The Real Cost of Living in Orlando, Florida

Orlando attracts dreamers, professionals, and families who chase the Florida sunshine. What does it really cost to live here? The city’s affordability has shifted over the past few years. Orlando once balanced lifestyle and value. Now the city faces growing pains. The housing market surged during the pandemic as tens of thousands of people relocated from higher cost states. Prices have cooled a bit, yet insurance premiums, property taxes, and everyday expenses have reshaped what affordable means.


This guide explains the real costs of life in Orlando today. You will see current trends in home prices and rent, insurance and utilities, and how daily life feels once you settle in. We also look at whether Orlando still offers good value for new residents and how those who moved during the pandemic era are doing now that the boom has stabilized. And if you want more information about lifestyle in Orlando, check out our pros and cons list to Living in Orlando.


Too Busy to Read it All? Here are the Cliff Notes


  • Cost of living sits about 4 percent below the United States average, but higher insurance and utilities absorb some of that advantage.
  • Median home price is around $405,000. Prices are steadier than in 2021 but still elevated.
  • Many who moved during the pandemic stayed, although affordability pressures have increased.
  • Average rent is roughly $1,800 to $1,850 per month. A two-bedroom averages about $1,740, which is about 22 percent above the national average.
  • Property taxes in Orange County run near 1.19 percent, slightly higher than the national median of 1.02 percent.
  • Homeowners insurance in Florida averages about $8,770 per year for common coverage levels, far above the national average of about $2,423.
  • A family of four spends about $4,253 per month on everyday living, not including housing.

Orlando can still be a smart move if you budget carefully and plan for Florida-specific costs like insurance and summer utilities.


By The Numbers


Orlando’s overall cost of living is moderate compared to other major U.S. cities. One cost index shows Orlando sitting about 4 percent below the national average. Housing costs are roughly 8 to 12 percent lower than the U.S. average, depending on whether you rent or buy. Utilities, on the other hand, tend to run 4 to 6 percent higher, especially during long, hot summers when air conditioners work overtime.


Groceries come in around 5 percent higher than average, healthcare costs about 8 percent lower, and transportation expenses hover right around the national median. On paper, Orlando seems affordable. In practice, it depends on your neighborhood, income, and lifestyle.


Housing Market: Booms, Bots, and Now Balance


If you moved to Orlando during the pandemic, you probably felt the heat of the housing market firsthand. From 2020 through 2021, Florida became one of the top destinations for movers across the country. The state saw more than 547,000 inbound moves in 2021, a 40 percent jump from the year before.


By 2025, things look a little more balanced. According to Redfin, the median home price in Orlando is about $405,000, up roughly 5 percent from last year. Zillow reports a similar figure, around $374,000, though values vary by neighborhood. Realtor.com points to a shift toward a buyer-friendlier market with more listings, longer days on market, and fewer bidding wars.


Buyers today have more negotiating power than they did during the frenzy of 2021. For those who bought at the peak, however, higher interest rates and rising property costs are still a challenge.


When the pandemic hit, many people left expensive coastal cities for warmer, cheaper states. Florida, and Orlando in particular, saw an influx of remote workers, retirees, and families looking for space. In 2020 and 2021, the population jumped as new arrivals from New York, Illinois, and California poured in.


Not all of them stayed. Some discovered that the lower taxes and sunshine came with tradeoffs like rising insurance premiums, higher property costs, and heavier traffic. Still, Florida’s population continues to grow faster than most states. The migration wave has cooled, but the long-term trend remains positive. People are not leaving in droves, but affordability now plays a much bigger role in whether they put down roots.


Rental Market: What Renters Can Expect


Renters in Orlando have seen significant shifts as well. The average monthly rent citywide is around $1,800 to $1,850, while a two-bedroom apartment averages about $1,740 per month, roughly 22 percent higher than the national average.


New developments near Lake Nona, Downtown South, and Winter Garden have added supply, but demand remains strong. Renters moving from Los Angeles or Boston may find Orlando affordable, while those from smaller markets often find the prices steep.


Cost of Daily Life: Beyond Housing


Owning a home in Orlando means more than paying the mortgage. Property taxes, insurance, utilities, and maintenance all contribute to your true monthly cost of living.


Property Taxes


In Orange County, the median effective property tax rate is about 1.19 percent, compared to the national median of 1.02 percent. On a $300,000 home, that difference adds roughly $600 to $700 per year. While Florida has a reputation for moderate taxes, Orlando’s rate sits just above average due to rapid growth and rising home values.


Homeowners Insurance

Insurance is where Florida homeowners feel the squeeze. The average annual premium in Florida sits near $8,770 for $250,000 in dwelling coverage, compared to the national average of $2,423. Keep in mind, this averages all of Florida, and Orlando may be slightly below, but still expensive compared to the national average.


Because Orlando lies within a region exposed to hurricanes, flooding, and wind damage, insurers set premiums high to offset risk. Even without filing a claim, homeowners often see annual rate increases that outpace inflation.


Everyday Expenses


For a family of four, excluding rent or mortgage, the average monthly cost of living in Orlando is about $4,000. That includes food, transportation, healthcare, and childcare. Electricity bills can spike during summer, grocery costs have risen since 2020, and vehicle maintenance adds up quickly in a car-dependent city.


So while Orlando is still more affordable than major coastal metros, newcomers should plan carefully. Florida’s tax advantages help, but the extras like insurance, utilities, and maintenance can balance out those savings.


Is Orlando Still a Smart Move?


For many, the answer is still yes. Orlando’s economy is expanding, its job market is diverse, and its lifestyle remains attractive. It offers warm weather, a lively culture, and access to beaches and parks within a couple of hours.


But the definition of “affordable” has changed. The pandemic surge pushed prices up, and while they’ve cooled slightly, they remain higher than before 2020. Long-term residents face cost pressures that didn’t exist a decade ago.


If you have stable income and realistic expectations, Orlando remains one of Florida’s most appealing cities to live in. Just be ready for a budget that reflects its popularity.


Moving to Orlando Florida


If you are planning a move, climate controlled storage in Orlando or storage units in Orlando can make the transition easier. Both locations, operated by A-AAA Key Mini Storage, provide clean, secure units with advanced security systems, gated access, and 24-hour digital surveillance.


Each facility offers convenient drive-up access and wide aisles for easy loading and unloading. Online rentals and fast move-ins make storing your belongings simple before or after relocation.


For newcomers who need dependable, locally managed storage in the heart of the city, A-AAA Key Mini Storage provides a practical, affordable solution to protect your possessions in Florida’s challenging climate.