Orlando Living Cost

If you’re contemplating a move to Orlando, Florida, you’ve come to the right place. Orlando is a vibrant city and the county seat of Orange County. It’s a part of the Orlando metropolitan area, which ranks as the third-largest metropolitan area in Florida, trailing only Tampa and Miami. With a population of 307,573, this sunny city is renowned for its amazing attractions, theme parks, beautiful real estate, and year-round pleasant weather.

Is Living in Orlando Expensive?

The cost of living in Orlando can be assessed in various ways, but let’s start with the Cost of Living Index (COLI). This index compares the cost of goods and services in cities to the national average. Orlando’s COLI stands at 99.3, making it 0.07% more affordable than the national average (which is set at 100). Moreover, it’s 3.8% more affordable than the cost of living in the entire state of Florida, with a COLI of 103.1. Utilities and housing costs in Orlando are below the national average. Transportation costs are just 0.05% above the national average, while grocery expenses are 5.6% higher.

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) offers another perspective, and the Southeast region (to which Orlando belongs) has seen a 7% increase in prices over the past year. This includes a 10.5% hike in food prices, a 9.8% increase in housing costs, a 16.3% rise in energy prices, and a 3.2% surge in medical care expenses since 2021.

The BLS Consumer Expenditure Survey, which calculates the CPI, reveals that Orlando households spent an average of $58,682 during the 2020/2021 calendar year, which is lower than the national average of $64,187. This spending breaks down as follows:

• Housing: 33.5%
• Transportation: 17.9%
• Food: 12.0%
• Healthcare: 8.7%
• Entertainment: 4.7%
• Education: 1.8%

Overall, the cost of living in Orlando is either around or slightly below the national average. Transportation costs might be a bit higher, primarily because having a personal vehicle is often more convenient than relying on public transit. The LYNX Bus Service is available, but many find it more convenient to own a car.

Orlando’s Family Budget

Is Orlando an affordable place to raise a family? According to the Economic Policy Institute’s Family Budget Calculator, a typical household with two adults and two kids would need approximately $7,077 per month, or $84,927 per year, to cover living expenses in Orlando. For households without children, this amount decreases significantly, with an average monthly expense of $4,651 or $55,815 annually.

Cost of Household Items and Utilities

Here’s a glimpse of common expenses in Orlando:

• 1-pound of beef: $6.42
• Gallon of milk: $4.26
• 1-pound of potatoes: $1.39
• Loaf of bread: $3.08
• Bottle of beer: $5.50
• Movie ticket: $14.00
• McDonald’s meal: $9.00
• Gallon of gas: $3.53
• Average cell phone bill: $191.25 per month

Utilities in Orlando average around $173.02 per month. Additionally, a monthly car insurance premium typically costs $70, and for those who prefer public transportation, a single bus ride pass costs $2.00, while a monthly pass comes in at $50.00. The average commute to work in Orlando is approximately 25.8 minutes.

Real Estate Market in Orlando

For those seeking homes in Orlando, the real estate market offers attractive prospects. Homes are spending an average of 37 days on the market, with 590 homes sold in December 2022, compared to 952 in the previous year. The average home price in Orlando is $354,900, representing an 8.7% increase from the previous year. While this is slightly lower than the national average of $388,472, nearly 15.9% of homes in Orlando sell for more than the initial listing price.

Popular neighborhoods in Orlando include:

• Mercy Drive: Average home price of $202,500
• Rosemont North: Average home price of $314,000
• Signal Hill: Average home price of $190,000
• Spring Lake: Average home price of $700,000
• Palomar: Average home price of $1,440,000

Out of the 140,940 housing units in Orlando, 38% are owner-occupied, and 62% are rented.

Rental Market in Orlando

For those interested in renting, the average rent in Orlando, Florida, is approximately $1,929 per month, which is still lower than in other major Florida cities like Miami and St. Petersburg. The most affordable rent prices in Orlando can be found in neighborhoods such as Mercy Drive, Rosemont North, and Seaboard Industrial, where rent averages around $1,328 per month. On the other hand, the most expensive neighborhoods for renting include Baldwin Park, Palomar, and Spring Hill, where rent hovers around $2,313 to $2,375 per month.

