Median rent is 0% lower in Orlando ($1,650/mo vs $1,657/mo). Buying is cheaper in Orlando, where the median home runs $359,000 versus $475,200. Households earn more in Orlando ($69,268 vs $59,390 a year). Taken together, Orlando is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 100.5 against 111.9 — about 10% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Orlando, FL.
Quick verdict
Orlando is 10% cheaper overall
Cost index: 100.5 in Orlando vs 111.9 in Miami (US average = 100)
City A
Miami, FL
City B
Orlando, FL
How much would you need to earn in Orlando, FL to maintain your standard of living from Miami, FL?
Equivalent salary in Orlando, FL
$67,361
You could earn $7,639 less (10% 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
Miami
Florida
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 rents are similar in both cities: $1,657/mo in Miami and $1,650/mo in Orlando. Home buyers face a steeper market in Miami: the median home is $475,200 versus $359,000 in Orlando — 24% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Both Florida and Florida have no state income tax — a notable advantage for workers in both cities. Sales tax is 6.00% in Florida and 6.00% in Florida; Orlando has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Miami
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.00%
Orlando
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.00%
Both cities have similar air quality: Miami averages 27.0 AQI (Good) and Orlando averages 28.0 AQI (Good).
Pick Orlando if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 100.5 vs 111.9).
Pick Orlando if you prioritize higher median household income ($69,268/yr).
Is Miami cheaper than Orlando?
Orlando is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 100.5 versus 111.9 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 10% lower in Orlando.
How much is rent in Miami vs Orlando?
Median rent is $1,657/mo in Miami, FL and $1,650/mo in Orlando, FL. Orlando, FL has the lower rent by about 0%.
Which has higher salaries — Miami or Orlando?
Median household income is $59,390 in Miami, FL and $69,268 in Orlando, FL. Orlando, FL 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?
Miami, FL has better air quality on average: 27.0 AQI versus 28.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Miami or Orlando?
Both Florida and Florida have no state income tax.
What salary do I need in Orlando to match my Miami income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Miami, FL is equivalent to roughly $89,815 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