Median rent is 14% lower in Orlando ($1,747/mo vs $2,030/mo). Buying is cheaper in Orlando, where the median home runs $394,100 versus $938,600. Households earn more in Seattle ($123,860 vs $72,336 a year). Taken together, Orlando is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 101.6 against 112.7 — about 10% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Seattle, WA.
Cost of living verdict
Orlando is 10% cheaper overall
Cost of Living Index: 101.6 in Orlando vs 112.7 in Seattle (US national average = 100)
City A
Orlando, FL
City B
Seattle, WA
How much would you need to earn in Seattle, WA to maintain your standard of living from Orlando, FL?
Equivalent salary in Seattle, WA
$83,225
You'd need $8,225 more (11% higher).
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each metro area. This estimates overall purchasing power; it does not account for taxes or take-home pay differences.
Metric
Orlando
Florida
Seattle
Washington
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: Census ACS, BEA, HUD Fair Market Rents, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Median rent is modestly lower in Orlando at $1,747/mo compared to $2,030/mo in Seattle (14% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Seattle: the median home is $938,600 versus $394,100 in Orlando — 58% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
State tax data is not yet available for these cities.
Orlando
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Seattle
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Seattle has cleaner air on average: 52.0 AQI (Moderate) compared to 54.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Orlando if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 101.6 vs 112.7).
Pick Seattle if you prioritize higher median household income ($123,860/yr).
Pick Orlando if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,747/mo median).
Is Orlando cheaper than Seattle?
Orlando is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 101.6 versus 112.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 10% lower in Orlando.
How much is rent in Orlando vs Seattle?
Median rent is $1,747/mo in Orlando, FL and $2,030/mo in Seattle, WA. Orlando, FL has the lower rent by about 14%.
Which has higher salaries — Orlando or Seattle?
Median household income is $72,336 in Orlando, FL and $123,860 in Seattle, WA. Seattle, WA 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?
Seattle, WA has better air quality on average: 52.0 AQI versus 54.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Orlando or Seattle?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in Seattle to match my Orlando income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Orlando, FL is equivalent to roughly $110,967 in Seattle, WA (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology
