Your Complete Guide to Living in Orlando

Decided to pick up and move to Orlando? Then you can look forward to great weather, a thriving job market, excellent real estate, and more than enough recreational activities to last you a lifetime — just to name a few perks! 

Planning a move to Orlando? Start by getting a quote from PODS.

Keep reading to learn more about what living in Orlando is like and why the city is a great destination for families and young professionals (not just snowbirds and retirees!). And if you haven’t already, be sure to also check out our guide to Moving to Orlando, FL.

Orlando at a Glance

• Living in Orlando means great weather year-round. If you’re fleeing the snow, you’ll be happy to learn that the average low during the coldest month of the year (January) is a balmy 52°F.
• While the city is famous for its tourism and hospitality industries, many of Orlando’s citizens work in other fields. The job market offers many opportunities in bio tech, aerospace, education, health services, and more.
• Despite Florida’s reputation as a retirement destination, the median age in Orlando is just above 34 (one of the youngest in the state), meaning it’s a place for young professionals and families more than retirees.
• You’ll never be bored in a city that’s home to some of the best theme parks in the world.
• It offers just the right mix of urban and suburban lifestyles.
• The restaurant scene is constantly growing and offers options that will impress even the pickiest taste buds!
• The real estate market — as of December 2023 — is a seller’s market, as is the case in many cities country-wide.

Pros and Cons of Living in Orlando

• Pro: Orlando has a cost of living that’s 6 percent above the national average, but it’s lower than several other major Florida cities, such as Miami and Fort Lauderdale.
• Con: It’s a seller’s market, which results in a more competitive rental market — the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is about $1,900.
• Pro: Florida is one of nine U.S. states with no income tax, plus the state sales tax is just 6 percent.
• Con: The humid subtropical climate can come with rainstorms and a high risk of hurricanes.
• Pro: Orlando offers almost every recreational activity under the sun (and the weather is sunny, indeed), from a thriving arts scene and theme parks to shopping and fine dining.

Q: Is Orlando a good place to live? A: Living in Orlando has proven to be a great experience for many types of people. Retirees love the area, but its growing tech sectors and booming population also make it a great hub for young professionals and families looking for quality education, a thriving economy, and plenty of year-round entertainment.

1. The Housing Market Is Good for Sellers, But It’s Not Too Daunting for Buyers.

What is it like to live in Orlando, Florida, from a home-buying perspective? The housing market is still within reach of buyers, and while it’s definitely not a cheap city — with an average home value around $373,200 — it’s still more affordable than some other large Florida cities like Tampa and Miami. 

Prefer a more relaxed environment and better property prices than the city proper? Consider the lovely Orlando-area suburbs — with such great access, you won’t really feel too removed from the city. 

Insider Tip: If you’re thinking about buying real estate in Orlando, make sure you know how much house you can afford before diving into the listings.

On the flip side, for renters, things aren’t so rosy. A seller’s market translates to more renters to compete with and higher rents (like in most cities). The average monthly rent is around $1,900, and the average apartment size is 964 square feet.

Q: Is rent expensive in Orlando? A: The average monthly rent for an apartment in Orlando, Florida, is about $1,900, according to RentCafe, and that’s for a 964-square-foot apartment, on average. Of course, apartments range in price — about half of Orlando apartments cost between $1,500 to $2,000 to rent per month.

(Source: E Mens via Unsplash)

2. You’ll Love These Orlando Neighborhoods.

If you’re considering living in Orlando, FL, here’s a starting spot for your “Orlando best neighborhoods” search (but be sure to check out our full guide to the best Orlando neighborhoods).

College Park

For those who love lots of things to do and being in the middle of all the action, College Park is a great area near downtown full of small businesses and award-winning restaurants. The area is also home to one of Orlando’s top public golf clubs — along with plenty of other green areas and city parks.

Mills 50

If you prefer up-and-coming neighborhoods, Mills 50 is already blooming, with a thriving art community and new restaurants and yoga studios opening all the time. 

Lake Eola Heights Historic District

For the history buffs who like to travel in time while strolling down the street, the Lake Eola Heights Historic District showcases a variety of architecture, from Mediterranean Revival to Art Deco.

Parramore

For authentic food and affordable housing, look no further than Parramore. This historical neighborhood offers colorful street art, a close-knit community, and diverse culture. Be sure to check out the Wells’ Built Museum of African American History & Culture. 

Sanford

If suburban life is more your style, Sanford is not too far and has been touted as one of the best places to live in the state.

Insider Tip: Already own a home in Orlando and planning to switch neighborhoods? Check out these Orlando realtor secrets for buying and selling your home

3. Orlando Has a Major Perk When it Comes to Cost of Living.

Is it expensive to live in Orlando? Well, that depends on where you’ve lived before. The cost of living in Orlando is generally higher than other cities in the state; however, it’s cheaper than many other major cities around the country, and it’s still more affordable than other popular locations in Florida, such as Miami or Fort Lauderdale. If you’re moving to Orlando from a smaller town or city, expect to pay more in food, housing, and transportation costs. 

One cost of living aspect in Orlando’s favor? Taxes. In fact, Florida state income taxes just aren’t a thing. There’s also no inheritance tax. In addition to that, the city has a relatively low sales tax rate of 6 percent, meaning more money stays in your pocket instead of going into Uncle Sam’s.

Q: How much money do you need to live in Orlando, Florida? A: The cost of living in Orlando is lower than many major U.S. cities — but higher than some other Florida cities, and 6 percent above the national average. So how much money do you need? The required annual income before taxes, according to the MIT Living Wage Calculator, for an adult with no children is about $39,000. For an adult with three children, that number goes up to just over $127,000.

If you’re a numbers person, here a quick look at how life in Orlando stacks up to the cost of living in some other major Florida cities.

Orlando Costs of Living

• Orlando cost of living: 6 percent above national average
• Orlando average monthly rent: $1,900
• Orlando average home value: $373,200

Living in Orlando vs Tampa

• Tampa cost of living: 4.2 percent above national average
• Tampa average monthly rent: $1,925
• Tampa average home value: $377,800

Living in Orlando vs Miami

• Miami cost of living: 18.9 percent above national average
• Miami average monthly rent: $2,450
• Miami average home value: $554,300

(Source: Anastasia Shuraeva via Pexels)

4. There Are Great Schools in Orlando.

Life in Orlando means access to top-rated public and private school options — great for families looking for the best educational opportunities for their kids. 

Also, if your kids are older or you want to continue your studies, the city is home to the second-largest university in the country, the University of Central Florida, as well as many public and private colleges and universities, such as Rollins College, Full Sail University, and Valencia College.

5. Orlando Weather Won’t Make You S.A.D.

Orlando’s weather is often one of the main deciding factors people mention when they move to the area.

While hurricanes are a serious and logical concern for many, the weather is just lovely down here most of the year. Even when it gets cold, the cold is much less severe than in most other states, with an average low of 52°F (and a high of 71°F) during the coldest month. 

The tropical weather does come with rain, but the rain is usually fleeting, so it won’t ruin your whole day. In fact, rain is often a welcome reprieve from the bright afternoon sun, so you’ll probably find it refreshing and actually enjoyable!