Oviedo, FL vs. Winter Garden, FL: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Considering a move to Oviedo or Winter Garden, Florida? Let’s dive right into a rapid-fire cost of living comparison for 2025:
- 🏠 Median home price: $475K in Oviedo vs. $450K in Winter Garden
- ⚡ Average electric bill: $120/month in Oviedo vs. $135/month in Winter Garden
- 🥑 Groceries for a family of 4: $950/month in both cities
- 🚗 Average commute time: 28 minutes in Oviedo vs. 30 minutes in Winter Garden
For a detailed look at how much it really costs to live in each city, including housing, utilities, groceries, and more, read on. All figures are based on gross monthly income (pre-tax) for consistency.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living. Here’s how Oviedo and Winter Garden stack up for common housing options:
| Housing Type | Oviedo | Winter Garden |
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $475,000 | $450,000 |
| Mortgage Payment (20% down) | $2,280 | $2,160 |
| 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,600 | $1,550 |
| 3BR House Rent | $2,400 | $2,300 |
🏆 Winner: Winter Garden. Housing costs are about 5% lower across the board in Winter Garden compared to Oviedo.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs can vary based on home size, season, and usage patterns. But in general, here’s what to expect for monthly utility bills in each city:
- Oviedo: $120 electric, $45 water, $65 internet
- Winter Garden: $135 electric, $40 water, $70 internet
Both cities experience hot summers and mild winters. Oviedo tends to have slightly lower cooling costs. Oviedo also has more homes with solar, which can significantly reduce electric bills.
🏆 Winner: Oviedo. While utility costs are similar, Oviedo comes out slightly ahead, especially for solar-equipped homes. You can find a full breakdown of average monthly expenses in Oviedo, FL here.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery costs are nearly identical in Oviedo and Winter Garden. Expect to spend around $950 per month to feed a family of four in either city, assuming a mix of cooking at home and eating out occasionally.
Other daily expenses like gas, childcare, and entertainment are also comparable. The only notable difference is Oviedo has slightly higher preschool/daycare costs (around $50/month more on average).
🏆 Winner: Tie. Oviedo and Winter Garden are neck-and-neck for groceries and daily living costs.
4. Taxes and Fees
Florida has no state income tax, so that’s one less thing to budget for in either city. But there are some differences in other local taxes and fees:
- Property tax rate: 0.97% in Oviedo vs. 1.03% in Winter Garden
- Average HOA fee: $250/month in Oviedo vs. $200/month in Winter Garden
Oviedo’s slightly lower property taxes can add up to decent savings for homeowners. But Winter Garden’s lower HOA fees help balance it out for those in neighborhoods with HOAs (which is common in both cities).
🏆 Winner: Tie. Lower property taxes in Oviedo are offset by higher HOA fees, making it a wash for many residents.
5. Cost Summary
| Category | Oviedo | Winter Garden |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (Mortgage) | $2,280 | $2,160 |
| Utilities | $230 | $245 |
| Groceries | $950 | $950 |
| Transportation | $350 | $350 |
| Taxes & Fees | $800 | $780 |
| Misc Expenses | $500 | $500 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $5,110 | $4,985 |
6. Lifestyle Fit
Oviedo and Winter Garden are both suburban cities with easy access to Orlando. But there are some lifestyle differences to consider:
- Oviedo: More spacious feel, lower population density, highly rated schools
- Winter Garden: More walkable downtown, closer to theme parks, slightly shorter commutes
Oviedo tends to attract families looking for strong schools and room to spread out. Winter Garden draws those who prefer a small-town vibe with big-city access.
7. FAQs
Q: Is Oviedo more affordable than Winter Garden?
A: Overall, Winter Garden is slightly more affordable. Housing and HOA fees tend to be 5-10% lower. But the difference is small.
Q: Which city has lower rent?
A: Winter Garden has lower rent on average, by about $50-100 per month for comparable apartments and rental homes.
Q: Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
A: Winter Garden has a lower median home price and slightly lower mortgage payments. But Oviedo’s lower property tax rate helps offset the difference for many homebuyers. See a full cost of living breakdown for Oviedo, FL.
8. Conclusion
While Winter Garden comes out a few percentage points cheaper than Oviedo, both cities offer a relatively affordable cost of living. For many, the decision will come down to lifestyle preferences and which city feels like a better fit.
Young professionals may prefer Winter Garden for its walkability and proximity to Orlando hotspots. Families often gravitate to Oviedo for its schools and suburban tranquility. Retirees can find appealing options in both cities.
Ultimately, the cost difference between Oviedo and Winter Garden is small enough that personal priorities should be the deciding factor. If you’re considering other Central Florida cities, be sure to check out our other cost of living comparisons for the region.