Washington vs Orlando: cost of living compared
Orlando is 31% cheaper than Washington overall. Orlando (FL) has no state income tax; DC tops out around 8.5%.
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 Washington to Orlando generally means a significant reduction in overall living expenses. The cost of living in Washington is substantially higher than the national average, while Orlando is much closer to it. This difference is primarily driven by the cost of housing, which presents the most noticeable gap between the two metros, though nearly all categories contribute to Washington's higher price tag.
Housing
Housing costs, whether buying or renting, are considerably higher in Washington. Median home prices and typical rents for a one-bedroom apartment are substantially less in Orlando. Beyond the mortgage or rent, Orlando homeowners should factor in potentially higher insurance premiums, including flood insurance, and the possibility of community association or development district fees. Property taxes in Florida also reset to market value upon sale.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses are generally lower in Orlando. Florida has no state income tax, which is a major difference from Washington. Transportation, food, and healthcare costs are all noticeably less expensive in Orlando. Utilities are roughly similar between the two metros, but miscellaneous expenses are also lower in Orlando, contributing to a more affordable daily budget overall.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Lifestyle differences are distinct. Washington offers a dense, urban environment with extensive public transit and four distinct seasons. Orlando provides a warmer, subtropical climate year-round, with a greater reliance on personal vehicles for getting around, though commutes are typically shorter. Orlando experiences hurricane season during summer and fall, a consideration not as prominent in Washington.
Bottom line
For those considering a move from Washington to Orlando, the financial impact on a household budget is substantial. The most significant savings will likely come from housing and the absence of state income tax. While some ownership costs like insurance might be higher in Florida, the overall reduction in expenses across most categories means a considerably more affordable cost of living in Orlando compared to Washington.
| Measure | Washington, DC | Orlando, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 152 | 105 |
| Housing index | 155 | 104 |
| Transportation index | 138 | 104 |
| Food index | 112 | 98 |
| Healthcare index | 112 | 98 |
| Utilities index | 108 | 108 |
| Misc index | 118 | 92 |
| Median home price | $548,000 | $358,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $2,350/mo | $1,650/mo |
| Average commute | 38 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.