Housing Costs in Orlando
Housing is typically the biggest expense for Orlando residents. In 2025, the median rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Orlando is approximately $1,850 per month. For those looking to purchase a home, the typical mortgage payment on a 3-bedroom house falls in the range of $1,900 to $2,400 per month, depending on the neighborhood and age of the property.
Many newer housing developments in Orlando have Homeowners Association (HOA) fees, which can add $200 to $400 or more to the monthly housing cost. While these fees are sometimes optional, they often cover desirable amenities and services like community pools, fitness centers, security, and landscaping. Factoring in the HOA cost is important for an accurate housing budget.
For comparison, here is a table of housing costs in Orlando:
| Housing Type | Typical Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,850 |
| 3BR House Mortgage | $1,900 – $2,400 |
| HOA Fees | $200 – $400 |
Utilities and Energy Bills
Utility costs in Orlando are relatively affordable compared to other major metros, but the hot and humid climate means that cooling costs can spike in the summer months. For a typical 1,000 square foot apartment, residents can expect to pay around $120 per month for electricity, with summer bills sometimes reaching $150 or more.
Water, sewer, and trash service in Orlando usually costs between $60 to $80 per month. Some neighborhoods have municipal utilities included in the HOA or billed quarterly. Natural gas is not widely used in Orlando, but those with gas appliances may have an additional bill of $20 to $40 monthly.
Here is a monthly utilities cost breakdown for Orlando:
- Electricity: $120 (up to $150 in summer)
- Water, Sewer, Trash: $60 – $80
- Natural Gas: $20 – $40 (if applicable)
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Food costs in Orlando are on par with the national average. For a single person, a typical monthly grocery bill is around $300, assuming most meals are prepared at home. Couples can expect to pay $550 to $650 per month on groceries, while a family of four may spend upwards of $800 on food each month.
Dining out is a popular pastime in Orlando, with a wide variety of restaurants and cuisines available. A meal at a casual restaurant usually costs $12 to $18 per person, while a nicer dinner out for two might total $70 or more with drinks. Assuming a mix of home cooking and dining out, a reasonable monthly food budget for a couple in Orlando is $800 to $1,000.
Household items, toiletries, cleaning supplies and other daily expenses can add another $150 to $200 per month for an average household in Orlando. For a more detailed look, here is an example “basket” of common grocery and household items:
- Gallon of Milk: $3.50
- Loaf of Bread: $2.75
- Dozen Eggs: $2.50
- Pound of Chicken: $4.00
- Laundry Detergent: $12.00
- Pack of Toilet Paper: $8.00
Taxes and Hidden Fees
Florida is known for its low tax burden, with no state income tax. However, Orlando residents still pay property taxes, sales taxes, and other fees. The property tax rate in Orlando is roughly 0.55%, meaning a home valued at $300,000 would owe about $1,650 per year ($138 per month).
The sales tax rate in Orlando and Orange County is 6.5%, which applies to most goods and services. Notably, groceries and medications are exempt from sales tax in Florida.
Vehicle owners in Orlando must pay annual registration fees and taxes. The base registration fee is $14.50, plus $2 in additional local fees. Vehicles also incur a yearly license tax of $30 to $50 depending on weight. For a typical passenger car, the total annual cost is around $50, or just over $4 per month.
Some Orlando neighborhoods have additional fees like HOA dues, trash pickup, or special assessments. These can range from $20 to $200 or more per month. It’s important to factor in all applicable taxes and fees when budgeting for life in Orlando.
Summary Monthly Budget
So what does it really cost to live in Orlando? Here is a sample monthly budget for three common household types:
| Expense | Single Person | Couple | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | $1,400 | $1,850 | $2,200 |
| Utilities | $180 | $220 | $320 |
| Groceries | $300 | $600 | $800 |
| Dining Out | $250 | $400 | $500 |
| Household Items | $100 | $150 | $200 |
| Transportation | $300 | $500 | $750 |
| Taxes and Fees | $200 | $300 | $400 |
| Monthly Total | $2,730 | $4,020 | $5,170 |
| Annual Gross Income | $39,000 | $58,000 | $74,000 |
Keep in mind these budgets are estimates. Individual circumstances vary widely. The above figures assume a comfortable but not extravagant lifestyle in Orlando. All income figures are expressed as gross monthly income (pre-tax).
Lifestyle Considerations
Orlando offers a range of lifestyle options depending on budget, family size, and personal preferences. For those working in the city center or tourist district, living close to downtown provides a convenient commute and walkable access to dining and entertainment. However, housing costs tend to be higher in the urban core.
