Is Central Florida Expensive To Live Comfortably?

No Central Florida is not expensive to live comfortably in most places. There are areas is Central Florida that community and economic research have shown the cost of living is very high. However, most of Central Florida is occupied by families making a median household income of $60,000 or less.

Central Florida

Cost Of Living In Orlando Vs National Average

The average household in the US spends over $60,000 per year to live comfortably. That is over the median household income for Central Florida. Actually the average cost of living in Florida is around $51,000. Orlando cost more than areas like Lakeland FL but living in Orlando also has it's perks compared to smaller cities.

Cost Of Living In Orlando FL Other Expenses

The cost of groceries are similar in grocery stores across Central Florida. Publix, Win Dixie, Aldi and many more are all widely available. Property taxes are a little higher in Tampa than Orlando FL, Homeowner's Insurance is a little less expensive in Orlando FL. One area Orlando does very well in is public transportation and state and local parks. When you compare Orlando housing costs they to are a little lower than Tampa By home price I mean both purchase and rental.

Cost Of Living For A Single Person In A Metro Area

Instead of the median home price lets look at apartment rentals. Expect to pay from $1,700 to $2,000 per month and you may not get a garage for those prices. The state average is very similar and other cities than Tampa, Orlando, Winter Park etcetera will be similar and less will be available. Monthly cost will be offset by peace of mind. With Apartments low rent means interesting situations.

Utilities, Healthcare & Family Entertainment

Utilities will be significantly lower in newer homes. Newer homes are insulated far better and older Florida homes often have single pane windows that allow in a lot of heat. Utilities will be slightly lower per square foot in townhomes, condos and apartments making them somewhat easier to afford by size. Renting means renter's insurance at most apartments as apposed to paying homeowner's insurance. Renter's insurance will have to maintained and proof provided in just about every apartment complex.

Healthcare is also expensive but just about everywhere you look in the larger cities. I would like to add this for my fellow disabled veterans. Tampa and Orlando FL both have exceptional VA hospitals. Lakeland FL also has a VA Clinic I use for my healthcare.