Chicago vs Orlando: cost of living compared
Orlando is 11% cheaper than Chicago overall. Orlando (FL) has no state income tax; IL tops out around 4.95%.
Indexes use a US average of 100: below 100 is cheaper than the national average. Housing and transportation are derived from median home prices, rents and commute times; figures come from BLS, Census ACS, Numbeo and the MIT Living Wage Calculator.
The big picture
Overall, the cost of living is noticeably higher in Chicago compared to Orlando. This difference is primarily driven by significantly higher transportation costs and a generally elevated price for goods and services in Chicago. While some categories are similar or even lower in Chicago, the cumulative effect makes Orlando a more budget-friendly option for many everyday expenses.
Housing
Median home prices are higher in Orlando, while median one-bedroom rents are roughly similar in both metros. However, homeownership costs in Florida can be significantly impacted by high homeowners insurance premiums, potential flood insurance needs, and common HOA or CDD fees. Property taxes in Florida also reset to market value upon sale, which can mean a substantial increase for new owners.
Taxes and everyday costs
A major difference is Florida's lack of state income tax, which can lead to more take-home pay. Chicago has considerably higher transportation costs, but food and healthcare expenses are lower in Orlando. Utilities are slightly higher in Orlando, while miscellaneous goods and services are more affordable there, contributing to overall lower daily spending.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Chicago experiences distinct seasons with cold winters, while Orlando offers a warm, humid climate year-round. Commute times are generally shorter in Orlando. Chicago is a dense, major metropolitan hub with extensive public transit, whereas Orlando is more spread out, often requiring personal vehicles. Orlando also experiences hurricane season during warmer months.
Bottom line
Moving from Chicago to Orlando generally means a reduction in overall living expenses, largely due to the absence of state income tax and lower transportation costs. However, potential homeowners in Florida should budget for higher home prices, substantial insurance premiums, and other property-related fees. Renters might find similar monthly costs, but daily spending on goods and services is typically lower in Orlando.
| Measure | Chicago, IL | Orlando, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 118 | 105 |
| Housing index | 97 | 104 |
| Transportation index | 121 | 104 |
| Food index | 105 | 98 |
| Healthcare index | 108 | 98 |
| Utilities index | 102 | 108 |
| Misc index | 108 | 92 |
| Median home price | $318,000 | $358,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,650/mo | $1,650/mo |
| Average commute | 34 min | 29 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Orlando home with the True Cost Calculator.