Cost of Living In Orlando, FL 2025: Tips & Daily Expenses
"Live Orlando Wild, Keep Costs Mild!"
Table of Content
- Average Cost of Living in Orlando, Florida
- Cost of Living in Orlando, FL: Rent & Housing Costs
- Cost of Living in Orlando, FL: Rent by Neighborhood
- How to Find Cheap Apartments for Rent in Orlando, FL?
- Cost of Living in Orlando, FL: Utilities Cost
- Cost of Living in Orlando, FL: Transportation Costs
- Cost of Living in Orlando, FL: Food & Grocery Expenses
- Cost of Living in Orlando, FL: Entertainment & Leisure Costs
- Cost of Living in Orlando, FL: Health Insurance Costs
- Cost of Living in Orlando, FL: Miscellaneous Expenses
- Cost of Living in Orlando, FL: Comparison with Other Cities in Florida
Thinking about moving to the “Theme Park Capital of the World” for studies or work? Before packing your bags, it’s worth understanding the cost of living in Orlando. The city’s cost of living index sits at 102.3, just above the U.S. average of 100, meaning Orlando is affordable compared to Miami but slightly pricier than Tampa or Jacksonville. For students and young professionals, the cost of living in Orlando Florida averages around $1,800–$2,500 per month, depending on lifestyle.
Several factors influence these expenses: housing demand, utilities in Florida’s hot climate, transportation choices, food costs, healthcare, leisure activities, and university-related expenses. Knowing these numbers upfront helps you plan smarter, avoid overspending, and enjoy everything Orlando has to offer without financial stress.
Average Cost of Living in Orlando, Florida
The average cost of living in Orlando Florida, is about 2–3% higher than the U.S. national average, with a cost of living index of 102.3 compared to the United States baseline of 100. While student housing in Orlando and healthcare costs are lower, slightly higher expenses for groceries and utilities balance it out, keeping the average living cost in Orlando FL, moderate and manageable for students and professionals.
| Category | Orlando Cost (Est.) | Comparison to National Avg. |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed apartment) | ~$1,380–$1,840 | ~11% lower |
| Groceries | ~$300–$400 | 1–5% higher |
| Utilities | ~$150–$250 | 2–6% higher |
| Healthcare | ~$150–$300 | 6–8% lower |
| Transportation | ~$50 (bus pass) / ~$150 gas & misc. | ~3% lower |
| Goods & Services | ~$200–$250 | About the same |
Cost of Living in Orlando, FL: Rent & Housing Costs
Housing is the single biggest factor in the cost of living in Orlando, and it’s important to plan ahead. Recent data shows that the Orlando cost of living rent averages around $1,380–$1,600 per month for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center, while apartments in Downtown Orlando can cost $1,800–$1,950 per month. For students, shared housing is a much more budget-friendly option, typically ranging from $700–$1,000 per month. This makes a big difference in keeping the overall cost of living in Orlando manageable.
| Housing Type/Area | Average Monthly Rent | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Bed Apartment (City Center) | ~$1,800–$1,950 | Premium rent due to central location |
| 1-Bed Apartment (Outside Center) | ~$1,380–$1,600 | Affordable, popular with students |
| Shared Apartment/Room | ~$700–$1,000 | Cost-effective option for students |
| 3-Bed Apartment (Family) | ~$2,400–$2,800 | Suitable for families/groups |
| Median Home Price | ~$441,000 | Average home price in Orlando |
Tip: If you’re moving to Orlando as a student, consider sharing an apartment through amber. By booking with amber, you can find verified student housing near UCF, Valencia College, or Rollins College, which helps lower rent, split utility costs, and keeps you closer to campus life.
Cost of Living in Orlando, FL: Rent by Neighborhood
When looking at the cost of living in Orlando Florida, one of the biggest factors is which neighborhood you choose. The cost to live in Orlando Florida can vary quite a bit depending on whether you stay close to Downtown, near the universities, or in suburban areas.
1. Downtown Orlando: Living in the heart of the city comes with premium pricing. A one-bedroom apartment here can run between $1,800 and $1,950 per month, thanks to its proximity to jobs, nightlife, and cultural spots.
2. Lake Eola Heights & Thornton Park: Popular with young professionals, these trendy neighborhoods offer apartments averaging around $1,700–$1,900 per month, slightly less than Downtown but still on the higher end.
3. Winter Park: Known for its beautiful streets and Rollins College, Winter Park apartments usually range from $1,500–$1,800 per month, offering a balance of charm and convenience. It is one of the safest areas in Orlando.
