Cleveland vs Orlando: cost of living compared
Orlando is 28% more expensive than Cleveland overall. Orlando (FL) has no state income tax; OH tops out around 3.5%.
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
Comparing Cleveland and Orlando reveals a substantial difference in overall cost of living. Cleveland is noticeably more affordable across the board, primarily driven by its significantly lower housing costs. While other daily expenses like food and utilities also contribute to Cleveland's affordability, housing creates the largest gap, making it a key factor for anyone considering a move between these two areas.
Housing
Housing in Cleveland, whether buying or renting, is considerably more affordable than in Orlando. Median home prices and typical rents are much lower in Cleveland. In Orlando, beyond the higher purchase price, new homeowners might encounter additional costs such as homeowners association or community development district fees, and property taxes reset to market value upon sale. Homeowners insurance in Florida can also be a more substantial expense.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses for transportation, food, healthcare, and utilities are generally higher in Orlando compared to Cleveland. While Florida does not have a state income tax, which is a notable saving compared to Ohio, this advantage is often offset by the higher costs for most other categories of everyday spending. Commute times are roughly similar in both metros, but transportation costs are higher in Orlando.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Beyond costs, a move from Cleveland to Orlando means a significant climate shift, from four distinct seasons to a subtropical environment with warm, humid summers and mild winters. Orlando's landscape often features newer, master-planned communities, while Cleveland has a mix of older and newer housing stock. Orlando's hurricane season, running through summer and fall, presents a different set of weather considerations, including potential flood insurance needs.
Bottom line
Moving from Cleveland to Orlando generally means a higher household budget, largely due to the substantial difference in housing expenses. While the absence of state income tax in Florida offers some relief, it typically does not fully compensate for the increased costs in housing, transportation, and utilities. A careful review of all expenses is essential to understand the full financial impact of relocating between these two distinct metros.
| Measure | Cleveland, OH | Orlando, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 82 | 105 |
| Housing index | 57 | 104 |
| Transportation index | 91 | 104 |
| Food index | 90 | 98 |
| Healthcare index | 92 | 98 |
| Utilities index | 98 | 108 |
| Misc index | 82 | 92 |
| Median home price | $188,000 | $358,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $950/mo | $1,650/mo |
| Average commute | 26 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.