The cost of living in Orlando, Florida, is 5% lower than the US average. Compared to many other large metropolitan areas in the United States, Orlando is an attractive place to live. The city is located in central Florida and has over 250,000 people, and is expanding. It is only natural that selling your house in Orlando would attract hordes of newcomers each year on account of its inexpensive amenities.
Continue reading to delve into our breakdown of the cost of living in Orlando.
Real Estate
Orlando real estate is super affordable, and anyone looking to buy a house will be, please. The average home listing price in Orlando is $245,000, with an estimated cost of $147 per square foot. This makes the average home in the city to be 7% lower than the national average. Newcomers should be mindful, though, that house prices have risen gradually (albeit slightly) over the years.
The housing market in Orlando is now a seller’s market, which means is a higher demand than there are properties for purchase. Between 2013 and 2017, the average rent in the United States was $1,091/mo. Although rent in Orlando is not exorbitant, it is 10% higher than the US average. A modern one-bedroom apartment in a recent, luxury apartment building would cost about $1,100/mo.
Transportation
The average price of standard unleaded gas in Orlando is $2.57 per gallon. The US average is $2.60 per gallon, so this is right on par. Although gas isn’t outrageous in Orlando, it isn’t particularly cheap either. The Orlando Sentinel reports the average commute in the area is 25.6 minutes.
Many locals choose to ride the bus or shuttle provided by LYNX, Orlando’s public transportation company, rather than driving. This public transportation system serves a total area of more than 2,500 square miles, with 61 bus routes and shuttle services to special events. For $2.25, riders can buy an all-day fixed-route card. LYMMO, a free bus rapid transit facility in downtown Orlando, is also available to locals.
Jobs
WalletHub reports Orlando to be the third-best location in the United States to find work. This is partly due to the numerous employment opportunities in the city’s metro area. According to WFTV9, Walt Disney World is the city’s largest employer, with over 53,000 workers. The corporation employs many Orlando residents in a variety of sectors, including hospitality, manufacturing, tourism, and construction.
Orange County Public Schools, Adventist Health System, the State of Florida Government, Florida Hospital, Publix Supermarkets, and Universal Studios are among the city’s most major employers.
Utilities
Utilities cost 11% lower than the US median.
- Energy: $186.74
- Phone: $198.44
- Gas: $2.45
Food
The cost of food in Orlando, Florida, is 2% higher than the national average, which is reasonable. A loaf of bread is priced at $3.40, a gallon of milk is $1.98, and a hamburger on average costs $4.88.