According to the 2022 Rental Affordability Report, it’s more affordable to buy than to rent in Orlando. The price-to-rent ratio in Orlando is 15.3, indicating it’s a better place for buyers than renters. A full-time worker in Orlando would need to earn $27.35 per hour (equivalent to $56,880 per year) to afford a basic 2-bedroom apartment without exceeding the 30% income threshold, which is higher than the Florida average of $26.38 ($54,870 per year).

Income, Taxes, and Minimum Wage

The average income in Orlando is approximately $54,167 per household, which is roughly 90% of the Florida average income of $63,062. PayScale reports the average salary in Orlando, FL, at $68,000 or $18.43 per hour, while the minimum wage in Florida stands at $11.00 and is set to increase to $12.00 in September 2023 and $13.00 in September 2024. A variety of job opportunities are available in Orlando, spanning industries such as technology, healthcare, education, manufacturing, and tourism.

Taxes in Orlando

Orlando, like the rest of Florida, benefits from no state income tax. However, federal income tax still applies. Businesses and corporations in Florida are subject to corporate income tax unless exempt.

The sales tax in Orlando is divided into state and local components, totaling 6.5%: 6% from Florida state and 0.5% from Orange County. Property taxes in Orlando are assessed at the local level, vary by county, and are based on property value. In Orlando, the millage rate is 6.65, meaning residents pay $6.65 for every $1,000 of their property’s value.

Orlando Cost of Living Comparison

If you’re deciding between Orlando and Miami, here’s a quick comparison:

• Average home price: $354,900 in Orlando vs. $515,000 in Miami
• Average rent: $1,929 per month in Orlando vs. $2,356 in Miami
• Average salary: $68,000 in Orlando vs. $69,000 in Miami
• Average utilities: $173.02 in Orlando vs. $156.11 in Miami
• Average monthly expenses: $7,077 in Orlando vs. $7,549 in Miami
• Average transportation cost: $1,143 in Orlando vs. $1,070 in Miami

Considering these facts, Orlando is generally more affordable than Miami, with similar average salaries and utility costs. However, the cost of housing and rent in Miami is significantly higher, which can impact overall affordability.

In conclusion, the Orlando living cost is quite reasonable. There are also many real estate options, and the quality of life is also higher compared to many other places in the vicinity. Whether you’re considering relocation or already calling Orlando home, you already know it’s a city that provides a balance between expenses and quality.

 

FAQs

Q : Is Orlando expensive to live in?

A : Is Orlando Florida expensive? Well, Orlando is generally considered to be an affordable place to live, especially when compared to some other major cities in the United States.

Q : What is the cost of living in Orlando FL? Is it expensive to live in Orlando?

A : The cost of living in Orlando, Florida is seen as reasonable when compared to many other major U.S. cities. Orlando’s Cost of Living Index (COLI) is 99.3, indicating that it’s slightly below the national average.

Q : What is the average cost of living in Orlando Florida?

A : The average cost of living in Orlando, Florida is often on par with or slightly below the national average. This is influenced by factors like housing, transportation, groceries, and utilities. Housing costs are generally lower than the national average, making Orlando an attractive option for many residents.

Q : What is the cost of living in Kissimmee FL?

A : Kissimmee, Florida’s cost of living is approximately 2% lower than the national average. However, it’s important to note that the cost of living can vary significantly based on individual factors, including your career, lifestyle, and personal spending habits.

Q : What is the average cost of living in Orlando per month?

A : What is the average cost of living in Orlando Florida? It all depends on your lifestyle and housing choices. On average, a single person can expect to spend approximately $1,000 to $1,500 per month for basic expenses, which may include rent, groceries, utilities, transportation, and entertainment.

Q : What is the living cost in Orlando Florida?

A : The cost of living in Orlando Florida is slightly below the national average. This means that, on average, day-to-day expenses like housing, utilities, and groceries are relatively affordable compared to many other places in the United States.