Oviedo, FL vs. Orlando, FL: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Families relocating to central Florida often face a key decision: settle in suburban Oviedo or opt for the big-city amenities of Orlando? Housing costs alone are a whopping $550 cheaper per month in Oviedo compared to Orlando. This article provides a full cost of living comparison between Oviedo and Orlando to help you choose the best fit for your lifestyle and budget in 2025.
1. Housing Costs
The median rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Oviedo is $1,450, while a similar unit in Orlando averages $2,000 per month. Homebuyers will also find lower prices in Oviedo, with the typical 3-bedroom, 2-bath home selling for around $350,000 compared to $425,000 in Orlando.
| Housing Type | Oviedo | Orlando |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment (Rent) | $1,450 | $2,000 |
| 3BR House (Buy) | $350,000 | $425,000 |
🏆 Winner: Oviedo
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Expect to pay around $180 per month for electricity, water, and sewer in a typical Oviedo home, with costs rising about 20% in the hot summer months. Orlando residents pay closer to $210 monthly on average. Both cities offer off-peak usage plans to help manage costs.
🏆 Winner: Oviedo
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery costs are fairly comparable between the two cities, with Oviedo coming in about 5% cheaper overall. A gallon of milk is $3.50 in Oviedo compared to $3.75 in Orlando, for example. Eating out is also slightly more affordable in Oviedo, with a basic meal for two averaging $45 vs. $55 in Orlando.
🏆 Winner: Oviedo
4. Taxes and Fees
Oviedo’s property tax rate of 0.81% is lower than Orlando’s 1.03%. However, many Oviedo neighborhoods have HOA fees that can add $200-400 per month. These often include amenities like community pools, fitness centers, and landscaping. Orlando has fewer HOAs and lower average dues.
🏆 Winner: Orlando
5. Cost Summary Table
| Category | Oviedo | Orlando |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR Home) | $1,750 | $2,300 |
| Utilities | $180 | $210 |
| Groceries | $800 | $850 |
| Transportation | $300 | $250 |
| Taxes & Fees | $450 | $400 |
| Misc | $500 | $600 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $3,980 | $4,610 |
*Based on gross monthly income (pre-tax) for a family of 4. Actual budgets may vary.
See a full breakdown of average monthly expenses in Oviedo, FL.
6. Lifestyle Fit
Oviedo offers more space for the money, with larger homes and yards than you’ll find in most of Orlando. However, Orlando boasts shorter commutes, better walkability, and extensive public transit. Oviedo is also notably quieter, while Orlando’s density leads to more noise and traffic.
Orlando averages 5°F warmer than Oviedo in the summer months. Both cities enjoy mild winters and hot, humid summers.
7. FAQ
Q: Is Oviedo more affordable than Orlando?
A: Yes, Oviedo’s overall cost of living is about 14% lower than Orlando’s, mainly due to cheaper housing.
Q: Which city has lower rent?
A: Oviedo’s median rent for a 2BR apartment is $1,450 vs. $2,000 in Orlando.
Q: Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
A: The median price of a 3BR house is around $350,000 in Oviedo compared to $425,000 in Orlando.
8. Conclusion
While Oviedo offers lower housing costs and a quieter suburban feel, Orlando delivers big-city amenities, entertainment, and stronger public transit. Young professionals may prefer Orlando’s energy and shorter commutes, while families seeking space and top-notch schools often choose Oviedo.
Ultimately, both cities provide a high quality of life at a lower cost than many Florida metros. For more details, read our full cost of living guide for Oviedo, FL in 2025.