The cost of living is the amount of money required to maintain a certain level of living in a particular location. The overall cost of living index for Orlando stands at 98, two percent below the national average and 1% lower than the Florida average. The cost of living index is the parameter that gives an idea of how affordable a city is to live in; it factors in the cost of housing, transportation, groceries, taxes, healthcare, and utilities among others.
A living index above 100 means that the cost of living is above average while a living index score below 100 indicates that the city cost of living is below average. The categories considered in determining the cost of living index for any city include utilities (10%), healthcare (5%), groceries (13%), transportation (9%), housing (30%), while goods and services cover 33%.
The cost of housing and goods and services take up the larger part of the formula for calculating the cost of living index of any city. For Orlando, Florida, the average cost of goods and services is 4%, a value that is below that of Florida, and it is 5% below that of the national average.
The general standard of living in Orlando is encouraging and above average. You are sure that with the many industries, and economic sectors in this beautiful city you can survive either as an individual or together with your family.
Moving to Orlando Florida
If you are planning to move to Orlando, Florida, you need to plan ahead, have a moving checklist, and make sure you engage the right and competent moving company. You can request for moving quotes from moving companies in your neighborhood and select from these companies which one you think can handle the logistics for you.
Plan ahead for your move and avoid moving during peak period to avoid paying more on your move. This is because moving companies charge more when the demand for their services is on the high. Also, avoid moving during the weekend, the best time of the week to move is from Monday to Thursday.
Read Reviews
Make sure you read reviews about the moving companies around before you engage any one of them. You can also ask from friends and families who moved recently about their experiences with these companies, let them recommend a competent moving company in and around Orlando, Florida to you.
After you get a list of long distance moving companies you can engage for your move, request moving quotes from these companies so that you can get the best deal around.
Fun Facts About Orlando, Florida
Orlando is located in central Florida; it is one of the most popular destinations for travelers who visit the United States. Below are some fun facts about Orlando, Florida;
- Universal Studios is located in Orlando, it is also home to Nickelodeon, Ghostbusters, back to the Future, and the Bates Hotel attractions.
- Orlando is home to over 100 lakes including the Lake Eola, a giant sinkhole with 80 feet at its deepest point.
- The 1890 Railroad Depot and the Rogers Building are the oldest structures still existing in downtown Orlando.
- The first theme park in Orlando is Gatorland, it was opened in 1949.
- Orlando city is also referred to as “The City Beautiful” or “O-Town”.
Orlando, Florida is a dream place to live because of the many attractions and natural scenery that it has got. Living in Orlando, Florida is quite affordable compared to what we have in other top cities both in Florida and in the United States as a whole. We will be looking at some major factors that contribute to the cost of living in major cities and we also take a look at how Orlando fares with some of these factors such as housing, transportation, groceries, utilities, and healthcare among others.
Having a clear idea of what it costs to get an apartment, transportation, utilities, groceries will help anyone who is planning to move to Orlando, Florida. They will be able to budget appropriately what it will cost to move and live in Florida.
Cost of Housing
Prices of houses are usually slightly below the national average price with the average around $158,000, this is cheering for those who may wish to purchase a house in the Orlando area of Florida. Mortgage prices are also fairly reasonable with the average monthly payment just a little above $1,000. How the cost of renting an apartment is around $1,000 and could be as much as $1,500 in areas or parts of the city that are more expensive. If you plan to relocate to the lovely city of Orlando, it will make more economic sense to research and lookout for a home to buy as this will make a better investment over time.
Real Estate
If you want to buy a home in real estate, there are plenty of affordable options available. The median listing price for homes in Orlando is around $245,000, with an average cost of $145 per square foot according to www.realtor.com. However, the number of houses are sold for has increased over the years because it is now a seller’s market as the number of buyers now out-numbers the number of houses for sale.
Cost of Transportation
The city of Orlando has a public transit system that is called The Lynx, the trademark for these public transit buses is pink. A one-time ride costs $2 and to get a monthly pass will cost up to $50; if you decide to cruise around town as a tourist especially on busy days like the game day at the university, it might just be a better idea to consider using public transit in order to avoid spending precious time in traffic. If you choose to go around time in a taxi, it is a little more expensive because the price of gasoline in Orlando is slightly above the national average. A taxi trip of around 5 miles can cost up to $15.
Cost of Healthcare
The cost of healthcare in Orlando, Florida is affordable as the cost of seeing a doctor or physician in Orlando, Florida cost between $100 to $110. However, the prices for the prescribed drugs might be higher in the pharmacies around but the cost you save in visiting your doctor would make up for that. The average monthly cost of health insurance in Orlando is $285 while the average cost yearly is $3,420.
