Cost of living is a big deal when deciding where to live. It affects what you spend on rent, food, gas, and just about everything else. Orlando stands out because it is cheaper than a lot of big cities, but it still has plenty to offer. The warm weather, good jobs, and fun things to do make it a great choice for many people.
Living in Orlando means you get more for your money. Rent is not sky-high, groceries are affordable, and you can enjoy a good life without breaking the bank. Comparing it to other cities shows how much easier it is to live here, which is why so many people are moving to Orlando.
Key Insights
| City | Cost of Living Index | Rent Index | Groceries Index | Restaurant Price Index | Local Purchasing Power Index |
| Orlando, FL | 64.6 | 45.2 | 72.2 | 73.3 | 141.1 |
| Baltimore, MD | 65.8 | 41.5 | 76.0 | 67.9 | 133.7 |
| New York, NY | 100.0 | 100.0 | 100.0 | 100.0 | 100.0 |
| San Francisco, CA | 90.5 | 78.0 | 103.6 | 90.3 | 156.6 |
| Honolulu, HI | 86.9 | 57.4 | 105.1 | 81.7 | 103.5 |
| Boston, MA | 83.7 | 75.2 | 92.3 | 90.4 | 127.3 |
| Seattle, WA | 78.9 | 58.1 | 88.1 | 80.6 | 172.9 |
| Washington, DC | 78.7 | 66.9 | 83.3 | 85.3 | 144.5 |
| Las Vegas, NV | 64.5 | 38.3 | 65.3 | 73.6 | 142.9 |
Orlando, FL
| Category | Value |
| Cost of Living Index | 64.6 |
| Rent Index | 45.2 |
| Groceries Index | 72.2 |
| Restaurant Price Index | 73.3 |
| Local Purchasing Power | 141.1 |
Orlando gives you the chance to live well without burning through your paycheck. The cost of living here is lower than in most big cities, so your money stretches further.
Rent is affordable, groceries are not overpriced, and you can enjoy dining out or fun activities without feeling guilty about it later.
What Makes Orlando Stand Out?
The warm weather and endless attractions make Orlando a special place. You are close to theme parks like Disney and Universal, but there is more to the city than that.
Jobs in tourism, tech, and healthcare are growing, and the local vibe is friendly. Orlando lets you enjoy a good lifestyle without emptying your wallet.
Baltimore, MD
| Category | Value |
| Cost of Living Index | 65.8 |
| Rent Index | 41.5 |
| Groceries Index | 76.0 |
| Restaurant Price Index | 67.9 |
| Local Purchasing Power | 133.7 |
Baltimore offers a lower cost of living compared to many East Coast cities. Rent here is much cheaper than in places like New York or Washington, DC, so finding a decent place to live will not be a struggle.
Food and entertainment are also easier on the wallet, making it a good spot for those looking to save without giving up city life.
What Makes Baltimore a Solid Choice?
Baltimore blends history and modern living. The Inner Harbor is a popular spot for locals and tourists, and there are plenty of job opportunities in industries like healthcare, education, and technology.
Many homes in the city focus on quality construction and energy efficiency, which means you save on utility bills while enjoying a comfortable and durable living space.
New York, NY
| Category | Value |
| Cost of Living Index | 100.0 |
| Rent Index | 100.0 |
| Groceries Index | 100.0 |
| Restaurant Price Index | 100.0 |
| Local Purchasing Power | 100.0 |
New York City is exciting but comes with a hefty price tag. Rent is the highest in the country, and basic needs like groceries and dining out cost a lot more than in smaller cities. For many, the high salaries in the city balance out the expenses, but for others, living here means budgeting every dollar carefully.
Why People Still Choose New York
Despite the high costs, New York offers endless opportunities. It is the hub for business, arts, and entertainment, and every neighborhood has something unique.
San Francisco, CA
| Category | Value |
| Cost of Living Index | 90.5 |
| Rent Index | 78.0 |
| Groceries Index | 103.6 |
| Restaurant Price Index | 90.3 |
| Local Purchasing Power | 156.6 |
San Francisco is one of the priciest cities in the United States. Rent eats up a large chunk of most people’s income, and groceries and restaurants are not far behind.
Despite the costs, many people flock to the city for its booming tech industry and high-paying jobs.
What Makes San Francisco Worth It?
The city offers more than just Silicon Valley perks. San Francisco’s beauty, culture, and climate make it a magnet for residents and visitors alike.
Honolulu, HI
| Category | Value |
| Cost of Living Index | 86.9 |
| Rent Index | 57.4 |
| Groceries Index | 105.1 |
| Restaurant Price Index | 81.7 |
| Local Purchasing Power | 103.5 |
Honolulu offers stunning beaches and a laid-back lifestyle, but it is not cheap. Groceries and everyday items cost more due to Hawaii’s remote location.
Rent is also higher than in many mainland cities, though it is still less expensive than San Francisco or New York.
Why Honolulu Feels Like Home
Living in Honolulu is about more than the cost. The natural beauty, warm community, and outdoor activities make it a dream for many.
Homes here often focus on quality construction to handle the tropical climate, with many also incorporating energy efficiency to keep utility bills reasonable.
Boston, MA
| Category | Value |
| Cost of Living Index | 83.7 |
| Rent Index | 75.2 |
| Groceries Index | 92.3 |
| Restaurant Price Index | 90.4 |
| Local Purchasing Power | 127.3 |
Boston combines old-world charm with a fast-paced modern economy, but living here does not come cheap. Rent and dining out are some of the biggest expenses, and groceries are above average.
However, the city offers good public transit and high-paying jobs in industries like healthcare and education.
Seattle, WA
| Category | Value |
| Cost of Living Index | 78.9 |
| Rent Index | 58.1 |
| Groceries Index | 88.1 |
| Restaurant Price Index | 80.6 |
| Local Purchasing Power | 172.9 |
Seattle is known for its tech-driven economy and great quality of life, but it is not the cheapest place to live. Rent is high, and dining out can quickly add up. Groceries are slightly above average, though the strong job market often makes up for the higher costs.
Washington, DC
| Category | Value |
| Cost of Living Index | 78.7 |
| Rent Index | 66.9 |
| Groceries Index | 83.3 |
| Restaurant Price Index | 85.3 |
| Local Purchasing Power | 144.5 |
Washington, DC, is a hub for politics and culture, but it comes with a price. Rent is high, and dining out can take a big chunk out of your budget.
Groceries and transportation are also more expensive than the national average, but the area offers plenty of high-paying jobs to balance things out.
Las Vegas, NV
| Category | Value |
| Cost of Living Index | 64.5 |
| Rent Index | 38.3 |
| Groceries Index | 65.3 |
| Restaurant Price Index | 73.6 |
| Local Purchasing Power | 142.9 |
Las Vegas might be famous for its casinos, but it is also one of the more affordable cities on this list.
Rent is low compared to many large cities, and groceries and dining are reasonably priced. The city also offers a variety of jobs, especially in entertainment and hospitality.
FAQs
What is the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Orlando?
The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Orlando is $1,500 per month.
How much do groceries typically cost in Orlando?
Groceries in Orlando have an index of 72.2, which translates to roughly $350 to $400 per month for a single person.
What is the average utility cost for a household in Orlando?
Utility bills in Orlando, covering electricity, water, and garbage, average $160 per month.
How much does public transportation cost in Orlando?
A monthly bus pass in Orlando costs $50, offering an affordable option for local travel.
The Bottom Line
Orlando offers a lower cost of living compared to many major cities in the United States. Affordable rent, reasonable utility costs, and accessible dining make it a top choice for those looking to live comfortably without spending excessively.
