Dallas vs Orlando: cost of living compared
Orlando is about the same as Dallas overall. Neither TX nor FL has a state income tax.
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 Dallas and Orlando reveals a roughly similar overall cost of living. While the general expenses are quite comparable, key differences emerge when looking at specific categories. Housing costs are the primary driver of variation, with Orlando generally being more expensive for shelter. Other daily expenses like utilities also show some divergence, but the overall picture suggests that a household budget might stretch similarly in either metropolitan area.
Housing
Housing costs present a noticeable difference between the two metros. While median home prices are similar, Orlando's median rent for a one-bedroom apartment is higher than in Dallas. Homeownership in Florida also comes with considerations such as potentially higher homeowners insurance premiums, the need for flood insurance, and common community association or special district fees. Property taxes in Florida also reset to market value upon sale, which can impact a new owner's monthly housing expense.
Taxes and everyday costs
When it comes to everyday expenses, both states benefit from no state income tax. Transportation costs are roughly similar in both cities, as is the average commute time. Food expenses are also comparable. However, healthcare costs are somewhat lower in Orlando, while utilities are generally more expensive there. Miscellaneous goods and services are a bit more affordable in Orlando, balancing out some of the other differences in daily spending.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Beyond costs, lifestyle differences are notable. Dallas offers a drier, more inland climate, while Orlando is known for its humid, subtropical weather and proximity to the coast. Both metros are sprawling urban centers, but Orlando's character is heavily influenced by its major attractions. Getting around in both cities largely relies on personal vehicles, with similar average commute times. Orlando experiences a distinct hurricane season through summer and fall, a weather consideration not as prominent in Dallas.
Bottom line
Moving between Dallas and Orlando means a household budget will likely see shifts in specific categories rather than a dramatic overall change. While housing, particularly renting, tends to be pricier in Orlando, and utilities are somewhat higher, these are partially offset by lower healthcare costs and similar expenses for food and transportation. The absence of state income tax in both states is a consistent benefit, allowing residents to retain more of their earnings.
| Measure | Dallas, TX | Orlando, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 105 | 105 |
| Housing index | 99 | 104 |
| Transportation index | 104 | 104 |
| Food index | 98 | 98 |
| Healthcare index | 102 | 98 |
| Utilities index | 105 | 108 |
| Misc index | 98 | 92 |
| Median home price | $358,000 | $358,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,450/mo | $1,650/mo |
| Average commute | 29 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.