Jobs and Income
People who work in the tourism industry in Orlando are never short of work as they are kept busy with the influx of tourists who flood the city all through the year. Disney is one of the largest employers of labor in the city, also there are several golf courses, amusement parks, restaurants, and art centers that keep the residents of Orlando employed. If NASA is one place you have an eye on as your dream place to work, then you can look for such an opportunity at The Kennedy Center.
The city of Orlando is the third best place to easily find jobs in the United States according to Wallet Hub. Walt Disney is the largest employer of labor in the city with over 53,000 employees. Walt Disney is responsible for employing several Orlando residents across diverse industries such as tourism, hospitality, manufacturing, and construction among others. Other top employers of labor in Orlando include Adventist Health System, Universal Studios, Orange County Public School, Publix Supermarkets, and the State of Florida Government among others.
In terms of income, Orlando ranks a little below the national average with an average income of $42,000 for a middle-class household. This is about 22% lower than the national average obtainable in the United States.
In as much as the average income seem to be lower than the national average, the lack of state income tax and the low cost of living in Orlando compensates for the low salary workers earn in Orlando, Florida. No income tax, inheritance tax, or estate tax for residents of Orlando. The statewide sales tax in Orlando, Florida ranges between 6% to 7.5%, a value that is comparatively lower than those of Illinois, and California. For property tax, the average tax rate is 1.1%, which is below the national average.
Utilities
Prices of utility in Orlando is a little bit on the high but this is compensated for in the quality of life in the city. For example, the electricity bill is higher than what is obtainable with the nation’s average; the average cost of the electricity bill in Orlando, Florida is around $130, 12% higher than the national average of $114. according to the United States Energy Information Administration (EIA), Orlando residents pay an average of $24.4 per thousand cubic feet of natural gas. On average, the cost of utilities covering electricity, heating, and gas for two people who live in an 85 sqm flat will amount to around $181. For one person who lives in a 45 sqm studio room, it may cost around $165.
Restaurants and Groceries
Grocery prices in Orlando are a little above the national average and the sales tax is 18% above the national average. If you love eating out there are a variety of options available to you, you will find a broad range of restaurants with varying price ranges for both tourists and locals. You will have the opportunity to taste some exquisite and creative cuisine. Prices of foods served in restaurants in and around resorts are more expensive and you should expect to pay more; meals in these areas can cost up to $20.
Taxes
Residents of Orlando do not have to pay state income taxes which means they will be able to save more from your income for vacations, shopping, fun activities, education, and retirement. However, it must be noted that residents of Orlando, Florida will have to pay property taxes and pay taxes on sales among others.
Why you should move to Orlando, Florida
Aside from cheaper neighborhoods, employment opportunities, and low taxes, below are some of the things you tend to enjoy when you move to Orlando.
- The weather is perfect: Forget about wintertime blues and welcome unquenchable sunshine. Daily Vitamin D intake in Orlando, Florida, is ensured by its citizens by the year-round sunshine in the city. According to AreaVibes, the air quality in Orlando is 27% better than the national average, and its pollution is 85% better than the country’s average.
- You can do everything here: Over 50 million people long to visit Orlando annually, no wonder the city is called the Theme Park Capital of the World. Many of the commonly visited places include Sea World, Wet ‘n Wild Water Park, Walt Disney World, Gatorland, and Universal Studios. That alone should show you that there is more than enough to see in Orlando. Florida resident discounts are available to Orlando residents at most of its amusement parks and attractions.
- Numerous arts and entertainment activities in the city: Although some people tag Orlando with its amusement parks, there are many things to love about the city such as the arts and entertainment scene. Lovers of theatre and museum will enjoy many arts and entertainment all across the city. Places like The Orlando Centroplex, Mad Cow Theatre, and Orlando Shakespeare are very popular. There are many art collections, programs, and workshops in the famous Orlando Museum of Art, where residents visit to catch a glimpse. Other widely known museums are the Mennello Museum of American Art, Morse Museum of American Art, the Orlando Science Center, and so on.
- Public schools in Orlando are brilliant: Finding a standard public school for your children in Orlando won’t give you any stress. As reported by AreaVibes, the rates of high school graduation in Orlando are 4% greater than the national average, and test scores are higher than average. The Orange County Public School District was also ranked 7th for the school districts with the most diversity in Florida by niche.com.
Things to do before relocating to Orlando, Florida
- Obtain a moving quote from a mover: Do not go with the first mover, rather screen movers carefully and thoroughly. Get many offers and carefully compare them one against another. Ensure your preferred moving company offers the moving services that match your need.
- Decide what you are moving with you: You don’t need to travel with your winter coat if you won’t need them where you are moving to. Sell or give them out if they are still in nice condition. You will spend a lesser amount as your overall moving cost when you reduce your item to be moved.
- Opt for Professional packing, if possible: Allow professional Orlando movers to handle your packing if you don’t have the confidence to pack by yourself.
