Philadelphia vs Orlando: cost of living compared
Orlando is 6% cheaper than Philadelphia overall. Orlando (FL) has no state income tax; PA tops out around 3.07%.
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
Philadelphia generally presents a higher overall cost of living compared to Orlando. While housing costs in Philadelphia are noticeably below the national average, transportation expenses are considerably elevated. Orlando's overall expenses are closer to the national average, with housing and transportation costs both hovering around that benchmark. The difference in overall cost is largely influenced by these key categories, making Philadelphia the more expensive option when considering all expenditures.
Housing
For those looking to buy, median home prices in Philadelphia are significantly lower than in Orlando. Rental costs for a one-bedroom unit are also somewhat less expensive in Philadelphia. Beyond the initial purchase or rent, Orlando homeowners should factor in potentially higher homeowners insurance premiums, which are among the highest nationally, and the possibility of flood insurance. Many newer communities in Orlando also include additional fees for homeowners associations or community development districts, and property taxes reset upon sale.
Taxes and everyday costs
A major financial difference is the absence of state income tax in Florida, which means Orlando residents keep more of their earnings compared to Philadelphia, where a state income tax applies. Transportation costs are considerably higher in Philadelphia, while Orlando's transportation expenses are closer to the national average. Food costs are slightly higher in Philadelphia, as are healthcare and utilities. Miscellaneous goods and services are somewhat more expensive in Philadelphia, making daily spending generally higher there.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Moving from Philadelphia to Orlando means a significant climate shift, trading distinct four seasons for a warm, humid subtropical environment with a lengthy hurricane season during summer and fall. Philadelphia offers a dense, historic urban core with extensive public transit, while Orlando is more sprawling, relying heavily on personal vehicles for getting around. The pace of life and urban density also differ, with Philadelphia typically having a more concentrated, walkable city experience compared to Orlando's broader, car-centric layout.
Bottom line
A move from Philadelphia to Orlando would likely result in a noticeable reduction in overall living expenses for many households, primarily due to the absence of state income tax and lower transportation costs. While Orlando's median home prices are higher, and additional ownership costs like insurance and community fees can add up, the savings on income tax and daily commuting could offset these. Conversely, moving to Philadelphia would mean higher overall costs, driven by elevated transportation and the state income tax, despite more affordable housing options.
| Measure | Philadelphia, PA | Orlando, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 112 | 105 |
| Housing index | 91 | 104 |
| Transportation index | 120 | 104 |
| Food index | 105 | 98 |
| Healthcare index | 108 | 98 |
| Utilities index | 105 | 108 |
| Misc index | 102 | 92 |
| Median home price | $298,000 | $358,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,550/mo | $1,650/mo |
| Average commute | 34 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.