Salt Lake City vs Orlando: cost of living compared
Orlando is 3% cheaper than Salt Lake City overall. Orlando (FL) has no state income tax; UT tops out around 4.65%.
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 overall costs, Orlando is slightly more affordable than Salt Lake City. The primary driver of this difference is housing, which is noticeably more expensive in Salt Lake City. However, other categories like transportation show Salt Lake City to be more budget-friendly, while everyday expenses for food and healthcare are quite similar between the two metros. Utilities are also a bit higher in Orlando.
Housing
Housing costs present a significant difference, with median home prices considerably higher in Salt Lake City. Rent for smaller units, however, is somewhat higher in Orlando. Homeownership in Florida also comes with considerations like potentially higher homeowners insurance, the possibility of flood insurance, and common community fees. Property taxes in Florida can also reset to market value upon sale.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily spending on food and healthcare is roughly comparable in both cities. Transportation costs are lower in Salt Lake City, and commute times are generally shorter. A major financial distinction is Florida's lack of a state income tax, which can lead to more take-home pay, contrasting with Utah's state income tax. Utilities are a bit more expensive in Orlando.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Salt Lake City offers a mountain climate with distinct seasons, while Orlando provides a subtropical environment with warm, humid summers and mild winters. Getting around in Salt Lake City often involves a mix of personal vehicles and public transit, while Orlando is largely car-dependent. Orlando's pace can feel busier, and it experiences a hurricane season during warmer months.
Bottom line
For those considering a move, the housing market is the biggest financial differentiator, with Salt Lake City homes demanding a much higher price. While Orlando offers the advantage of no state income tax, this can be partially offset by higher utility costs and potentially greater expenses for home insurance. Transportation is generally more affordable in Salt Lake City.
| Measure | Salt Lake City, UT | Orlando, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 108 | 105 |
| Housing index | 127 | 104 |
| Transportation index | 89 | 104 |
| Food index | 98 | 98 |
| Healthcare index | 98 | 98 |
| Utilities index | 95 | 108 |
| Misc index | 95 | 92 |
| Median home price | $498,000 | $358,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,550/mo | $1,650/mo |
| Average commute | 24 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.