Sanford, FL vs. Kissimmee, FL: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Are you considering a move to central Florida and trying to decide between Sanford and Kissimmee? Let’s take a look at how the cost of living stacks up in these two cities.
Imagine Sarah, a single professional earning a gross monthly income of $4,500 pre-tax. If she opts for a 1-bedroom apartment in Sanford, her rent might run around $1,450. Her weekly grocery bill, including occasional takeout, would likely total $320.
Now, if Sarah chose Kissimmee instead, a comparable 1-bedroom would cost closer to $1,600. However, she might shave $40 off her monthly grocery total. Of course, these are simplified estimates — let’s dive into the details!
Housing Costs: Sanford vs Kissimmee
Housing is often the biggest line item in any budget. Here’s how typical costs compare:
| Housing Type | Sanford | Kissimmee |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment (Monthly Rent) | $1,750 | $1,925 |
| 3BR House (Median Price) | $325,000 | $340,000 |
🏆 Winner: Sanford. Across the board, expect to pay 5-10% less for housing in Sanford compared to Kissimmee.
Utilities and Energy Costs
In Florida, air conditioning is a must for much of the year. Typical electric bills range from $120 in the winter to $220 in the peak of summer. Both cities offer “time of use” plans that provide cheaper rates for off-peak usage.
Water and sewer costs are comparable, averaging $80-100 per month for a family of four. Sanford’s water rates are slightly lower.
🏆 Winner: Sanford, but just barely. Utility costs are similar in both cities, with Sanford edging out Kissimmee by about $15 per month on average.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Expect to spend around $400 per month on groceries for a single adult in either city, or $1,100 for a family of four. Restaurant prices are reasonable, with a basic meal out averaging $15.
Other daily expenses like gas, clothing, and entertainment are nearly identical. Fill up your tank for around $3.20/gallon or catch a matinee movie for about $12.
🏆 Winner: Tie. The cost of food and daily living is practically a wash between Sanford and Kissimmee.
Taxes and Fees
Florida is known for its low taxes, with no state income tax. However, property taxes and tourism-driven fees can add up:
- Sanford’s property tax rate is 0.95%, or $3,100 annually for a $325K home
- Kissimmee’s property tax rate is 1.05%, or $3,600 annually for a $340K home
Both cities charge around $25/month for curbside trash and recycling. Kissimmee has slightly higher fees for parks and recreation.
🏆 Winner: Sanford. Lower property taxes can save homeowners hundreds per year.
Cost of Living in Sanford vs Kissimmee: Summary
| Category | Sanford | Kissimmee |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (Monthly, 2BR Apartment) | $1,750 | $1,925 |
| Utilities | $200 | $215 |
| Groceries | $400 | $400 |
| Transportation | $75 | $75 |
| Taxes (Monthly, Prorated) | $260 | $300 |
| Miscellaneous | $250 | $275 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $2,935 | $3,190 |
Lifestyle Fit: Sanford vs Kissimmee
Sanford offers a quaint downtown with locally-owned shops and eateries along the Lake Monroe waterfront. Commutes are reasonable, with Orlando just 30 minutes away.
Kissimmee has more of a suburban feel, with easy access to theme parks and the 192 shopping corridor. Homes are slightly newer on average in Kissimmee compared to Sanford.
Both cities see hot, humid summers and mild winters. Sanford is a bit further inland, so temperatures may run 1-2°F cooler.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sanford more affordable than Kissimmee?
Yes, the cost of living in Sanford is about 5-10% lower on average, mainly due to cheaper housing and lower taxes.
Which city has lower rent?
Sanford has lower rental rates, with a typical 2-bedroom apartment costing around $175 less per month than in Kissimmee.
Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
Again, Sanford comes out ahead. The median home price is about $15,000 lower, and property taxes are 0.1% less.
The Bottom Line
For most households, Sanford offers a lower overall cost of living than Kissimmee. Renters and buyers alike can expect to pay less for housing, and homeowners will save on annual property taxes.
However, the difference isn’t drastic. For some, Kissimmee’s newer housing stock and proximity to world-class attractions might be worth the modest premium.
Ultimately, both cities offer a relatively affordable slice of the Sunshine State. Weigh the tradeoffs and crunch the numbers using tools like these sample monthly budgets for Sanford to determine which city makes sense for your lifestyle and finances.
Want to dig deeper? Check out our full cost of living breakdown for Sanford, covering housing, food, utilities, transportation, taxes, and more.