Houston vs Orlando: cost of living compared
Orlando is 7% more expensive than Houston 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
Overall, the cost of living in Houston is noticeably lower than in Orlando. This difference is primarily driven by housing expenses, which are significantly more affordable in Houston. While some everyday costs like transportation and utilities are somewhat higher in Houston, the substantial savings on housing make it the more budget-friendly option when considering a move between these two major southern cities.
Housing
Housing costs present a significant contrast. Both buying a home and renting an apartment are considerably more expensive in Orlando. While neither state has an income tax, Florida homeowners often face some of the nation's highest insurance premiums, and property taxes can reset to market value after a sale. Houston's housing market generally offers more space for the money, with a wider variety of housing types available.
Taxes and everyday costs
Neither state levies a state income tax, which is a shared advantage. For other daily expenses, food and miscellaneous goods are somewhat cheaper in Houston, while healthcare costs are roughly similar in both metros. Transportation expenses are a bit higher in Houston, and utilities are comparable. Overall, everyday spending on essentials other than housing tends to be more favorable in Houston.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Houston offers a sprawling, diverse urban environment with a humid subtropical climate and a significant emphasis on automotive transportation. Orlando also has a humid subtropical climate but is known for its major attractions and a slightly more compact feel in its core. Both metros experience hurricane season during warmer months, which is a consideration for residents, particularly in coastal-adjacent areas like Houston.
Bottom line
For households prioritizing lower overall expenses, Houston generally presents a more economical choice, largely due to its considerably more affordable housing market. While some other costs are comparable or slightly higher, the substantial difference in home prices and rents means a move to Houston could free up a significant portion of a household's budget. Orlando, while offering a different lifestyle, comes with a higher price tag for living.
| Measure | Houston, TX | Orlando, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 98 | 105 |
| Housing index | 84 | 104 |
| Transportation index | 109 | 104 |
| Food index | 95 | 98 |
| Healthcare index | 98 | 98 |
| Utilities index | 108 | 108 |
| Misc index | 92 | 92 |
| Median home price | $298,000 | $358,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,250/mo | $1,650/mo |
| Average commute | 31 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.