Sacramento vs Orlando: cost of living compared
Orlando is 18% cheaper than Sacramento overall. Orlando (FL) has no state income tax; CA tops out around 9.3%.
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 Sacramento and Orlando reveals a substantial difference in overall cost of living, with Sacramento being considerably more expensive. This disparity is primarily driven by housing costs, which are significantly higher in the California capital. Other categories like utilities, transportation, and everyday goods also contribute to Sacramento's elevated expenses, making Orlando a more budget-friendly option across the board for many household expenditures.
Housing
Housing costs present the most significant divergence between these two metros. Both median home prices and typical rental rates are noticeably higher in Sacramento. In Florida, homeowners insurance premiums can be substantial, and flood insurance might be necessary. Additionally, Orlando's newer communities often include HOA or CDD fees, and property taxes reset to market value upon sale, impacting ownership costs beyond the mortgage.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses are generally lower in Orlando. A key difference is Florida's lack of a state income tax, which can lead to more take-home pay. Transportation, groceries, healthcare, and utility costs are all more affordable in Orlando. This means that for many common household purchases and services, residents in Orlando will find their money stretches further compared to Sacramento.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Sacramento offers a Mediterranean climate with dry, hot summers and mild, wet winters, while Orlando experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot, rainy summers and mild, drier winters. Orlando is known for its theme parks and a generally flatter landscape, while Sacramento is closer to mountains and coastal areas. Both metros have similar average commute times, but Orlando's hurricane season is a notable weather consideration.
Bottom line
For households considering a move, the financial implications are clear: Orlando generally offers a more affordable lifestyle. The absence of state income tax and significantly lower housing costs are major advantages for Orlando residents. While other expenses like utilities and transportation are also lower, potential homeowners in Florida should factor in higher insurance costs and property tax resets when budgeting for their overall expenses.
| Measure | Sacramento, CA | Orlando, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 128 | 105 |
| Housing index | 132 | 104 |
| Transportation index | 110 | 104 |
| Food index | 108 | 98 |
| Healthcare index | 108 | 98 |
| Utilities index | 125 | 108 |
| Misc index | 105 | 92 |
| Median home price | $498,000 | $358,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,750/mo | $1,650/mo |
| Average commute | 30 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.