Orlando isn’t just sunshine and theme park thrills; it’s a city where everyday life meets affordability and lifestyle perks. From family-friendly neighborhoods to a booming economy, Orlando offers a compelling mix for new homebuyers. But for anyone considering a move, the cost of living in Orlando, Florida, is still important to know. Craft Homes, a trusted Orlando builder, understands that choosing a home means balancing lifestyle dreams with smart budgeting.
We’ll explore why the cost of living in Orlando makes sense, break down what monthly expenses look like, and show how owning a Craft home in communities like Laureate Park at Lake Nona and Weslyn Park at Sunbridge brings real value. Let’s dive in!
When comparing cities, Orlando’s cost of living consistently ranks just below or right at the national average. Apartments.com data shows Orlando’s cost of living is about 4.5% lower than the national average, with housing 11.2% less expensive, utilities about 2.3% higher, groceries around 4.8% more, and transportation slightly below average.
Without a state income tax, Florida residents get a financial break year after year. That makes the cost of living Orlando, FL more manageable, especially for first-time homeowners. You get sunshine, career opportunities, and zero state taxes, all balanced beautifully with affordability.
The biggest expense? Housing. As of mid-2025, the median home price in Orlando hovers around the mid-$400s, with median rents near $1,834/month, according to RentCafe.
Buying a new home can be smarter than renting:
Apartment rent ranges from $1,600–$2,300, depending on size and location, but with the help of loan programs, the right down payment, and other factors, many pay about the same in mortgage as renting per month. Long term, investing in a Craft home in Orlando communities means stability and smart financial planning.
Groceries are about 4.8–5% higher than the national average. A basic shopping bill is around $350–$400/month for one person. Dining out? Casual meals run $15–$17, mid-range dinners for two average $60. Balancing home cooking with restaurant dates keeps food costs in check.
Gas currently runs about $3.30–$3.34/gallon. Orlando’s public transport—which includes Lynx buses, the SunRail commuter train, and growing ride-share options—means transit costs are about 1–2% lower than U.S. averages.
Plus, proximity to major roads and Orlando International Airport makes commuting or traveling easy.
Expect average monthly utilities, including electricity, water, and gas, to be around $213–$217. Internet for 60 Mbps runs roughly $97/month. Telecom costs in Orlando generally match up to national averages.
Healthcare costs are a major plus because Orlando residents pay about 12% less for healthcare and 11% less for routine visits compared to the national average. Doctor visits ($124), dentist ($104), and optometry (~$97) remain relatively low as well.
Additionally, considering Orlando’s excellent local hospitals and walk‑to‑care options, it’s a big perk for families and health-conscious buyers.
Orlando shines when it comes to entertainment and lifestyle. There are lots of parks, lakes, trails, and yes, theme parks! Movie tickets cost around $14–$17. Gym memberships, cultural festivals, and local events mean fun doesn’t have to break the bank. Frequent discounts for residents at parks and local museums sweeten the deal, too.
Thanks to no state income tax, Florida residents can keep more earnings. Sales tax sits at about 6.5%, and property tax averages near 0.8%. A living wage in Orlando is around $58,000/year for a single adult to be comfortable. With a median household income near $69,000, many residents can work and live comfortably, with wiggle room for buying a new home.
Craft Homes offers beautiful new homes in growing neighborhoods like Laureate Park at Lake Nona and Weslyn Park at Sunbridge.
Nestled in the heart of Orlando’s innovation district, Laureate Park at Lake Nona offers the ultimate lifestyle. This vibrant neighborhood provides community-wide high-speed 5G connectivity, futuristic design, and close proximity to Lake Nona Town Center and Boxi Park, where trendy dining, shopping, and events await. Residents enjoy nearly 1,000 community events annually—from outdoor yoga and live music to seasonal festivals—a testament to its strong sense of belonging. Homebuyers can choose from a variety of floorplans like the elegant Thatcher, spacious Mercer, or versatile Weaver, many with optional garage apartments or courtyards, perfect for multigenerational living or rental income.
Just south of Orlando, Weslyn Park at Sunbridge delivers a harmonious blend of nature and thoughtful design within the master-planned Sunbridge community. Every home features James Hardie® siding, 4.25 kW rooftop solar, and native landscaping, underscoring sustainability as a core value. Families can enjoy amenities like Acorn Park (complete with pool and playground), a community garden, scenic trails, and a planned resort-style amenity center with a kayaking dock, fitness center, and restaurant. Floorplans range from cozy townhomes to spacious single-family homes like the Penta, which features a first-floor casita perfect for guests. We have many offerings for every budget and preference here.
Orlando blends affordability, sunshine, and fun! And Craft Homes makes it easy to tap into that lifestyle. With communities like Laureate Park and Weslyn Park, you’ll enjoy designer touches, energy efficiency, and quality construction, along with access to vibrant neighborhoods, local perks, and a future-proof investment that’s smart both financially and emotionally.
If you're ready to explore the cost of living, Orlando, FL, homeownership, and community-living benefits, contact the Craft Homes team. Schedule a tour, explore floorplans on the website, or visit Laureate Park or Weslyn Park in person.
Make your next move count—discover what it feels like to live well in Orlando with Craft Homes.
