Ocoee, FL vs. Winter Garden, FL: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Deciding between Ocoee and Winter Garden, two popular Orlando suburbs? This cost of living comparison breaks down the key factors—housing, utilities, groceries, taxes—to help you choose the best fit for your budget and lifestyle in 2025. All income figures are expressed in gross monthly income (pre-tax).
Let’s start with a real-world scenario: Imagine a family of three currently renting a 2-bedroom apartment in Winter Garden for $1,800 per month. They spend about $600 on groceries. If they were to relocate to a comparable rental in Ocoee, their costs might look like:
- Rent: $1,500 (savings of $300/month)
- Groceries: $550 (savings of $50/month)
That’s $350 in potential monthly savings from housing and food alone. Let’s dive deeper to see how the two cities compare across major cost of living categories.
Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest line item in a household budget. Here’s how typical costs compare for popular home types in Ocoee vs. Winter Garden:
| Housing Type | Ocoee | Winter Garden |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment (Rent) | $1,500 | $1,800 |
| 3BR House (Mortgage) | $1,900 | $2,200 |
🏆 Winner: Ocoee. Renting a 2-bedroom or buying a 3-bedroom home is about 15-20% cheaper in Ocoee compared to Winter Garden.
For a full breakdown of monthly expenses, see our guide on how much it costs to live in Ocoee each month.
Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs are fairly similar between the two cities, with Ocoee coming out slightly ahead. Expect to pay around $180 per month for electricity, water, and sewer in a typical 2-bedroom apartment in Ocoee. The same usage in Winter Garden averages $200.
Both cities experience hot summers, so budget an extra $40-50 per month for AC from June through September. Winter heating costs are minimal.
🏆 Winner: Ocoee edges out Winter Garden by about $20 per month on core utilities.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery costs are comparable in both cities, with Ocoee coming in about 5% lower on average. Budget $550 per month for a family of three in Ocoee or $600 in Winter Garden.
Eating out is similarly affordable. A meal for two at a mid-range restaurant runs $50-60 in either city. Fast food combos are $8-10.
🏆 Winner: Ocoee takes the slight edge, but costs are very close. Assume a 5% savings on food in Ocoee.
Taxes and Fees
Both cities have a sales tax rate of 6.5%, which is included in the costs above. Property taxes are also similar:
- Ocoee property tax rate: 0.52%
- Winter Garden property tax rate: 0.54%
For a $300,000 home, that’s a difference of just $60 per year.
🏆 Winner: Tie. The tax rates are nearly identical between Ocoee and Winter Garden.
Cost of Living Summary
| Category | Ocoee | Winter Garden |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (2BR Rent) | $1,500 | $1,800 |
| Utilities | $180 | $200 |
| Groceries | $550 | $600 |
| Transportation | $60 | $60 |
| Misc. | $200 | $250 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $2,490 | $2,910 |
Lifestyle Fit
While Ocoee is the clear winner on cost, Winter Garden has some lifestyle perks that could be worth the premium for certain households:
- Winter Garden has a charming, walkable downtown with local shops and restaurants. Ocoee’s city center is more car-centric.
- Winter Garden’s West Orange Trail provides 20+ miles of scenic paths for biking, jogging, and horseback riding.
- Both suburbs are family-friendly, but Winter Garden schools rank slightly higher on average.
For a deeper dive, read our full cost of living breakdown for Ocoee, FL in 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ocoee more affordable than Winter Garden?
Yes, Ocoee is about 15% cheaper than Winter Garden across major cost of living categories like housing, food, and utilities.
Which city has lower rent?
Ocoee. Renting a 2-bedroom apartment costs $1,500 per month on average, compared to $1,800 in Winter Garden.
Where is it cheaper to buy a house?
Ocoee. Buying a typical 3-bedroom house in Ocoee is around 15% cheaper than a comparable home in Winter Garden.
Conclusion
Ocoee has a clear cost advantage over Winter Garden, with potential savings of $300+ per month for many households. It’s an excellent choice for budget-conscious families, young professionals, and retirees.
However, those who value walkability, trails, and top school districts may find Winter Garden worth the extra cost. It comes down to your personal priorities.
Considering other Central Florida cities? Check out our cost of living comparisons for popular towns like Clermont, Apopka, and Windermere to explore all your options.