Miami vs Orlando: cost of living compared
Orlando is 18% cheaper than Miami overall. Neither FL 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
Moving between Miami and Orlando involves a significant shift in overall cost of living. Miami stands out as noticeably more expensive across the board, with its overall index considerably higher than the national average. Orlando, in contrast, offers a cost of living that is much closer to the national average, making it a more budget-friendly option. The primary driver of this substantial difference between the two cities is housing costs.
Housing
Housing in Miami presents a much higher financial commitment, whether buying or renting, with both median home prices and typical rental rates for a one-bedroom unit being considerably greater than in Orlando. While both metros are in Florida, homeowners in either location should account for potentially high insurance premiums, including flood coverage, and property taxes that reset upon sale. Many newer communities in both cities may also include additional fees for homeowners associations or community development districts.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses show a consistent pattern where Miami is generally more costly. Transportation, food, healthcare, and utilities are all higher in Miami compared to Orlando. Orlando offers slightly lower costs for food and healthcare, and its transportation expenses are also more modest. Neither city has a state income tax, which is a consistent benefit across Florida, but other everyday spending categories will feel a greater pinch in Miami.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Beyond costs, a move reveals distinct lifestyle differences. Miami offers a dense, vibrant urban environment with a faster pace and a longer average commute. Orlando, while also a major city, often feels less congested, with a slightly shorter average commute. Both cities experience a warm, humid climate and are subject to hurricane season, which runs through summer and fall, necessitating preparedness for potential weather events.
Bottom line
For households considering a move between these two Florida metros, the financial impact is substantial. Orlando offers a considerably more affordable cost of living, primarily driven by its much lower housing expenses, but also extending to most other daily necessities. Miami demands a significantly larger budget for nearly all aspects of life, making it the more expensive choice for those weighing their financial commitments.
| Measure | Miami, FL | Orlando, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 128 | 105 |
| Housing index | 158 | 104 |
| Transportation index | 116 | 104 |
| Food index | 108 | 98 |
| Healthcare index | 105 | 98 |
| Utilities index | 112 | 108 |
| Misc index | 108 | 92 |
| Median home price | $598,000 | $358,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $2,100/mo | $1,650/mo |
| Average commute | 32 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.