Omaha vs Orlando: cost of living compared
Orlando is 24% more expensive than Omaha overall. Orlando (FL) has no state income tax; NE tops out around 5.84%.
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 from Omaha to Orlando generally means a significant increase in overall living expenses. Omaha's cost of living is noticeably below the national average, while Orlando's is above it. This difference is primarily driven by housing costs, which are substantially higher in Orlando, impacting both homeownership and rental budgets. Other categories like transportation and utilities also contribute to the higher expenses in the Sunshine State.
Housing
Housing in Omaha is considerably more affordable, whether buying a home or renting an apartment. Median home prices and typical one-bedroom rents are much lower there. In Orlando, buyers should anticipate higher property taxes after purchase, potentially substantial homeowners insurance premiums, and the possibility of additional fees for homeowners associations or community development districts. Flood insurance may also be a consideration in many areas.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses for transportation, food, healthcare, and utilities are generally higher in Orlando compared to Omaha. While Florida has no state income tax, which is a notable difference from Nebraska, this advantage is often offset by the higher costs for other necessities. Commute times are also typically longer in Orlando, potentially adding to transportation expenses and daily time commitments.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Omaha experiences four distinct seasons, including cold winters, while Orlando offers a warm, humid, and often sunny climate year-round, with a rainy season and hurricane risk during summer and fall. Orlando is a major tourist destination with a faster pace and more urban density. Getting around in Omaha often relies on personal vehicles, similar to Orlando, though Orlando's larger scale can mean more traffic congestion.
Bottom line
For a household budget, moving from Omaha to Orlando represents a clear step up in expenses, predominantly due to housing. While the absence of state income tax in Florida is an advantage, it is generally outweighed by the higher costs across most other categories, including everyday goods, services, and the often-higher costs associated with property ownership in a coastal state. Careful financial planning is essential for such a move.
| Measure | Omaha, NE | Orlando, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 85 | 105 |
| Housing index | 67 | 104 |
| Transportation index | 80 | 104 |
| Food index | 88 | 98 |
| Healthcare index | 90 | 98 |
| Utilities index | 92 | 108 |
| Misc index | 82 | 92 |
| Median home price | $238,000 | $358,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,000/mo | $1,650/mo |
| Average commute | 22 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.