Cost Of Living In Orlando Florida Per Month: Orlando, Florida, is famous for its theme parks, sun-kissed days, and active lifestyle. But beyond the palm trees and rollercoasters, there is a city with a growing cost of living. If you’re thinking of moving to Orlando or just inquiring about monthly costs, here’s a breakdown of what you can realistically expect.
Monthly Expenses Without Rent
Orlando life isn’t inexpensive, particularly when compared to cities in other countries, such as Pune, India. A four-person family in Orlando can budget approximately $4,154.60 a month, not including rent. This consists of groceries, transportation, utilities, and general leisure.
A single individual will find monthly expenses to be $1,169.70, not including rent. Though this is doable for individuals who earn a constant income, there is no room for saving without strict budgeting.
In comparison, Orlando is 180% pricier than Pune, not including housing. If we add rent to the equation the percentage is much higher.
Housing and Rent Costs
Housing is among the most substantial expenses in Orlando. Both renting and purchasing is on very high side. If you’re renting, a one-bedroom flat in the city center will cost you approximately $1,707.82 per month. Get a little out of downtown, and you’ll find slightly less expensive options at an average of $1,561.71.
For families who require extra room, a three-bedroom flat in the city center costs an average of $2,918.18 per month. In areas outside of the central ones, you’re looking at approximately $2,561.19.
In comparison to Pune, rent in Orlando is a whopping 519% more expensive. Realty prices have zoomed, and demand is still high due to ongoing population growth.
Prices of Food and Groceries
Eating out in Orlando comes with a cost. A basic meal at a low-end restaurant is around $20. And, if we talk about a two-person dinner at a medium-end restaurant then it averages around $80.
Even fast food isn’t that inexpensive. A McDonald’s combo meal is approximately $11. A regular cappuccino will be $4.95. And a bottle of Coke is roughly $2.84.
Grocery shopping isn’t cheap, either:
- Milk (1 liter): $1.13
- Bread (500g): $3.70
- Rice (1kg): $5.33
- Eggs (12): $4.62
- Chicken (1kg): $11.38
- Beef (1kg): $16.03
- Cheese (1kg): $11.25
Produce is also expensive:
- Apples (1kg): $6.21
- Tomatoes (1kg): $4.03
- Potatoes (1kg): $2.70
- Lettuce (1 head): $2.62
Grocery shopping expenses can add up fast for families, typically costing several hundred dollars a month.
Utilities and Internet
Standard utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, water, and trash for a typical apartment-sized space run about $202.42 a month. Orlando’s internet rates are higher. A typical high-speed connection (60 Mbps or better, unlimited data) runs about $79.80 a month.
Mobile phone plans are among the costliest in the world. The mean plan with calls and a minimum of 10GB of data is $69.44 per month, placing Orlando in the top 10 worldwide in this category.
Transportation and Gas
There is public transport in Orlando, but most residents use personal cars.
- One-way bus fare: $2.00
- Monthly transit pass: $50
- Taxi base fare: $2.90
- Taxi per km: $1.90
- Gasoline (1 liter): $0.87
Having a car involves significant expenses. A new Toyota Corolla is more than $25,000, and insurance and upkeep will drive monthly car costs well into the $400 range.
Child Care and Education
Having a child in Orlando includes its own cost.
- Private preschool (all-day): $1,175 a month
- Primary international school: $9,833 a year
The above prices do not account for books, uniforms, and extracurricular activities. Both parents will need to budget significantly if they have a working lifestyle and need full-time childcare.
Recreation and Lifestyle
Orlando isn’t just expensive but it’s entertaining. But even entertainment comes at a cost.
- Fitness club membership: $37.83/month
- Tennis court (1 hour): $6.12
- Cinema ticket: $15.00
Alcohol and tobacco are taxed heavily:
- Domestic beer (0.5L bottle): $2.26
- Imported beer (0.33L): $2.71
- Bottle of wine: $15.00
- Marlboro cigarettes (20-pack): $8.50
While outdoor parks are free, most paid activities require a decent budget.
Clothing and Footwear
Fashion in Orlando reflects national pricing standards:
- Jeans (Levi’s or similar): $45.25
- Summer dress (chain store): $35.71
- Running shoes (Nike): $83.79
- Men’s business shoes: $110.62
Regular shoppers can anticipate more clothing costs than in international cities.
Income versus Cost of Living In Orlando
The monthly after-tax salary in Orlando stands at $4,336.29. It is barely sufficient for an individual to live well. But for a family with one income, expenses can very easily be greater than income particularly once rent, daycare, and groceries are factored into the mix.
Florida minimum wage continues to increase. As of 2025, it’s getting close to $14/hour, with a goal of reaching $15/hour by 2026. But not all employers comply, and many employees make less than the printed average.
Final Thoughts: Is Orlando Affordable?
Orlando is gorgeous, vibrant, and full of promise but affordability is increasingly an issue. Rent, groceries, utilities, and childcare continue to rise.
For established professionals with well-paying, stable careers, Orlando is a nice way of life. But for low-income workers, retirees, or families, the city can be a money strain.
Budgeting and being aware of these expenses is critical before relocating.
