Cost of Living in Orlando, FL: Your Guide to Orlando Living Expenses

Mortgage payments, utilities, groceries, gas, and other bills all factor into the cost of living in Orlando, FL. If you’re considering a move to this incredible city, it’s wise to understand how these essential Orlando living expenses might affect your budget.

This guide helps break down the price of living in Orlando, Florida—from the tax benefits and average cost of everyday expenses to the cost of building a new home in some of the popular Orlando suburbs for homebuyers. 

Summary:

• Cost of Living in Orlando, FL

• Comparing Average Home Prices and Rent Costs in Orlando

• Other Living Expenses in Orlando, FL

  • Grocery Shopping and Dining Out in Orlando

  • Transportation Options and Fuel Costs in Orlando

  • Healthcare and Insurance Costs in Orlando

  • Utilities, Internet, and Phone Expenses in Orlando

  • Tax Rates in the Orlando Area

  • Recreation Costs in Orlando, Florida

• Average Salary in Orlando

• Potential Tax Benefits for Homeowners in Orlando

• Average Cost to Build a New Home in Orlando by Neighborhood

• Conclusion

Cost of Living in Orlando, FL

The average cost of living in Orlando, Florida, is 1% less than the national average, according to Payscale® as of December 2024. Payscale also finds that several other expenses contributing to this average, such as utilities, healthcare, and transportation, also trend lower or on par with the national average, creating an affordable living environment in a beautiful city that feels like it’s always summer vacation.

Comparing Average Home Prices and Rent Costs in Orlando

September 2024 data from RentCafe® shows that the Orlando cost of living for housing in Orlando is 5% higher than both the state and national average. According to Zillow®, as of December 2024, the median home sale price in Orlando is in the upper $377K range. Zillow also reports that the average home value in Orlando has increased by roughly 0.9% in the past year. 

For renters, the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,579, according to Apartments.com® as of December 2024.

Other Living Expenses in Orlando, FL

Starting a new chapter in a new place means you’ll want to understand how far your budget can go toward a fulfilling life. In this section, we’ll unpack other essential everyday expenses that contribute to the average cost of living in Orlando, Florida, per month. 

Grocery Shopping and Dining Out in Orlando

Groceries are about 1% less expensive than the national average, per RentCafe as of September 2024. RentCafe also offers this breakdown of general grocery costs for common items:

• Loaf of bread: $4.15

• Gallon of milk: $4.57

• Carton of eggs: $3.55

• Bananas: $0.55/lb

Orlando has a diverse culinary scene that caters to any budget or taste. As of December 2024, Numbeo® reports casual restaurants charge about $15–$25 per person, while mid-range options could be about $85 for two people as of December 2024. Fine dining restaurants could exceed $60 per person. 

Transportation Options and Fuel Costs in Orlando

Transportation in Orlando is 4% lower than the national average, according to RentCafe as of September 2024. Fuel costs in Orlando are essentially on par with the national average at $3.20 per gallon, according to AAA® as of February 2025.

Orlando is home to the Orlando International Airport, helping make long-distance travel more convenient. The city has several bike share programs and public transportation options, including SunRail (with a round-trip ticket costing $3.75 in December 2024), Brightline®, and Amtrak®. Locals can also hop on the LYNX® bus to travel to surrounding counties, paying as little as $2 for a single ride as of December 2024. 

Transportation costs can easily become a burden, so these more affordable prices make the cost of living in Orlando, Florida, even more attractive.

Healthcare and Insurance Costs in Orlando

When budgeting for living expenses in Orlando, Florida, you also need to factor in the cost of healthcare. Per RentCafe’s September 2024 data, medical costs are 7% less than the national average, with examples of the approximate costs of these healthcare-related fees as follows:

• Doctor appointment: $125.93

• Dental visit: $104.36

• Optometrist appointment: $86.17

The cost of health insurance in Orlando varies depending on your plan and provider. ValuePenguin® finds that less expensive monthly health insurance premiums can range from $451–$498, with the average monthly rate being $647. 

A study by Annuity.org in 2019 estimated that by 2024, the annual cost of healthcare for a 70-year-old could be more than $16,000. However, Orlando residents appreciate that the city has highly regarded healthcare. For example, Orlando Health ranked as one of the top 10 best hospitals in the nation in several categories, according to U.S. News & World Report® in July 2024.

Utilities, Internet, and Phone Expenses in Orlando

Any analysis of the cost to live in Orlando, Florida, wouldn’t be complete without including utility, internet, and phone expenses. Utility bills are about 6% lower than the national average, per RentCafe in September 2024. According to EnergySage®, as of February 2025, Orlando residents pay about $277 monthly for electricity.

As for other utility expenses, phone bills average $193.68 (RentCafe, September 2024), and internet costs range from $25–$55 per month (Forbes®, August 2024), depending on your provider and plan. 