4. UCF Area (East Orlando): Students at the University of Central Florida often find housing here. Rent for shared apartments can drop to $700–$1,000 per month, while one-bedrooms cost around $1,400–$1,600.
5. Kissimmee & Altamonte Springs: These suburban areas are more affordable, with one-bedroom apartments typically between $1,200 and $1,500 per month, making them popular for students and families looking to cut costs.
Overall, the neighborhood you pick directly impacts the cost of living in Orlando Florida, with Downtown rents nearly 30–40% higher than suburban or student-centric areas.
How to Find Cheap Apartments for Rent in Orlando, FL?
Finding budget-friendly student apartments in Orlando is one of the biggest challenges in managing the cost of living in Orlando. Students can save by choosing shared apartments, staying near university bus routes, and comparing options online. With amber, you get access to budget-friendly yet best accommodations across Orlando, close to UCF, Valencia College, and Rollins College, making it easier to balance affordability with comfort. Rent starts from $700/month:
1. Campus Crossings On Alafaya
2. UnionWest At Creative Village
3. The Quad
5. The Verge
Cost of Living in Orlando, FL: Utilities Cost
When adding up your living expenses in Orlando Florida, utilities make a meaningful difference. The average monthly cost of basic utilities, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage, ranges from $150 to $250. The Internet adds another $60–$70. Overall, utilities in Orlando tend to be 2–6% higher than the national average, largely due to Florida’s hot climate and year-round AC usage.
| Utility Category | Average Monthly Cost | Comparison to National Avg. |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity, Heating & Cooling | ~$120–$180 | 4–6% higher |
| Water & Garbage | ~$30–$50 | About the same |
| Internet (60 Mbps+) | ~$60–$70 | Slightly higher |
| Total Utilities | ~$150–$250 | 2–6% higher overall |
Tip: To keep your Orlando living expenses predictable, look for student housing on amber where utilities are either included in rent or shared with roommates, helping you save money and avoid surprise bills.
Cost of Living in Orlando, FL: Transportation Costs
Transportation adds an important layer to the Orlando price of living. A monthly LYNX bus pass costs around $50–$55, making it a budget-friendly choice for students. For students, the price of living in Orlando Florida, can be reduced further through university transport perks. UCF and Valencia College often provide free or discounted LYNX passes, while Rollins College in Winter Park is also well-connected.
| Mode of Transport | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| LYNX Bus Pass | ~$50–$55 | Discounts/free passes at UCF & Valencia |
| SunRail (Commuter Train) | ~$70–$85 | Limited routes |
| Gasoline (per gallon) | ~$3.18–$3.20 | Comparable to US average |
| Uber/Lyft (occasional) | ~$80–$150 | Depends on frequency |
| Student Commute | 25–50 mins | UCF: 40–50 mins, Rollins: ~25 mins |
Tip: To cut down on the price of living in Orlando Florida, students should check if their university offers discounted or free LYNX passes. Booking housing through amber near campus or along direct bus routes also reduces both commute time and transport costs.
Cost of Living in Orlando, FL: Food & Grocery Expenses
Food makes up a steady part of the average cost of living in Orlando. Groceries cost around $300–$400 per month, slightly above the U.S. average, while eating out can add to monthly budgets quickly. For students, planning meals and taking advantage of discounts is key to managing the cost of living in Orlando.
| Category | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Monthly Groceries (per person) | ~$300–$400 |
| Milk (1 gallon) | ~$4.30 |
| Bread (1 loaf) | ~$3.00 |
| Rice (1 kg) | ~$4.10 |
| Eggs (dozen) | ~$3.50 |
| Chicken (1 lb) | ~$5.00 |
| Apples (1 kg) | ~$5.20 |
| Bananas (1 kg) | ~$1.70 |
| Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant | ~$15–$20 |
| Mid-Range Restaurant (for 2) | ~$60–$70 |
| Coffee (regular) | ~$4.50 |
| Fast Food Combo | ~$9–$11 |
Tip: To keep the average cost of living in Orlando manageable, students can cut grocery bills by shopping at Aldi, Walmart, or student co-ops, and booking amber-listed housing with shared kitchens to cook meals at home instead of eating out.
Cost of Living in Orlando, FL: Entertainment & Leisure Costs
Entertainment contributes around $150–$250 per month to the average living cost in Orlando FL, depending on lifestyle. Theme parks like Disney and Universal can cost $120–$160 per ticket, while a typical movie night is about $12–$15. These numbers show how leisure choices quickly add up and shape the overall cost of living in Orlando.
| Activity/Category | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Theme Park Tickets | ~$120–$160 |
| Movie Ticket | ~$12–$15 |
| Streaming Subscription | ~$15/month |
| Gym Membership | ~$35–$60 |
| Night Out | ~$30–$50 |
| Mid-Range Restaurant (for 2) | ~$60–$70 |
| Sports Events | ~$25–$40 |
| Outdoor Activities | ~$20–$30 |
Tip: To manage the cost of living in Orlando, students can use free or low-cost options like university gyms, movie nights with student discounts, or community events at Lake Eola Park instead of relying on pricey theme parks every weekend.
