B-
16%
Overall NAT. AVG.
5%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
42%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Orlando Florida National
Cost of living116102100
Groceries105102100
Health care106104100
Housing14297100
Transportation106103100
Utilities109110100
Lifestyle & Entertainment102104100
Household Items101102100
Education & Childcare108106100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Orlando, FL

The cost of living in Orlando affects the quality of life one can afford in this new location. It allows people to assess whether they can maintain their preferred lifestyle, including housing, leisure activities and dining options. Your total monthly expenditures can varry depending on the area, as well as many other factors. The cost of living in Orlando is 116, which is 16% higher than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

Housing costs significantly influence the Orlando cost of living index, typically accounting for a substantial portion of one's post-tax income. Regrettably, within this particular region, expenses related to both residential ownership and renting exceeded those observed in an average city by 42%. This entails elements such as housing and rental prices, mortgage interest rates and insurance costs.

Is Orlando Affordable?

Is Orlando an affordable place to live? It's a good question and one that you might want to ask when considering any new city, as affordability can play a huge role in the decision making process. The cost of living index (which we covered above), as well as housing costs and income levels play a vital role in determining the affordability of an area. The median home price in Orlando is 45.8% higher than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 33% higher than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Orlando has a median household income of $83,762, which is 3% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Orlando?

Housing: When there's a high demand for housing in trendy places, it can cause property prices and rental rates to soar, leading to a significantly higher cost of living. Conversely, in less desirable locations, where demand is low, prices tend to decrease, resulting in a more budget-friendly cost of living. In Orlando, the housing index is 42% higher than the national average.

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can undergo substantial fluctuations based on the city or state of residence. Elements such as the availability of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket costs for medical consultations, dental expenses, prescription medication charges and specialized medical care fees all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Orlando, healthcare costs are 5.6% higher than the national average.

Taxes: Regions that impose higher taxes, including sales and income taxes, can contribute to an increased cost of living. Higher taxes for everyday necessities such as clothing, utilities and food inevitably leads to higher expenditures. Additionally, a higher income tax rate can also play a role in elevating the overall cost of living. In Orlando, the prevailing sales tax rate starts at 6%, and income tax rates kick off at 0%.

Where is the Data From?

The Orlando cost of living data above is designed around a U.S. average baseline of 100, allowing for easy comparisons of relative living costs. Housing incorporates U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other figures are AI-assisted estimates that account for regional price trends, climate, transportation dynamics, and common everyday expenses. These values are best used as directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Orlando is 14% higher than the Florida average
  • The cost of living in Orlando is 16% higher than the national average
  • Orlando housing is 42% higher than the national average
  • Florida general sales tax is 18% higher than the national average
  • Florida state income tax is 100% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Orlando

See all the best places to live around Orlando

Compare Orlando, FL Cost of Living

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$130,185$10,849$3,037$3,906
      Renters$69,117$5,760$1,613$2,074
      The percent of monthly income spent on housing can be a good indicator of the affordability of housing in Orlando, FL, as well as the overall cost of living. As a general rule of thumb, the debt-to-income ratio (DTI) for homeowners or renters should be not more than 28 percent of gross income to be spent on housing related costs and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses, including debts. The median income for Orlando homeowners, is $130,185. This would allow for a maximum of $3,037 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $69,117 which would result in a maximum of $1,613 to be spent on rental costs.

      Florida Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Florida 6% 7.5%

      Florida Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Florida 0% 0%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Lake Buena Vista, FL41043.6%
      Tildenville, FL441032.7%
      Lake Butler city, FL2,2508514.9%
      Bay Lake, FL458911.5%
      Clarcona, FL4,840936.7%
      Orlando, FL294,67911616.2%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Lincoln, NE293,945972.9%
      Gatineau, QC293,695n/a 
      Plano, TX297,92912221.8%
      Newark, NJ290,76412019.8%
      Anchorage, AK302,69713232.0%
      Orlando, FL294,67911616.2%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.