Median rent is 9% lower in Sanford ($1,496/mo vs $1,650/mo). Buying is cheaper in Sanford, where the median home runs $272,900 versus $359,000. Households earn more in Orlando ($69,268 vs $62,877 a year). Overall, the two cities have a nearly identical cost of living index (100.5).
City A
Orlando, FL
City B
Sanford, FL
How much would you need to earn in Sanford, FL to maintain your standard of living from Orlando, FL?
Equivalent salary in Sanford, FL
$75,000
Costs are about the same in both cities.
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
Orlando
Florida
Sanford
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 Sanford at $1,496/mo compared to $1,650/mo in Orlando (9% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Orlando: the median home is $359,000 versus $272,900 in Sanford — 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; Sanford has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Orlando
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.00%
Sanford
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.00%
Air quality data is available for Orlando (avg AQI 28.0) but not yet for Sanford.
Pick Orlando if you prioritize higher median household income ($69,268/yr).
Is Orlando cheaper than Sanford?
Orlando is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 100.5 versus 100.5 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Orlando.
How much is rent in Orlando vs Sanford?
Median rent is $1,650/mo in Orlando, FL and $1,496/mo in Sanford, FL. Sanford, FL has the lower rent by about 9%.
Which has higher salaries — Orlando or Sanford?
Median household income is $69,268 in Orlando, FL and $62,877 in Sanford, 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?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Orlando or Sanford?
Both Florida and Florida have no state income tax.
What salary do I need in Sanford to match my Orlando income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Orlando, FL is equivalent to roughly $100,000 in Sanford, 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