Moving to Orlando: The Complete Guide (2025)
Are You Moving to Orlando?
Considering making the move to Orlando, Florida?
Known worldwide as the home of Disney World and Universal Studios, Orlando offers much more than just theme parks and tourist attractions. This vibrant city combines Florida sunshine with diverse neighborhoods, economic opportunity, and a quality of life that appeals to young professionals, families, and retirees alike.
As Florida moving specialists, we’ve helped countless clients relocate to Orlando, and we’ve gathered insights beyond what you’ll find in the typical city guide. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about moving to Orlando—from neighborhood profiles and cost of living to job markets and lifestyle considerations.
Orlando at a Glance: Quick Facts
Before diving into the details, here’s a quick snapshot of Orlando:
- Population: Approximately 315,000 in the city proper, with over 2.6 million in the greater metropolitan area according to U.S. Census Bureau data
- Nickname: “The City Beautiful”
- Climate: Humid subtropical with hot, rainy summers and mild, dry winters
- Average Temperature: Summer highs around 92°F, winter lows around 52°F
- Cost of Living: 5% below the national average (housing costs are 7% below national average)
- Major Industries: Tourism, technology, aviation, healthcare, and film production
- Major Attractions: Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando
- Sports Teams: Orlando Magic (NBA), Orlando City SC (MLS), Orlando Pride (NWSL)
- Airports: Orlando International Airport (MCO), Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB)
Cost of Living in Orlando
One of Orlando’s major selling points is its relatively affordable cost of living compared to other major U.S. cities. Here’s a breakdown:
Housing Costs
The Orlando housing market has seen significant growth but remains more affordable than many coastal Florida cities:
- Median Home Price: Around $370,000 (as of early 2025)
- Average Rent (1-bedroom apartment): $1,500-$1,800 per month
- Average Rent (3-bedroom home): $2,200-$2,800 per month
Housing costs vary significantly by neighborhood, with downtown and areas close to the theme parks commanding premium prices, while outlying suburbs offer more affordable options.
Other Living Expenses
- Utilities: Monthly utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for a 915 sq ft apartment average around $170-$220
- Food: Grocery costs are about average for the U.S.
- Transportation: Gas prices typically align with the national average, with car insurance rates about 25% higher than the national average
- Healthcare: Healthcare costs in Orlando are approximately 2% below the national average
Tax Considerations
Moving to Florida comes with significant tax advantages:
- No state income tax
- Property tax rates around 0.97% of assessed home value
- Sales tax of 6.5% (combined state and county)
Pros and Cons of Moving to Orlando
Pros of Living in Orlando
- No State Income Tax: Like all Florida residents, you’ll enjoy keeping more of your paycheck with no state income tax.
- Job Opportunities: Strong job market spanning tourism, healthcare, technology, and more.
- Diverse Food Scene: From International Drive to downtown’s emerging culinary hotspots, Orlando’s restaurant scene goes far beyond theme park food.
- Entertainment Options: World-class attractions in your backyard, plus vibrant arts and culture scenes.
- Outdoor Activities: Year-round warm weather allows for endless outdoor recreation at parks, lakes, and nearby beaches.
- Central Location: Easy access to both Florida coasts (about a 1-hour drive to the east coast and 1.5 hours to the west coast).
- Growing Downtown: Revitalized downtown area with new residential options, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
- International Airport: Direct flights to major destinations worldwide.
Cons of Living in Orlando
- Tourist Traffic: Heavy tourism means crowded roads and attractions, especially during peak seasons.
- Summer Heat and Humidity: June through September can be intensely hot and humid.
- Hurricane Season: June through November brings potential for severe storms and necessary preparation.
- Public Transportation: Limited compared to other major cities, making car ownership necessary for most residents.
- Lower Wages: Some industries offer lower salaries compared to other major metropolitan areas.
- High Insurance Rates: Both home and auto insurance tend to be more expensive than the national average.
- Rapid Growth: Continuing development means some areas face growing pains with infrastructure and traffic.
The Orlando Job Market
Orlando’s economy extends far beyond tourism, though that remains a significant sector. Here’s what to know about the job market:
Major Industries and Employers
- Tourism and Hospitality: Walt Disney World (77,000+ employees), Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld, major hotel chains – tourism remains Orlando’s largest industry according to Orlando Economic Partnership
- Healthcare: AdventHealth, Orlando Health, VA Medical Center, Nemours Children’s Hospital
- Technology: Electronic Arts (EA), Lockheed Martin, Siemens, Oracle
- Aviation and Aerospace: Lockheed Martin, Boeing, NASA Kennedy Space Center (one hour east)
- Education: University of Central Florida (one of the largest universities in the U.S.), Valencia College, Rollins College
Growing Sectors
- Medical Research: Lake Nona Medical City continues expanding
- Digital Media: Full Sail University and UCF support a growing digital media ecosystem
- Simulation and Training: Military and civilian simulation industry
- Clean Energy: Solar and renewable energy initiatives
Job Search Resources
- Orlando Economic Partnership (www.orlando.org)
- Central Florida Employment Council
- OrlandoJobs.com
- LinkedIn (search Orlando-specific jobs)
Things to Do in Orlando
While theme parks put Orlando on the map, locals enjoy a much broader range of activities:
Beyond the Theme Parks
- Lake Eola Park: Downtown Orlando’s centerpiece with swan boats, walking path, and regular events
- Winter Park: Scenic boat tours, Morse Museum (largest collection of Tiffany glass), Park Avenue shopping
- Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts: Broadway shows, concerts, and performances
- Orlando Museum of Art and Orlando Science Center: Cultural and educational attractions
- Leu Gardens: 50-acre botanical garden with diverse plant collections
- Wekiwa Springs State Park: Natural springs for swimming, kayaking, and hiking
Sports and Recreation
- Orlando Magic: NBA basketball at the Amway Center
- Orlando City SC and Orlando Pride: MLS and NWSL soccer at Exploria Stadium
- Golf: Over 150 courses in the Greater Orlando area
- Water Sports: Numerous lakes for boating, kayaking, paddleboarding
- Beaches: Day trips to Cocoa Beach, New Smyrna Beach, or Clearwater Beach
Local Food and Drink Scene
- Mills 50 District: Vietnamese and Asian fusion restaurants
- Winter Park: Upscale dining options on and around Park Avenue
- Restaurant Row: High-end dining on Sand Lake Road
- East End Market: Food hall with local vendors
- Craft Breweries: Growing scene including Sideward Brewing, Ivanhoe Park Brewing, and Dead Lizard Brewing
Annual Events
- Orlando Fringe Festival: The longest-running fringe theater festival in the US
- Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival: One of the nation’s top outdoor art festivals
- Orlando Food & Wine Festival: Culinary showcase
- Come Out With Pride: One of Florida’s largest pride celebrations
- Epcot International Food & Wine Festival: Global cuisine showcase (requires park admission)
Move to Orlando With Cento Moving
Whether you’re relocating for work, family, retirement, or simply seeking Florida sunshine, Orlando offers a unique blend of opportunity, entertainment, and quality of life. As your Orlando moving specialists, we’re here to answer your questions and help you plan your relocation.
Contact us today for a personalized moving quote and discover how our Orlando expertise can make your transition to “The City Beautiful” as smooth and stress-free as possible.
