Living in Winter Garden, FL in 2025 costs the average couple around $4,500 per month in gross income (before taxes) to maintain a comfortable lifestyle. For a family of four, budget closer to $6,200 monthly. Here’s a detailed look at the real cost of living in this charming Orlando suburb.
Housing Costs in Winter Garden
Housing is the biggest expense for most Winter Garden residents. As of 2025, the median rent for a 2-bedroom apartment hovers around $1,900 monthly. Buying a typical 3-bedroom house will run you about $2,400 per month on a 30-year fixed mortgage, assuming a 20% down payment.
Many Winter Garden neighborhoods have homeowners associations (HOAs), which can add $200-500 to your monthly housing costs. While not mandatory, most newer subdivisions come with these fees to maintain shared amenities and landscaping.
- Median 2BR apartment rent: $1,900/month
- Typical 3BR house mortgage: $2,400/month
- HOA fees (common): $200-500/month
Utilities and Energy Bills
Powering and cooling a home in Winter Garden’s hot, humid climate isn’t cheap. Expect to pay around $180 monthly for electricity for a 2-bedroom apartment or small house. Larger homes may see electric bills over $300 in the peak summer months.
Water, sewer, and trash services average $80-120 per month. High-speed internet runs about $70 monthly. If you have natural gas, budget an extra $30-50.
| Electric | $180-300/month |
| Water/sewer/trash | $80-120/month |
| Internet | $70/month |
| Natural gas | $30-50/month |
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Feeding yourself or a family in Winter Garden will cost about $400 monthly per person for a mix of grocery staples and occasional meals out. Dining at local restaurants runs $12-15 per person for an average meal.
Household essentials like toiletries, cleaning supplies, and paper goods add another $150-200 to the typical family’s monthly grocery bill. Buying in bulk at stores like Costco or Sam’s Club can provide some savings.
Taxes and Fees
Florida has no state income tax, but Winter Garden residents pay a 7% sales tax on most purchases. Property taxes run about 0.95% of a home’s assessed value annually. For a $350,000 house, that’s $3,325 per year or $277 monthly.
Vehicle registration fees in Orange County cost $35-50 annually per car or truck. Drivers also pay around $0.30 per gallon in state and local gas taxes.
Monthly Cost of Living in Winter Garden
| Expense | Single | Couple | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | $1,500 | $2,000 | $2,500 |
| Utilities | $300 | $380 | $500 |
| Groceries | $400 | $800 | $1,600 |
| Transportation | $300 | $500 | $800 |
| Healthcare | $300 | $600 | $800 |
| Total | $2,800 | $4,280 | $6,200 |
Keep in mind these figures are pre-tax monthly income estimates. Your take-home pay will be lower after accounting for federal income taxes, Social Security, and Medicare withholding.
Lifestyle Considerations
Winter Garden offers a high quality of life for its cost of living. Most neighborhoods are safe, family-friendly, and not too densely developed. Traffic remains reasonable by Orlando standards, with average commute times around 30 minutes.
Access to outdoor recreation is a big perk. Winter Garden borders Lake Apopka and has an extensive network of trails and parks. Residents enjoy boating, fishing, golfing, and biking year-round.
The tradeoff is fewer urban amenities compared to Orlando proper. While Winter Garden has a quaint downtown with local shops and eateries, its nightlife and cultural scene is limited. For some, the extra space and slower pace is worth it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Winter Garden cheaper than living in Orlando?
Yes, the cost of living in Winter Garden is about 5-10% lower on average than Orlando, primarily due to more affordable housing.
How much do you need to make to live comfortably in Winter Garden?
A gross household income of at least $50,000 annually ($4,200/month) provides a comfortable standard of living for a childless couple. Families with kids may need $75,000 or more.
Are utilities expensive in Winter Garden?
Utilities in Winter Garden run slightly higher than the national average, mainly because of the nearly year-round need for air conditioning. Expect to pay $300-500 monthly for a typical house.
Does Winter Garden have high taxes?
Florida has no state income tax, but Winter Garden’s property tax rate of 0.95% is a bit above the U.S. average. Sales tax is 7%.
Is Winter Garden a good place to retire?
Winter Garden can be an excellent retirement spot for active seniors. The warm climate, outdoor recreation, and proximity to Orlando’s amenities make it an attractive choice. However, the overall cost of living is slightly above the U.S. average.
What salary do you need to buy a house in Winter Garden?
To afford the typical mortgage payment of $2,000/month on a $350,000 house (the Winter Garden median in 2025), you’ll need to earn around $80,000 per year ($6,600/month) before taxes.
How much is the average electric bill in Winter Garden?
The average electric bill ranges from $180 for an apartment to $300+ for a larger house, depending on the season. Costs peak in the hot summer months.
Is Winter Garden a good place to raise a family?
Winter Garden is a family-friendly suburb with good schools, safe neighborhoods, and plenty of parks and recreation. However, raising kids here isn’t cheap, with childcare, extracurriculars, and larger housing adding to the monthly budget.