Cheapest Neighborhoods in Orlando for Renters [2026]

The cheapest neighborhoods in Orlando are Lake Sunset ($1,030), Lorna Doone ($1,050), and Holden-Parramore ($1,050), offering rents 46-47% below the city’s median rent of $1,929. These neighborhoods save renters between $879 and $899 monthly, making The City Beautiful accessible even for moderate-income earners seeking proximity to theme parks, downtown employment, and Central Florida’s booming hospitality and tech sectors.

Strategic neighborhood selection transforms Orlando’s affordability. Choosing one of these value neighborhoods can save you $10,548 to $10,788 annually—enough to cover theme park annual passes, accelerate student loan payments, or build substantial emergency savings while enjoying Orlando’s year-round sunshine and entertainment options.

Orlando’s Affordable Neighborhoods, Compared

These ten Orlando neighborhoods offer diverse options for renters prioritizing affordability. All median rents reflect data from Zumper’s internal analysis across all bedroom counts and rental unit types (studios, 1-bedrooms, 2-bedrooms, houses, condos, apartments) over a 30-day period to provide the most accurate neighborhood-level pricing.

Neighborhood	Median Rent	Monthly Savings	% Below Median	Transit Score	Walk Score
Lake Sunset	$1,030	$899	46.6%	5	6
Lorna Doone	$1,050	$879	45.6%	5	6
Holden-Parramore	$1,050	$879	45.6%	7	8
Lake Mann Estates	$1,295	$634	32.9%	4	5
South Semoran	$1,450	$479	24.8%	4	6
Rosemont	$1,495	$434	22.5%	3	4
Kirkman North	$1,500	$429	22.2%	3	6
West Colonial	$1,550	$379	19.7%	5	5
Engelwood Park	$1,600	$329	17.1%	3	5
Florida Center North	$1,650	$279	14.5%	3	5

What Income Do You Need to Rent in Orlando?

Orlando’s median rent of $1,929 requires an annual income of approximately $77,160 using the 30% budgeting guideline—your rent should not exceed 30% of your pre-tax monthly income. For renters earning Orlando’s median household income of approximately $55,000-65,000, paying the city’s median rent may not be feasible.

However, Orlando’s most affordable neighborhoods dramatically change the equation:

• Lake Sunset ($1,030): $41,200 annual income
• Holden-Parramore ($1,050): $42,000 annual income
• Lake Mann Estates ($1,295): $51,800 annual income
• South Semoran ($1,450): $58,000 annual income
• Rosemont ($1,495): $59,800 annual income

By targeting neighborhoods like Lake Sunset or Holden-Parramore, renters earning $42,000-45,000 annually can live comfortably in Orlando while staying within the 30% guideline, making the city accessible to hospitality workers, retail employees, recent graduates, and anyone building their career in Central Florida’s growing economy.

Zumper Rent Calculator can help you get a personalized recommendation for your rental budget.

The 10 Cheapest Neighborhoods in Orlando

1. Lake Sunset — $1,030/month

Lake Sunset is where renters can find Orlando’s absolute lowest rent—$1,030 per month on average, meaning potential savings of $899 monthly. This residential neighborhood provides a quiet setting ideal for renters who prioritize maximum savings and don’t mind a more car-dependent lifestyle.

Transit access: 5/10 | Walkability: 6/10

Best for: Budget-focused renters; those building savings; anyone who wants Orlando access at low prices.

2. Lorna Doone — $1,050/month

At $1,050, Lorna Doone has Orlando’s second-lowest rent, offering $879 monthly savings (46% below the median). This residential area appeals to renters seeking substantial savings in a quieter Orlando setting away from tourist districts.

Transit access: 5/10 | Walkability: 6/10

Best for: Budget-conscious renters who want significant savings while maintaining Orlando residency.

3. Holden-Parramore — $1,050/month

Holden-Parramore offers exceptional value, matching Lorna Doone’s second-lowest rent of $1,050 but with the added benefit of being Orlando’s most walkable affordable neighborhood. Located near downtown Orlando, this historic neighborhood provides better pedestrian infrastructure than most budget options. The proximity to downtown employment and entertainment makes it ideal for renters looking to reduce their reliance on cars.