Suburbs like Kissimmee, Winter Garden, and Lake Mary offer more affordable housing options and newer construction, but with longer commute times. Outlying areas may require a 30 to 60 minute drive to reach downtown Orlando or major attractions.
Access to quality schools, parks, shopping and other amenities also varies by neighborhood. In general, newer planned communities on the outskirts of Orlando provide more spacious homes and better facilities, while older neighborhoods closer to downtown offer more character and central location. Balancing affordability, commute times, and lifestyle is an important consideration for anyone moving to Orlando.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What salary do you need to live comfortably in Orlando?
To live comfortably, a single person in Orlando should earn at least $39,000 per year before taxes. For a couple, a combined gross income of $58,000 or more is recommended. Families with children will need higher incomes to cover additional expenses. - Is Orlando cheaper than Miami?
Yes, the cost of living in Orlando is about 10% lower than in Miami. Housing costs in particular are more affordable in Orlando, with median rents and home prices significantly below those in the Miami metro. - How much money do you need to move to Orlando?
Assuming you have a job lined up, you’ll need enough savings to cover at least 3 months of living expenses before your first paycheck. For a single person, aim to have at least $8,000 on hand. Couples and families should save $12,000 to $15,000 or more to be safe. - What are the highest paying jobs in Orlando?
Some of the highest paying jobs in the Orlando area include physicians, airline pilots, software developers, financial managers, and sales executives. Salaries for these roles can exceed $100,000 per year. - What is the cheapest place to live in Orlando?
The most affordable neighborhoods in Orlando are generally located west and south of downtown. Areas like Pine Hills, Orlovista, and Meadow Woods offer lower housing costs but may have higher crime rates and fewer amenities. Research carefully before choosing a budget-friendly neighborhood. - How much does it cost to buy a house in Orlando?
As of 2025, the median home price in Orlando is around $350,000. However, prices vary widely by neighborhood, with starter homes available for under $250,000 in some areas. Higher-end properties can easily cost $500,000 or more. - What is the average electric bill in Orlando?
The average electric bill for a 1,000 square foot apartment in Orlando is about $120 per month. Larger homes and heavy air conditioning use in the summer can push costs to $150 or more. Upgrading to energy-efficient appliances and sealing air leaks can help control utility expenses.
Housing Costs in Orlando
Housing is typically the biggest expense for Orlando residents. In 2025, the median rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Orlando is approximately $1,850 per month. For those looking to purchase a home, the typical mortgage payment on a 3-bedroom house falls in the range of $1,900 to $2,400 per month, depending on the neighborhood and age of the property.
Many newer housing developments in Orlando have Homeowners Association (HOA) fees, which can add $200 to $400 or more to the monthly housing cost. While these fees are sometimes optional, they often cover desirable amenities and services like community pools, fitness centers, security, and landscaping. Factoring in the HOA cost is important for an accurate housing budget.
For comparison, here is a table of housing costs in Orlando:
| Housing Type | Typical Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,850 |
| 3BR House Mortgage | $1,900 – $2,400 |
| HOA Fees | $200 – $400 |
Utilities and Energy Bills
Utility costs in Orlando are relatively affordable compared to other major metros, but the hot and humid climate means that cooling costs can spike in the summer months. For a typical 1,000 square foot apartment, residents can expect to pay around $120 per month for electricity, with summer bills sometimes reaching $150 or more.
Water, sewer, and trash service in Orlando usually costs between $60 to $80 per month. Some neighborhoods have municipal utilities included in the HOA or billed quarterly. Natural gas is not widely used in Orlando, but those with gas appliances may have an additional bill of $20 to $40 monthly.
Here is a monthly utilities cost breakdown for Orlando:
- Electricity: $120 (up to $150 in summer)
- Water, Sewer, Trash: $60 – $80
- Natural Gas: $20 – $40 (if applicable)
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Food costs in Orlando are on par with the national average. For a single person, a typical monthly grocery bill is around $300, assuming most meals are prepared at home. Couples can expect to pay $550 to $650 per month on groceries, while a family of four may spend upwards of $800 on food each month.
Dining out is a popular pastime in Orlando, with a wide variety of restaurants and cuisines available. A meal at a casual restaurant usually costs $12 to $18 per person, while a nicer dinner out for two might total $70 or more with drinks. Assuming a mix of home cooking and dining out, a reasonable monthly food budget for a couple in Orlando is $800 to $1,000.
