Cost of Living in Orlando, FL

With a cost of living index of 115, Orlando, FL is a notably expensive place to live. Living here is 15% more expensive than the national average and 5% above the Florida state average of 110. As a major city with a population of 311,732, Orlando offers a wide range of housing options, employment opportunities, and urban amenities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Orlando's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,650 (25% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $359,000 (18% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 5.2x the median household income — a stretch for many buyers, though not uncommon in today's market.

The median household income in Orlando is $69,268, which is 8% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 29% of household income on rent. This is near the 30% threshold that financial experts generally consider the upper limit of affordability.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Orlando. The area sees an average annual temperature of 73°F, with summers averaging 82°F and winters around 63°F. Annual rainfall totals 51.4 inches spread over roughly 121 days.

Everyday prices in the Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area are generally below the national average. Out of 6 common items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 6 are priced lower than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.