Transit access: 7/10 | Walkability: 8/10

Best for: Downtown workers; car-light renters; those wanting walkability at affordable prices.

4. Lake Mann Estates — $1,295/month

Rent in Lake Mann Estates is about 33% below the city median, at $1,295 per month. This residential neighborhood sits near Lake Mann, providing a quieter, more suburban feel away from Orlando’s tourist-heavy areas. This neighborhood offers moderate savings while maintaining access to major roadways, appealing to renters who want affordability without choosing the absolute cheapest options.

Transit access: 4/10 | Walkability: 5/10

Best for: Renters seeking a balance between affordability and neighborhood amenities.

5. South Semoran — $1,450/month

At $1,450 per month on average, renters in South Semoran could save $479 per month on rent, since the neighborhood’s average is about 25% below the city median. The location along Semoran Boulevard provides access to shopping, dining, and major roadways for commuting throughout the Orlando area.

Transit access: 4/10 | Walkability: 6/10

Best for: Renters wanting modern amenities and convenience at below-median pricing.

6. Rosemont — $1,495/month

Rosemont offers $434 monthly savings (23% below the median). This established residential area in Central Orlando offers a quiet setting with tree-lined streets and parks, while remaining connected to Orlando’s major employment centers via Orange Avenue and nearby I-4. Year-over-year growth of 7.75% suggests steady demand and neighborhood stability.

Transit access: 3/10 | Walkability: 4/10

Best for: Renters prioritizing residential calm at reasonable prices.

7. Kirkman North — $1,500/month

Located along Kirkman Road, Kirkman North is close to Universal Orlando Resort and International Drive’s tourism corridor, which is ideal for theme park and hospitality workers. It’s also great for anyone who wants to pay a little less in rent than they might elsewhere in Orlando; Kirkman North has apartments that could save renters $429 a month.

Transit access: 3/10 | Walkability: 6/10

Best for: Universal Orlando employees; hospitality workers; renters seeking proximity to theme parks.

8. West Colonial — $1,550/month

West Colonial, a commercial corridor along West Colonial Drive with shopping centers, restaurants, and businesses, is 20% below the city’s median. The location offers straightforward access to downtown Orlando and Orlando International Airport.

Transit access: 5/10 | Walkability: 5/10

Best for: Airport workers; downtown commuters; renters seeking moderate affordability with decent amenities.

9. Engelwood Park — $1,600/month

At $1,600, Engelwood Park is about $329 cheaper on average for monthly rent than Orlando overall. This pet-friendly neighborhood provides a quieter alternative to Orlando’s busier tourist corridors while maintaining reasonable access to employment centers.

Transit access: 3/10 | Walkability: 5/10

Best for: Pet owners; renters wanting residential calm with easy access to work.

10. Florida Center North — $1,650/month

Florida Center North could save renters $279 monthly, since its median rent is 14% below Orlando’s city-wide average. Located in Orlando’s airport district, this neighborhood offers proximity to Orlando International Airport, the Florida Mall shopping complex, and the Orange County Convention Center. The area combines residential convenience with easy access to major employment centers. Year-over-year growth of 4.46% reflects steady demand in this convenient location.

Transit access: 3/10 | Walkability: 5/10

Best for: Airport employees; retail workers; frequent travelers prioritizing airport proximity.

Why These Neighborhoods Are Affordable

Orlando’s affordable neighborhoods share characteristics creating value:

Location patterns: The most affordable neighborhoods sit away from downtown Orlando, the theme park corridor, and major tourist areas. However, Orlando’s excellent highway system (I-4, 408, 528) keeps commutes manageable, with typical travel times of 20-30 minutes to major employment centers.

Residential character: These aren’t high-rise apartment complexes in tourist zones. Instead, they’re established residential neighborhoods with a quieter pace, local character, and practical amenities focused on daily living rather than vacation-style resort features.

Practical amenities: These neighborhoods prioritize year-round livability over resort-style luxury. Communities typically offer amenities suited to Florida’s climate and daily needs, with many apartment complexes featuring pools, fitness centers, and ample parking, supporting comfortable living at affordable prices.

Economic diversity: Orlando’s economy relies heavily on hospitality, tourism, retail, and healthcare sectors with varied wage levels. These affordable neighborhoods serve the essential workers who power Orlando’s tourism economy while keeping the city accessible to moderate earners.