Tax Rates in the Orlando Area

One of the biggest reasons people love to relocate to Florida is because of its tax incentives for residents. Florida doesn’t have income tax, which means more money in every resident’s pocket. Per Avalara®, the 2025 sales tax is comparable to other states: Florida has a 6% sales tax, and Orange County (where Orlando is located) has a 0.5% county sales tax, which combined is 6.5%. 

Recreation Costs in Orlando, Florida

The average living cost in Orlando, FL, for fun and recreation depends on what activity you’re interested in. A gym membership at a City of Orlando fitness facility is less than $100 annually (free for seniors aged 65 and up) or around $31 monthly for the local YMCA®, both as of December 2024. Walt Disney World® and Universal Studios® offer discounts for Florida residents. Additionally, Orlando offers outdoor activities and local parks that are free to enjoy. You could also spend the day indoors at The AGB™ Museum of Art, which also has free admission. 

Average Salary in Orlando

Whether you’re relocating for work or would like to keep busy by working, ZipRecruiter® finds the average annual salary in Orlando, FL, is $54,634 while the median hourly wage is about $26 (as of December 2024). Per the MIT® Living Wage calculator (February 2024), for a single adult with no children to afford the cost of living in Orlando, Florida, generally requires an annual income of $50,147 (before taxes). For two adults, those earnings should be around $66,287, while a household of two adults and two children would need roughly $106,070 annually. 

Potential Tax Benefits for Homeowners in Orlando

According to SmartAsset®, as of December 2024, the average effective property tax is 0.82% in Orange County, which is lower than the national average of 0.90%, with homeowners paying approximately $2,699 in property tax annually. Orlando-area homeowners also benefit from the Homestead Exemption, per the Florida Department of Revenue, which could reduce the taxable value of a primary residence by up to $50,000. As of November 2024, this exemption may increase due to a new amendment voted on by Florida residents.

Average Cost to Build a New Home in Orlando by Neighborhood

Now that you have an understanding of the cost of living in Orlando, FL, the next step is to identify which neighborhood fits you and your lifestyle best. The price tag of a new home often depends on the location, in addition to the cost of materials and labor. Here are some of the top Orlando suburbs and the average cost of a new construction home in each of them.

Winter Park

One of the more affluent neighborhoods around Orlando is Winter Park. This area offers plenty of boutiques and unique shops on North Park Avenue and an abundance of spots for outdoor activities. The area’s museums and gardens are sprinkled around calming Lake Virginia, which sits in the heart of Winter Park. The cost of building a new home in Winter Park, per NewHomeSource® as of December 2024, is in the upper $600Ks. 

Winter Garden

Winter Garden is like an oasis in the middle of Central Florida. The city sits along Lake Apopka and is surrounded by greenery, including the Oakland Nature Preserve, Magnolia Park, and the Green Mountain Overlook. You’ll also find golf courses, grocery stores, and several smaller lakes and ponds. Residents on Niche (as of December 2024) praise the slower pace, community feel, and proximity to downtown Orlando. New homes in Winter Garden can cost up to the low $900Ks, according to NewHomeSource as of December 2024.

St. Cloud

South of Orlando is the St. Cloud suburb. St. Cloud sits on the shore of East Lake Tohopekaliga, another of the numerous lakes that dot that Central Florida region, including Lake Tohopekaliga and Alligator Lake, which form the other borders of St. Cloud. Beyond the water, you’ll find numerous golf courses and nature preserves to explore. Building a new home in St. Cloud could cost in the mid $300Ks, per NewHomeSource as of December 2024. Del Webb® active adult communities in St. Cloud, FL, offer new homes that start in the mid $300Ks.

Kissimmee 

You’ll find Kissimmee along the shore of Lake Tohopekaliga. Residents enjoy the proximity to Orlando as well as local attractions and events. Check out Broadway-inspired shows at Osceola Arts, wander the downtown area with boutiques and restaurants, or head to Old Town, a recreation of a classic, vintage Florida town boasting lots of entertainment options. The cost to build a new home in Kissimmee is in the mid $300Ks, according to NewHomeSource as of December 2024.

Minneola

Located in Lake County, Minneola is a paradise for outdoor adventurers and nature lovers. Locals enjoy easy access to Lake Minnehaha, Lake Apopka, and dozens of smaller lakes and ponds. Other attractions include the Minneola Trailhead Park, Lake Hiawatha Preserve, and Lakeridge Winery and Vineyard. As of December 2024, NewHomeSource finds the cost to build a new home can range from the mid $400Ks to the mid $700Ks. New homes in active adult communities in Minneola, FL, from Del Webb start in the mid $400Ks. 

Conclusion

The lower-than-average living expenses and generous tax benefits all contribute to a reasonable cost of living in Orlando, FL. Add to that the year-round sunny weather and abundance of indoor and outdoor activities that come with being a Sunshine State resident, and you have the makings of an enriching lifestyle. 

Explore active adult communities in Orlando, FL, today, or browse more Del Webb blogs. 

Written By: Alexandra Shimalla, Freelance Journalist and Former Orlando Resident

Last Updated: 5/22/25