Cost of Living in Orlando, FL: Health Insurance Costs
Health insurance is a key part of the cost of living in Orlando. For students, plans average $150–$300 per month, while individual adult coverage is around $400–$600. Family plans can exceed $1,200 per month, though healthcare overall is about 6–8% cheaper than the U.S. average, slightly lowering the cost to live in Orlando Florida.
| Category | Estimated Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Student Health Insurance | ~$150–$300 |
| Individual Plan (Adult) | ~$400–$600 |
| Family Plan | ~$1,200–$1,800 |
| University Health Services | ~$100–$200 |
| Out-of-Pocket Costs | ~$20–$40 per visit |
Tip: Students can save on healthcare by choosing university-sponsored plans, which are often cheaper and tailored to campus needs, helping keep the cost of living in Orlando more affordable.
Cost of Living in Orlando, FL: Miscellaneous Expenses
Beyond essentials like rent, groceries, and transport, students should also account for everyday extras that add to living expenses in Orlando Florida. These can include clothing, personal care, phone bills, and study materials. On average, such costs range from $100–$250 per month, depending on lifestyle. Factoring these into your budget ensures a realistic picture of total Orlando living expenses.
| Category | Estimated Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Mobile Phone Plan | ~$40–$70 |
| Clothing & Shoes | ~$50–$100 |
| Personal Care | ~$30–$60 |
| Study Materials/Books | ~$50–$100 |
| Subscriptions | ~$20–$40 |
| Miscellaneous Spending | ~$30–$60 |
Tip: Using student discounts and bundled phone or subscription plans can free up money for other priorities.
Cost of Living in Orlando, FL: Comparison with Other Cities in Florida
According to recent indexes, the cost of living in Orlando Florida scores around 102.3, slightly above the U.S. baseline of 100. This makes Orlando more affordable than Miami, where the index averages 118–120, but pricier than Tampa (95–97) or Jacksonville (92–94).
| City | Cost of Living Index* | Avg. Rent (1-BR Apartment) |
|---|---|---|
| Orlando | ~102.3 | ~$1,380–$1,600 |
| Miami | ~118–120 | ~$1,900–$2,200 |
| Tampa | ~95–97 | ~$1,250–$1,450 |
| Jacksonville | ~92–94 | ~$1,100–$1,300 |
| Tallahassee | ~90–92 | ~$1,000–$1,200 |
| Gainesville | ~91–93 | ~$1,050–$1,250 |
In the end, the average cost of living in Orlando per month sits between $1,800 and $2,500, giving students and professionals room to enjoy the city without breaking the bank. From affordable shared housing to budget-friendly groceries, it’s possible to strike the right balance if you plan smart. With the cost of living index Orlando FL, at around 102.3, the city offers just the right mix, slightly above the national average but far more manageable than Miami. Add in great universities, strong student communities, and plenty of leisure options, and Orlando proves itself as a city where studying and living go hand in hand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it expensive to live in Orlando?
The cost of living in Orlando is only slightly above the U.S. average, with a cost of living index of about 102.3. Rent and utilities are the biggest expenses, but overall, Orlando is more affordable than Miami and still manageable for students and young professionals.
What salary do you need to live in Orlando?
To live comfortably, a salary of around $55,000–$60,000 per year is recommended for a single person. Students or those sharing housing can manage with less, closer to $40,000–$45,000 annually.
How much is a gallon of milk in Orlando?
A gallon of milk costs about $4.30 in Orlando, slightly higher than the national average.
What is the cost of living in Florida per month?
The average cost of living in Florida per month ranges from $1,700 to $2,500, depending on the city. Orlando falls in the middle of this range, while Miami is on the higher end and Tallahassee is on the lower.
Can you live comfortably on $50,000 a year in Florida?
Yes, in many Florida cities you can. In Orlando, it’s possible if you live modestly, choosing shared housing, using public transport, and budgeting for food and leisure. In lower-cost cities like Jacksonville or Tallahassee, $50,000 goes even further.
What is the cheapest place to live in Florida?
Some of the cheapest places to live in Florida include Jacksonville, Tallahassee, and Gainesville, where housing costs are significantly lower than in Orlando or Miami.