Quick answer
Raleigh costs $110/month less overall ($1,975 vs $2,085/mo). But Orlando's None state income tax erases some of that gap — on an $80K salary, the tax difference is $3,600/year.
City Comparison · 2026
Orlando vs Raleigh
Side-by-side on rent, home prices, taxes, walkability, jobs, and climate — with a straight verdict for each type of mover.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Orlando vs Raleigh at a Glance
| Metric | Orlando | Raleigh |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Monthly Rent | $1,580 | $1,860 ✓ |
| 2BR Monthly Rent | $1,980 | $1,860 ✓ |
| Median Home Price | $370K ✓ | $420K |
| Avg Utilities/mo | $165 | $145 ✓ |
| Avg Groceries/mo | $340 ✓ | $350 |
| Monthly Cost (1BR) | $2,085 | $1,975 ✓ |
| Walk Score | 41/100 ✓ | 34/100 |
| Transit Score | 30/100 ✓ | 25/100 |
| State Income Tax | None ✓ | 4.5% |
Monthly cost = 1BR rent + utilities + groceries for one person. ✓ marks the lower/better value.
Cost of Living: What the Numbers Actually Mean
Rent gap: Raleigh's 1BR averages $1,480/month vs $1,580 in Orlando — a $100/month difference, or $1,200/year. That's close enough that neighborhood choice within each city matters more than the city-level average.
State tax: Orlando charges None state income tax vs 4.5% in Raleigh. On an $80K salary that's a $3,600/year difference. On $120K, the gap grows to $5,400 vs $0 — important context if you're choosing between tech job offers.
Home buying: Median homes in Orlando are $370K vs $420K in Raleigh. At a 20% down payment, that's a $10,000 difference in upfront cash — significant at early-career savings rates.
Utilities: Orlando utilities run $20 more per month than Raleigh. Factor this into your all-in monthly budget.
Walkability, Transit & Daily Life
Orlando, FL
Orlando is partially walkable in denser neighborhoods but car-dependent in most areas.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Raleigh, NC
Car ownership is effectively mandatory in Raleigh. Budget $400–600/month for a car if you don't own one.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Climate
Orlando
Subtropical: hot humid summers with daily afternoon thunderstorms; mild dry winters (60s°F)
Raleigh
Four mild seasons; hot humid summers (heat index 100–105°F in July), light winters, excellent spring and fall
Job Market
Orlando top industries
Raleigh top industries
Who Should Pick Which City
Move to Orlando if…
- →You're a hospitality / tourism workers
- →You're a healthcare professionals
- →You're a remote workers
- →You're a families
- →You want zero state income tax
- →You're buying a home and want more for your money
Move to Raleigh if…
- →You're a tech workers
- →You're a biotech / pharma professionals
- →You're a researchers
- →You're a young families
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Orlando or Raleigh cheaper to live in?
Raleigh is cheaper overall. Monthly costs (1BR rent + utilities + groceries) run $1,975 in Raleigh vs $2,085 in Orlando — a $110/month difference.
Which city is more walkable — Orlando or Raleigh?
Orlando is more walkable with a Walk Score of 41/100 vs 34/100. Raleigh is more car-dependent.
Orlando vs Raleigh: which has lower state income tax?
Orlando has lower state income tax (None). On an $80K salary, that saves $3,600/year vs Raleigh (4.5%).
Is Orlando or Raleigh better for buying a home?
Orlando has lower median home prices at $370K vs $420K in Raleigh — a $50,000 difference on the median home.