Household items, toiletries, cleaning supplies and other daily expenses can add another $150 to $200 per month for an average household in Orlando. For a more detailed look, here is an example “basket” of common grocery and household items:
- Gallon of Milk: $3.50
- Loaf of Bread: $2.75
- Dozen Eggs: $2.50
- Pound of Chicken: $4.00
- Laundry Detergent: $12.00
- Pack of Toilet Paper: $8.00
Taxes and Hidden Fees
Florida is known for its low tax burden, with no state income tax. However, Orlando residents still pay property taxes, sales taxes, and other fees. The property tax rate in Orlando is roughly 0.55%, meaning a home valued at $300,000 would owe about $1,650 per year ($138 per month).
The sales tax rate in Orlando and Orange County is 6.5%, which applies to most goods and services. Notably, groceries and medications are exempt from sales tax in Florida.
Vehicle owners in Orlando must pay annual registration fees and taxes. The base registration fee is $14.50, plus $2 in additional local fees. Vehicles also incur a yearly license tax of $30 to $50 depending on weight. For a typical passenger car, the total annual cost is around $50, or just over $4 per month.
Some Orlando neighborhoods have additional fees like HOA dues, trash pickup, or special assessments. These can range from $20 to $200 or more per month. It’s important to factor in all applicable taxes and fees when budgeting for life in Orlando.
Summary Monthly Budget
So what does it really cost to live in Orlando? Here is a sample monthly budget for three common household types:
| Expense | Single Person | Couple | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | $1,400 | $1,850 | $2,200 |
| Utilities | $180 | $220 | $320 |
| Groceries | $300 | $600 | $800 |
| Dining Out | $250 | $400 | $500 |
| Household Items | $100 | $150 | $200 |
| Transportation | $300 | $500 | $750 |
| Taxes and Fees | $200 | $300 | $400 |
| Monthly Total | $2,730 | $4,020 | $5,170 |
| Annual Gross Income | $39,000 | $58,000 | $74,000 |
Keep in mind these budgets are estimates. Individual circumstances vary widely. The above figures assume a comfortable but not extravagant lifestyle in Orlando. All income figures are expressed as gross monthly income (pre-tax).
Lifestyle Considerations
Orlando offers a range of lifestyle options depending on budget, family size, and personal preferences. For those working in the city center or tourist district, living close to downtown provides a convenient commute and walkable access to dining and entertainment. However, housing costs tend to be higher in the urban core.
Suburbs like Kissimmee, Winter Garden, and Lake Mary offer more affordable housing options and newer construction, but with longer commute times. Outlying areas may require a 30 to 60 minute drive to reach downtown Orlando or major attractions.
Access to quality schools, parks, shopping and other amenities also varies by neighborhood. In general, newer planned communities on the outskirts of Orlando provide more spacious homes and better facilities, while older neighborhoods closer to downtown offer more character and central location. Balancing affordability, commute times, and lifestyle is an important consideration for anyone moving to Orlando.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What salary do you need to live comfortably in Orlando?
To live comfortably, a single person in Orlando should earn at least $39,000 per year before taxes. For a couple, a combined gross income of $58,000 or more is recommended. Families with children will need higher incomes to cover additional expenses. - Is Orlando cheaper than Miami?
Yes, the cost of living in Orlando is about 10% lower than in Miami. Housing costs in particular are more affordable in Orlando, with median rents and home prices significantly below those in the Miami metro. - How much money do you need to move to Orlando?
Assuming you have a job lined up, you’ll need enough savings to cover at least 3 months of living expenses before your first paycheck. For a single person, aim to have at least $8,000 on hand. Couples and families should save $12,000 to $15,000 or more to be safe. - What are the highest paying jobs in Orlando?
Some of the highest paying jobs in the Orlando area include physicians, airline pilots, software developers, financial managers, and sales executives. Salaries for these roles can exceed $100,000 per year. - What is the cheapest place to live in Orlando?
The most affordable neighborhoods in Orlando are generally located west and south of downtown. Areas like Pine Hills, Orlovista, and Meadow Woods offer lower housing costs but may have higher crime rates and fewer amenities. Research carefully before choosing a budget-friendly neighborhood. - How much does it cost to buy a house in Orlando?
As of 2025, the median home price in Orlando is around $350,000. However, prices vary widely by neighborhood, with starter homes available for under $250,000 in some areas. Higher-end properties can easily cost $500,000 or more. - What is the average electric bill in Orlando?
The average electric bill for a 1,000 square foot apartment in Orlando is about $120 per month. Larger homes and heavy air conditioning use in the summer can push costs to $150 or more. Upgrading to energy-efficient appliances and sealing air leaks can help control utility expenses.