Median rent is 12% lower in Orlando ($1,650/mo vs $1,879/mo). Buying is cheaper in Orlando, where the median home runs $359,000 versus $879,500. Households earn more in Los Angeles ($80,366 vs $69,268 a year). Taken together, Orlando is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 100.5 against 113.3 — about 11% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Los Angeles, CA.
Quick verdict
Orlando is 11% cheaper overall
Cost index: 100.5 in Orlando vs 113.3 in Los Angeles (US average = 100)
City A
Los Angeles, CA
City B
Orlando, FL
How much would you need to earn in Orlando, FL to maintain your standard of living from Los Angeles, CA?
Equivalent salary in Orlando, FL
$66,538
You could earn $8,462 less (11% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Los Angeles
California
Orlando
Florida
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Median rent is modestly lower in Orlando at $1,650/mo compared to $1,879/mo in Los Angeles (12% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Los Angeles: the median home is $879,500 versus $359,000 in Orlando — 59% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Florida has no state income tax, while California tops out at 13.30% — giving Orlando a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 7.25% in California and 6.00% in Florida; Orlando has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Los Angeles
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Orlando
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.00%
Orlando has cleaner air on average: 28.0 AQI (Good) compared to 77.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Orlando if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 100.5 vs 113.3).
Pick Los Angeles if you prioritize higher median household income ($80,366/yr).
Pick Orlando if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,650/mo median).
Pick Orlando if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 28.0).
Is Los Angeles cheaper than Orlando?
Orlando is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 100.5 versus 113.3 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 11% lower in Orlando.
How much is rent in Los Angeles vs Orlando?
Median rent is $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, CA and $1,650/mo in Orlando, FL. Orlando, FL has the lower rent by about 12%.
Which has higher salaries — Los Angeles or Orlando?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles, CA and $69,268 in Orlando, FL. Los Angeles, CA has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Orlando, FL has better air quality on average: 28.0 AQI versus 77.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Los Angeles or Orlando?
Florida has no state income tax. California has a top rate of 13.30%.
What salary do I need in Orlando to match my Los Angeles income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Los Angeles, CA is equivalent to roughly $88,717 in Orlando, FL (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology