No, Orlando is not affordable for most renters in 2025. The median rent of $1,975/month requires an annual income of $79,000—higher than Orlando’s median household income of $77,597, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This creates a $1,403 yearly affordability gap for the typical household. However, strategic renters can make it work by choosing affordable neighborhoods that cost $476-$835 less per month, sharing expenses with roommates, or accepting a higher housing cost ratio than the traditional 30% rule recommends.
The income gap tells an even more challenging story for different demographics. According to Data USA, renters aged 25-44 earn a median of $76,094—falling $2,906 short of the required income. But here’s what makes Orlando rent too expensive for many: renters specifically earn a median of just $52,510, meaning the typical renter would need a 50% raise to meet the income requirement for median rent. Yet the city’s rental market remains vibrant, suggesting many find creative solutions to bridge this affordability gap.
How much do you really need to earn to afford rent in Orlando?
Financial advisors recommend spending no more than 30% of your gross income on housing. It’s the gold standard for maintaining financial health while covering other essentials like food, transportation, and savings.
For Orlando’s median rent of $1,975/month, this translates to:
- Required monthly income: $6,583
- Required annual income: $79,000
- Actual median household income: $77,597 (U.S. Census Bureau)
- The affordability gap: 1.8% or $1,403/year
The math gets better if you’re looking at smaller units. A 1-bedroom at $1,500/month requires $60,000 annually, while a 2-bedroom at $1,800/month needs $72,000/year. These figures are more attainable for young professionals and dual-income households. Use our rent affordability calculator to see exactly what you can afford based on your income.
Orlando rent vs salary: The income reality by age
Here’s where it gets interesting for our target demographics. According to Data USA, if you’re under 25—perhaps a college student or recent grad—the median income is $48,576, which means you can afford about $1,214/month max. That requires either finding a roommate or targeting Orlando’s most affordable neighborhoods.
Young professionals aged 25-44 are in a better position with that $76,094 median income, affording up to $1,902/month. You’re close to the city median, though stretching for a 2-bedroom solo might require some financial discipline.
But the real story is the renter income disparity. Data shows Orlando renters specifically earn a median of just $52,510—about 32% below the median income of homeowners. This $26,490 gap explains why many renters must choose neighborhoods below the median price point, accept roommate situations longer than they’d prefer, or spend more than the recommended 30% on housing.
What are the cheapest and most expensive neighborhoods in Orlando?
Not all Orlando neighborhoods cost the same—far from it. Our September 2025 data reveals a $2,050 difference between the cheapest and most expensive areas, creating real opportunities for budget-conscious renters looking for cheap apartments in Orlando.
Most affordable Orlando neighborhoods under $1,500
Lake Sunset tops the affordability list at $1,140/month—that’s 42% below the city median and a monthly savings of $835. For renters on tight budgets, that’s nearly $10,000 saved annually.
Holden Parramore comes in at $1,300/month, offering 34% savings compared to the median rent. This traditionally working-class neighborhood provides central access without the premium price tag.
Monterey runs $1,425/month (28% below median), while South Semoran offers units at $1,499/month (24% below median). Both represent solid value for renters willing to live outside the most trendy areas.
How much can you save in affordable Orlando neighborhoods?
The savings in these budget-friendly areas are substantial and can make the difference between barely scraping by and building financial security:
- Lake Sunset: Save $835/month = $10,020/year
- Holden Parramore: Save $675/month = $8,100/year
- Monterey: Save $550/month = $6,600/year
- South Semoran: Save $476/month = $5,712/year
Most Expensive Neighborhoods:
On the other end, Dover Shores West commands $3,190/month—a staggering 62% premium over the city median. Lake Nona, the master-planned community, runs $2,763/month (40% above the median).
Wadeview Park at $2,680/month and South Eola at $2,599/month round out the priciest options. These downtown and master-planned areas offer walkability and amenities—but you’ll pay dearly for the convenience.
The geographic pattern is clear: downtown core neighborhoods and master-planned communities command the highest rents, while traditionally working-class areas and peripheral neighborhoods offer the best deals, for budget-conscious renters in the $1,300-$1,500 range. Holden Parramore and Monterey hit the sweet spot—substantially below median while maintaining reasonable access to the city.
Browse all Orlando apartments for rent to find your perfect neighborhood match.
What does it actually cost to live in Orlando?
Rent is just the starting point. According to MIT’s Living Wage Calculator for Orange County, a single adult needs $51,812/year ($4,318/month) to cover basic living expenses. Here’s the complete Orlando housing cost breakdown:
Housing makes up the largest chunk at $1,675/month in the calculator’s estimate—though our data shows the actual Orlando median is higher at $1,975/month. If you’re strategic and choose one of those affordable neighborhoods, you could get closer to $1,140-$1,499.
Transportation runs about $783/month if you own a car, which most Orlando residents do. The city scores just 41/100 on Walk Score, meaning it’s car-dependent. Only 2.7% of residents walk to work.
But here’s a money-saving opportunity: A LYNX transit pass costs just $50/month, saving you $733 monthly if you can make it work. Downtown workers get free access to the LYMMO circulator. That’s $8,796 in annual savings—though you’ll need to live and work along transit routes to make this feasible.
Food costs approximately $381/month based on USDA moderate food plans. Keep in mind our cost-of-living data shows Orlando groceries run 4.7% above the national average, so you might budget a bit higher.
Healthcare runs about $220/month ($2,644/year). The good news? Orlando health costs run 8.1% below the national average, according to our data, providing some relief.
Other necessities—utilities, personal care, clothing, household items—add roughly $434/month. Our data shows Orlando utilities run 3.7% above the national average. Still, the overall cost of living is 3.6% below the national average, so the higher utility costs are offset by savings elsewhere.
Let’s look at realistic monthly budgets for different scenarios:
If you’re a college student with a roommate, you might split a 1-bedroom for $750 each, use the $50 LYNX pass, budget $300 for food, and $300 for everything else. That’s $1,400/month total or $16,800/year—doable on a combination of part-time work and financial aid. Student housing in Orlando becomes much more manageable with a strategic roommate arrangement.
A young professional living solo in a 1-bedroom faces a different reality: $1,500 rent, $600 for car payment plus insurance and gas, $400 for food, $220 for healthcare, and $500 for other expenses. You’re looking at $3,220/month or $38,640/year—requiring a salary in the $52k+ range minimum.
Mid-career professionals wanting a 2-bedroom might budget $1,800 for rent, $783 for transportation, $450 for food, $220 for healthcare, and $800 for savings and discretionary spending. That’s $4,053/month or $48,636/year in expenses, requiring an income of $65k+ to maintain the 30% housing ratio.
How does Orlando rent compare to Jacksonville and Tampa?
Orlando occupies an interesting middle ground in Florida’s rental market. For 1-bedroom apartments, Jacksonville runs $1,304—that’s 13% cheaper than Orlando’s $1,500 median. If affordability is your top priority and you don’t mind fewer big-city amenities, Jacksonville delivers real savings.
Tampa, on the other hand, costs more at $1,589 for a 1-bedroom—about 6% pricier than Orlando. You’re getting a similar job market and lifestyle, but paying a premium for it.
Miami remains significantly higher than all three cities, claiming the title of Florida’s most expensive rental market.
For renters considering moves within Florida, here’s how to think about it: Jacksonville offers 13% rent savings but fewer professional job opportunities. Tampa costs 6% more with a similar job market and amenities. Miami demands significantly higher rent but offers higher salary potential to match. Orlando balances affordability, job market strength, and lifestyle factors—it’s the Goldilocks option.
How does Orlando rent compare to the national average?
When you compare Orlando to the national average, the city actually comes in slightly below. According to our data, Orlando’s 1-bedroom median of $1,500 is $17 less than the national figure of $1,517. The gap widens for 2-bedrooms: Orlando’s $1,800 sits $94 below the national median of $1,894. That’s a 1-5% discount compared to renting in the average American city. Check out our National Rent Report for more comparisons.
But rent is only part of the cost-of-living equation. Orlando’s overall cost of living runs 3.6% below the national average. Transportation costs are 2.6% below national (though car dependency limits how much you can save there). Healthcare provides the biggest relief at 8.1% below the national average. Groceries run 4.7% above national, but the savings in other categories more than compensate.
What salary do you need to rent in Orlando in 2025?
Let’s talk real numbers about what you need to earn. Following the 30% rule:
- 1-bedroom ($1,500): $60,000/year or $28.85/hour
- 2-bedroom ($1,800): $72,000/year or $34.62/hour
- Median all types ($1,975): $79,000/year or $37.98/hour
Use our rent calculator to see what you can afford based on your specific salary.
What careers can afford median rent in Orlando?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics data for the Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford metro area from May 2024, here’s what different professions can realistically afford:
Management occupations earn $60.03/hour ($124,862/year)—these professionals can comfortably afford 2+ bedrooms with money left over. Similarly, computer and math occupations at $49.35/hour ($102,648/year) and healthcare practitioners at $47.92/hour ($99,674/year) have plenty of housing options available.
According to the BLS, Orlando’s average wage of $28.95/hour ($60,216/year) puts you right at the threshold for a 1-bedroom apartment. Sales occupations averaging $24.66/hour ($51,290/year) can technically afford a 1-bedroom, but it requires a tight budget.
Orlando minimum wage vs. rent affordability
Here’s where it gets challenging. According to BLS data, food service workers earn $17.47/hour ($36,338/year)—and they represent 11.6% of Orlando’s jobs due to the tourism-heavy economy. Personal care occupations make $16.04/hour ($33,363/year). Both groups fall well short of the income needed for median rent and typically require roommates or affordable neighborhood options.
Florida’s minimum wage of $13/hour translates to just $27,040/year—far below the $24.91/hour living wage that MIT calculates for a single adult in Orange County.
There’s another critical factor: according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Orlando’s average hourly wage of $28.95 lags the national average of $32.66 by $3.71/hour. That’s a $7,716 annual gap. So even though Orlando’s rent runs slightly below the national average, residents face a wage disadvantage that compounds the affordability challenge.
College students and recent grads earning that under-25 median of $48,576 can afford about $1,214/month max. You’ll need affordable neighborhoods or roommate situations. Entry-level tourism and hospitality jobs require creative housing solutions.
Young professionals aged 25-44 with a $76,094 median income can afford up to $1,902/month—you’re close to median rent and can manage a 1-bedroom comfortably. Stretching for a 2-bedroom solo requires discipline or a dual income.
Mid-career professionals need $79k+ to afford median rent by traditional standards comfortably. Computer and healthcare professionals are well-positioned, but service sector professionals face real challenges.
With 11.6% of Orlando jobs in food service paying roughly half what’s needed to afford median rent alone, it’s no wonder the city has a robust roommate market and a high concentration of renters in below-median neighborhoods.
What affordable housing assistance is available in Orlando?
If your income falls below what’s needed for market-rate rent, several programs can help bridge the gap.
According to the Orange County Housing Authority, the Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) is administered, which provides rental assistance for low-income families, elderly individuals, and people with disabilities. They also run the Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) program specifically for homeless veterans, plus the Family Unification Program for families at risk of separation and Mainstream Vouchers for non-elderly disabled individuals.
The Orlando Housing Authority operates independently as a Move to Work (MTW) agency, offering public housing units, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers, and HUD-VASH veteran services. The MTW designation gives them greater flexibility to innovate with local programs.
Most programs require household income at or below 50% of Area Median Income (AMI). For the Orlando metro, that means roughly $38,799 for a 1-person household, $44,342 for two people, $49,884 for three people, and $55,426 for four people.
The Orange County Housing Finance Authority focuses on first-time homebuyer programs and affordable apartment development—offering a potential path from renting to ownership for those who qualify.
For federal resources, HUD’s Florida page provides information on rental assistance applications, fair housing, foreclosure prevention, and homelessness assistance.
Don’t overlook transportation assistance either. According to LYNX, they offer 50% reduced fares for seniors 65+, persons with disabilities, and Medicare cardholders, plus youth discounts and free downtown LYMMO service.
The reality is that most housing assistance programs have waiting lists. If you’re interested, apply to both Orlando and Orange County housing authorities, gather your documentation (income verification, ID, Social Security cards), and expect wait times of 6-24 months, depending on the program. Keep your contact information updated during the wait period.
When is the best time to rent an apartment in Orlando?
Timing your apartment search can save you real money. Our September 2025 data shows Orlando’s rental market follows predictable seasonal patterns.
October is your sweet spot—it’s the cheapest month to rent, running 3.2% below the yearly average. That translates to potential savings of $60-95/month compared to peak season, or $720-1,140 annually if you time it right. This makes October the cheapest time to move to Orlando.
April is the worst time, hitting 2.2% above the yearly average as the most expensive month. March brings the most competitive market with the highest demand from renters.
How much can you save by timing your Orlando apartment search?
The 5.4% swing between October and April creates meaningful savings opportunities:
- On median rent ($1,975): roughly $107/month difference
- On a 1-bedroom ($1,500): about $81/month difference
- On a 2-bedroom ($1,800): approximately $97/month difference
Why is October so favorable? The summer moving season ends as families settle before school starts. Snowbirds haven’t arrived yet. College students have already secured their housing for the academic year. Landlords become eager to fill vacancies before the holidays hit, creating negotiation opportunities.
Spring gets expensive for the opposite reasons. College students secure next year’s housing in March, families plan summer moves, snowbird season creates additional demand, and the traditional peak moving season approaches.
Beyond seasonal timing, our data reveals broader trends. Orlando rents are declining slightly year-over-year: 1-bedrooms down 0.66% and 2-bedrooms down 2.17%. The market is stabilizing after pandemic-era spikes. Month-over-month for September 2025, 1-bedrooms decreased 0.66% while 2-bedrooms stayed flat at 0%—showing slight downward pressure that favors patient renters.
The October-December period offers more than just lower prices. You’ll find more inventory to choose from, landlords motivated to avoid vacancy over the holidays, greater willingness to negotiate on rent deposits or lease terms, and less competition from other renters.
Here’s a pro tip: Start apartment hunting 60-90 days before your target move date. For an October move, begin serious searching in July-August when you can lock in fall pricing before the seasonal dip becomes widely known. Set up alerts on our Orlando apartments page to catch deals as they appear.
Is it worth moving to Orlando? Quality of life factors to consider
Affordability isn’t just about numbers—it’s about what you get for your money.
The job market looks solid. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Orlando added 18,000 jobs year-over-year (1.2% growth) with unemployment at 4.3% as of August 2025. According to the Orlando Economic Partnership, professional services represent 21% of jobs—the highest percentage in Florida. The economy is diversifying beyond tourism into technology, financial services, and healthcare.
But there’s a trade-off. According to BLS data, Orlando’s average wage of $28.95/hour lags the national average of $32.66 by $3.71/hour—that’s $7,716/year less. However, the lower overall cost of living (-3.6%), no state income tax in Florida (saving 4-6% for higher earners), and rent slightly below the national average (-1% to -5%) help offset the wage gap.
Transportation remains a challenge. With a Walk Score of 41/100, Orlando is car-dependent. Only 2.7% of residents walk to work. The most walkable neighborhoods—South Eola (91), Lake Eola Heights (85), Central Business District (85)—are also the most expensive.
The cost difference is stark: according to MIT’s Living Wage Calculator, car ownership runs roughly $783/month, while a LYNX pass costs just $50/month. Going car-free saves $8,796 annually, but requires living in a walkable neighborhood that likely charges premium rent.
Climate and lifestyle factors add value. You get year-round warm weather with no winter heating costs, 300+ days of sunshine annually, and outdoor recreation available 12 months a year. The city offers world-class theme parks, a vibrant downtown arts district, a growing food and craft beverage scene, professional sports teams, and an emerging tech and startup community.
Compared to cheaper alternatives like Jacksonville, Orlando offers a more diverse job market not dependent on oil and port industries, better cultural amenities and nightlife, a larger young professional community, and more national employer headquarters.
Compared to pricier alternatives like Miami and Tampa, Orlando delivers 13% cheaper rent than Tampa and significantly lower costs than Miami, with less traffic congestion, more balanced cost-of-living, and growing professional opportunities without Miami’s price tag.
The city acknowledges its walkability challenges and has initiated Vision Zero improvements to enhance pedestrian infrastructure, continuing to invest in transit expansion and downtown development.
So who is Orlando for? Young professionals get good value—a vibrant city, growing opportunities, and manageable rent. Families find it challenging on a single income and typically need dual earners for a comfortable living. Service workers face difficulties without roommates or subsidized housing. Remote workers discover excellent conditions: no state income tax, lower costs than coastal cities, and a good climate year-round.
Can I afford to live in Orlando? The bottom line
Orlando sits at an affordability crossroads. With median rent at $1,975/month requiring $79,000 annual income, and the city’s median household income at $77,597, the math suggests Orlando is technically unaffordable for the typical household—but only by 1.8%.
You can afford it if you’re part of a dual-income household with combined earnings of $80k+, a professional in computer/tech, healthcare, or management earning $100k+, a young professional aged 25-44 earning the demographic median of $76,094 (able to manage 1-bedrooms comfortably), or anyone willing to live in below-median neighborhoods and save $476-$835/month.