- Ask about storage facility if needed: Ensure your preferred moving company offers moving and storage services if you need a place to keep your household possessions before they are moved into your new home.
Things to do after relocating to Orlando, Florida
Change your Home Address
- The next thing is to change the information on your ID card, driver’s license, title, and registration within a month after updating your address.
- Just visit GoRenew.com to change your address online or physically at one of Florida Highway and Motor Vehicles’ (FLHSMV) local office.
- Five of their offices are located in Orlando. Visit the FLHSMV website under the location “Orange County” to get more information about each.
Update your Vehicle’s Registration
- You have just ten days to register your vehicle immediately you update your address.
- Note that these ten days begin to expire once you place your kids in a public school or start a job.
- You will be provided a metal plate and a certificate with a registration decal upon successful registration.
- Your vehicle registration can also be done at the same place where you change your home address.
The Pros and the Cons of Moving to Orlando
When asked about what they enjoy and what they think needs improvement, a resident of Orlando told us that the city is excellent due to the abundance of theme parks and tourist activities, but the median wages are low because the biggest employers supply to tourists. She also told us that there are not many apartments below $1,200 monthly except they are old and that the city is facing troubles in its public transportation aspect. “Our city is not friendly with bikers or pedestrians, most of our major roads are dangerous, and construction works there are never done”. However, she also told us that public schools in Orlando are amazing.
FAQs
Is living in Orlando Florida expensive?
The total index score of the cost of living in Orlando is 98, 2% lower than the country’s average, and 1% lower than the state’s (Florida) average. This cost of living index gives an insight into a general understanding of how affordable the city is. Other areas included:
- The standard house price is at $265,000.
- Transportation expenses are six percent lower than the national average.
- Household appliances’ prices are 11% higher than the average for the United States.
- Grocery and food shopping is 2% costly than the national average.
- Healthcare in Orlando is 12% reduced than the country’s average.
Is Orlando a safe city to live in?
Orlando is a very safe city, but there are few neighborhoods that one must avoid. As a visitor, make sure you are not far from the theme parks or other attractive places like gardens, museums, or parks. If you plan to move to Orlando, carefully pick a neighborhood, and conduct research on the area before you finally decide.
Is Orlando very dangerous?
Orlando sits at the 15th position on the list of Most Dangerous City in Florida. As contained in a yearly (5th one) report of the safest and the most dangerous places to live in Florida, as published by RoadSnacks, a site that analyses and compares bit-size data. Orlando was at the 15th position of the Most Dangerous City in the state.
What neighborhood is the best to live in?
Below are some of the best and safest neighborhoods you can live in Orlando:
- Doctor Phillips –You can find the neighborhood in Southwest Orlando. This place is filled with married couples with kids, which makes it the right place for a family looking to start a new life. One of the best public parks in Orlando is Community Park.
- College Park – This place is home to many students who study in nearby universities. This place contains many lakes that are surrounded by parks having attractive playgrounds for kids. You can visit the Mennelo museum of American Art, Orlando Shakespeare Theatre, and the Orlando Science Center if you are a cultural attraction lover.
- Bay Hill – This can be found in the west part of town. It is one of the safest neighborhoods in Orlando. The crime rate in Bay Hill is lower than the national average. Its public schools are great, and that makes Bay Hill a perfect place for a moving family.
- Baldwin Park – This is not far from Downtown Orlando, say three miles. It is a neighborhood where residents always have something to get busy with and somewhere to be — no boring moment in Baldwin Park. There are many restaurants, parks, and shopping centers located here. Moving around this neighborhood is easier because of the multiple walking and bike trails available.
- Thornton Park – This is one of the most expensive neighborhoods in Orlando. You will find many dining restaurants, fashion boutiques, and nice apartments here. Zou-Zou is one of the most widely known stores here. They can get your clothes from any popular designer lines.
Should I relocate to Orlando or Tampa?
You are likely to catch the big city feel in Tampa while you have access to many tourist attractions in Orlando because most of the theme parks can be found at over 10 miles South West of downtown. There is nothing much in Downtown Orlando; however, if you desire to stay closer to beaches, then Tampa might be better as some love the Gulf beaches.
What is a good monthly income in Orlando?
I would say earning $45,000 to $50,000 per year in Orlando can still be considered a great salary.
How much do I need to save to live comfortably in Orlando?
Although Orlando, Florida is not far from Disney World and with beautiful attractions, the high cost of living could make living there remain a dream for some people. Once you calculate the average income, an average homeowner in Orlando spends about $40,000 annually from what they need to live in the city comfortably.
Conclusion
In conclusion, make sure you set out early on your move day. Setting out early will help you to get things done ahead of time, you will be able to beat traffic, the weather in the morning will still be favorable, and you can have some time to put things together same day after your belongings have been delivered to your new home.