Tips for Renting in Orlando’s Most Affordable Neighborhoods

1. Prioritize air conditioning: Florida’s heat and humidity make air conditioning essential, not optional. All neighborhoods listed include A/C as a standard or top amenity; verify this before signing any lease.
2. Consider commute routes: Orlando’s highway system (I-4, 408, 528) provides good connectivity, but I-4 can experience heavy traffic. Neighborhoods with multiple route options offer flexibility during rush hour.
3. Factor in car costs: Most affordable Orlando neighborhoods require cars (transit scores 3-7; walk scores 4-8). Budget for vehicle expenses when calculating total housing costs, though Florida’s lack of state income tax helps offset this.
4. Time your search strategically: Orlando’s rental market experiences seasonal fluctuations tied to tourism and snowbird patterns. Summer (June-August) often brings less competition as the Florida heat deters some movers.
5. Look for swimming pool access: In Florida’s climate, pool access significantly enhances quality of life. Many affordable neighborhoods (South Semoran, Rosemont, Kirkman North) emphasize pools as standard amenities.
6. Verify hurricane preparedness: Ask about building codes, window protection, and evacuation procedures. Newer construction typically meets stronger hurricane standards.
7. Research theme park employment perks: If working for Disney, Universal, or SeaWorld, investigate employee housing assistance programs or discounts that could expand your neighborhood options.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest neighborhood in Orlando?

Lake Sunset is the cheapest neighborhood in Orlando, with a median rent of $1,030 as of November 2025, which is $899 below the citywide median and 47% below typical Orlando housing costs.

Where is rent cheapest in Orlando?

Rent is cheapest in residential neighborhoods away from downtown and the theme park corridors. The top three most affordable areas are Lake Sunset ($1,030), Lorna Doone ($1,050), and Holden-Parramore ($1,050). These neighborhoods save renters $879-$899 monthly compared to Orlando’s $1,929 median while maintaining basic connectivity to employment centers.

What are the most affordable neighborhoods in Orlando?

The most affordable neighborhoods balancing price and accessibility are Holden-Parramore ($1,050, best walkability at 8/10), Lake Mann Estates ($1,295, hardwood floors), South Semoran ($1,450, modern amenities), and Kirkman North ($1,500, theme park proximity). These areas combine 22-46% savings with practical amenities.

Where can you live cheaply in Orlando?

You can live cheaply throughout Orlando’s residential neighborhoods like Lake Sunset, Lorna Doone, and Holden-Parramore ($1,030-$1,050), saving $879-$899 monthly. Moderate affordability is available in South Semoran ($1,450), Rosemont ($1,495), and West Colonial ($1,550), offering 20-25% savings and better amenities.

What neighborhoods in Orlando are under $1,500?

Seven Orlando neighborhoods offer median rents under $1,500: Lake Sunset ($1,030), Lorna Doone ($1,050), Holden-Parramore ($1,050), Lake Mann Estates ($1,295), South Semoran ($1,450), Rosemont ($1,495), and Kirkman North ($1,500). These neighborhoods save 22-47% versus Orlando’s $1,929 median rent.

What’s the cheapest area to rent near downtown Orlando?

Holden-Parramore ($1,050) offers the best combination of downtown proximity and affordability, with the highest walk score (8) and transit score (7) among Orlando’s most affordable neighborhoods. Located near downtown, it offers better pedestrian infrastructure than most budget options while delivering 46% savings compared to the median rent.

Are Orlando’s affordable neighborhoods safe?

There are great, safe, affordable neighborhoods across Orlando. To determine whether the listed neighborhoods are safe, we recommend conducting research: visiting neighborhoods at different times, looking up specific addresses online, and talking to current residents. Many affordable Orlando neighborhoods are family-friendly.

How much can you save by choosing an affordable Orlando neighborhood?

Choosing Orlando’s most affordable neighborhoods saves $4,188-$10,788 annually compared to median-priced housing. Lake Sunset saves $10,788/year, Holden-Parramore saves $10,548/year, and South Semoran saves $5,748/year—significant money you can redirect toward savings, debt repayment, or enjoying Orlando’s attractions and lifestyle.