But here’s what’s remarkable: according to Data USA, the typical Orlando renter earns just $52,510—33% below the “required” income—yet hundreds of thousands of renters call Orlando home. They’ve found creative solutions like roommate arrangements (splitting a 2-bedroom for $900 each vs. $1,500 solo), choosing budget neighborhoods ($1,140-$1,499/month vs. $1,975 median), accepting spending more than 30% on housing, developing side hustles and multiple income streams, and qualifying for housing assistance programs.
Moving to Orlando on a budget: Strategies that work
Use geographic arbitrage: Choose Lake Sunset or Holden Parramore over Lake Nona and save $1,463/month. Time your search for October vs. April and save roughly $100/month. Get a roommate and split a 2-bedroom for $900 each vs. $1,500 solo. Optimize transit by using a LYNX pass at $50 vs. car ownership at $783—saving $733/month if feasible. Apply for assistance through Housing Choice Vouchers if you qualify. Negotiate during the October-December period when you have better leverage.
Orlando asks renters to make trade-offs. Compared to Jacksonville, you’ll pay 13% more rent but gain better job prospects. Compared to Miami or coastal Florida, you’ll save thousands while still enjoying year-round sunshine, strong job growth, and no state income tax.
Is Orlando affordable? For the median earner—barely. For strategic renters willing to optimize neighborhood choice, timing, and housing arrangements—absolutely. For minimum-wage workers and service industry employees, they can only live with roommates or assistance.
The city’s slight rent decline (-0.66% to -2.17% year-over-year) and below-national pricing suggest the market is stabilizing after pandemic spikes. For renters in the 25-44 age range earning $76k, Orlando offers a viable middle-market option in Florida’s increasingly expensive rental landscape. The Orlando rent forecast for 2026 shows continued stabilization, with modest declines expected to continue.
Ready to find your affordable Orlando apartment?
Smart renters use data to make better decisions. Our tools help you find the right neighborhood, calculate what you can truly afford, and catch price drops before other renters do.
- Use our rent calculator to determine exactly how much you can afford based on your income
- Explore Orlando neighborhoods with real-time pricing data and trends
- Browse Orlando apartments filtered by your budget and preferences
- Read our National Rent Report for a broader market context
- Check Orlando rent research for the latest monthly trends
Start your search with the insights that matter—because knowing the market gives you the edge in finding your perfect Orlando home.
Frequently asked questions
What salary do I need to afford rent in Orlando?
To afford Orlando’s median rent of $1,975/month following the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $79,000 ($37.98/hour). For a 1-bedroom at $1,500/month, you need $60,000 annually. However, many Orlando renters earn less and manage by choosing affordable neighborhoods, having roommates, or spending a higher percentage of income on housing.
Is Orlando cheaper than other major Florida cities?
Orlando is more affordable than Tampa (6% cheaper) and significantly cheaper than Miami, but 13% more expensive than Jacksonville. Compared to the national average, Orlando runs 1-5% below the median rent. Overall, the cost of living in Orlando is 3.6% below the national average.
What are the cheapest neighborhoods to rent in Orlando?
Lake Sunset ($1,140/month), Holden Parramore ($1,300), Monterey ($1,425), and South Semoran ($1,499) offer the most affordable options—saving $476-$835/month compared to the city median of $1,975.
When is the best time to rent an apartment in Orlando?
October is the cheapest month to rent (3.2% below the yearly average), while April is the most expensive (2.2% above the average). Signing a lease in October vs. April can save $720-$1,140 annually. The fall months offer the best combination of lower prices and less competition.
Can you live in Orlando without a car?
Orlando has a Walk Score of 41/100, making it car-dependent. Only 2.7% of residents walk to work. However, LYNX public transit offers a $50/month pass (vs. $783/month for car ownership). Living car-free is feasible in highly walkable neighborhoods like South Eola, Lake Eola Heights, or the Central Business District, though these are among the city’s most expensive areas.
What affordable housing assistance is available in Orlando?
The Orange County Housing Authority and Orlando Housing Authority both offer Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) for income-qualified renters. Additional programs include Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH), Family Unification Program, and Mainstream Vouchers. LYNX also offers 50% reduced transit fares for seniors, disabled individuals, and Medicare recipients.
Are Orlando rents going up or down?
As of September 2025, Orlando rents are declining slightly: 1-bedrooms down 0.66% year-over-year, 2-bedrooms down 2.17% year-over-year. Month-over-month, 1-bedrooms decreased 0.66% while 2-bedrooms remained flat. This represents a stabilization after pandemic-era increases, with Orlando rents now tracking slightly below national averages.
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