costs in Kissimmee:
| Expense | 2BR Apartment | 3BR House |
|---|---|---|
| Rent/Mortgage | $1,800 | $2,450 |
| Utilities | $150 | $250 |
| Internet | $60 | $75 |
| Insurance | $20 | $150 |
| Maintenance | $0 | $200 |
| HOA | $0 | $250 |
| Total | $2,030 | $3,375 |
Estimates are for mid-range units with typical usage and are expressed in gross monthly figures (pre-tax).
As the table shows, houses in Kissimmee tend to have higher monthly costs across the board. Apartments can be over $1,300 cheaper per month on average when accounting for expenses like insurance, maintenance, and HOA fees that homeowners have to pay.
Utility and Upkeep Differences
In addition to the base rent or mortgage, apartments and houses have very different utility costs and maintenance needs:
- Houses have higher electricity and water bills due to more space, appliances, and irrigation needs
- Older Florida homes may have less efficient AC systems or lack insulation, driving up cooling costs
- Apartments often include trash pickup, pest control, and sometimes even cable/internet in the rent
- Lawns, pools, and other outdoor spaces increase water usage and maintenance costs for homeowners
While the exact utility costs vary based on the age and size of the unit, expect to pay more overall in a single-family home. Many Kissimmee apartment complexes are newer and use more efficient building materials and appliances.
Lifestyle Tradeoffs
Of course, the decision between renting an apartment or buying a house involves more than just the monthly cost. Apartments offer perks like fitness centers, package lockers, covered parking, and on-site maintenance. However, they come with less space, more noise, pet restrictions, and limited outdoor access.
Houses provide much more room to spread out, host gatherings, and enjoy a private yard. They also allow the freedom to paint, renovate, and truly make the space your own. Many Kissimmee residents choose apartments for the walkability and low-maintenance lifestyle, while families often prefer houses for the extra bedrooms and yard space.
Which Is Cheaper Long Term in Kissimmee?
While renting is almost always cheaper than owning on a monthly basis, the long-term cost depends on your timeline and how much the property appreciates. Assuming a 2% annual rent increase and 3% home value growth, here’s how the costs compare over 5 years:
- Renting a 2BR apartment: $126,000 total ($2,100/month average)
- Owning a 3BR house: $210,000 total ($3,500/month average)
Keep in mind this doesn’t account for the opportunity cost of a down payment or the potential tax benefits of owning. For a more personalized cost comparison, check out these [Monthly Budget Examples for Kissimmee Residents](/kissimmee-fl/monthly-budget/).
FAQs About Housing Costs in Kissimmee
How much more does a house cost per month?
In Kissimmee, a 3BR house costs around $1,345 more per month than a 2BR apartment when you factor in insurance, maintenance, taxes, and utilities. That’s a 66% premium for the extra space and homeownership.
Do houses come with higher utility bills?
Yes, houses in Kissimmee tend to have electric bills around $100 higher per month due to the larger square footage, older HVAC systems, and irrigation needs. [Understanding Property Tax and HOA Fees in Kissimmee](/kissimmee-fl/property-tax-hoa/) can help you budget accordingly.
Are apartments cheaper even with pet fees?
Most apartments charge pet rent from $20-50 per month, plus a few hundred upfront as a deposit. Even with these fees, apartments are still significantly cheaper than houses when you look at the total monthly cost of each.
Making the Right Housing Choice in Kissimmee
As this cost of living comparison shows, apartments are clearly cheaper than houses in the Kissimmee area. Renters can save over $1,300 per month compared to homeowners once all the expenses are added up. Still, many residents are willing to pay a premium for the privacy, space, and freedom that comes with owning a home.
Ultimately, the right choice depends on your budget, family size, and long-term goals. Be sure to consider not just the sticker price, but also the utilities, insurance, maintenance, and lifestyle fit before deciding. With its range of affordable apartments and amenity-rich subdivisions, Kissimmee offers attractive options for renters and buyers alike.