Apartments for Rent in Orlando
Orlando. The happiest place on earth, home to various theme parks, a world of amusement, great rental apartments, and tons of culture. Banking, logistics, and aerospace all have a notable presence in Orlando too, and let us not forget it’s home to our beloved Tupperware. Despite the many goings-on, Orlando is relatively small. Only about 255,000 people call the city home, which means that the surrounding areas are both thickly settled with renters and very much part of the tourist and resident scene.
Due to the abundance of transient job seekers (the theme parks alone employ tons of people, and many such workers treat these gigs as a crossroad) and the fact that Florida is just that way, expect to be asked to prove job security, savings, or positive multi-year rental history. Upscale Orlando rentals can be priced slightly high for overall market conditions so there are often incentives to be seized. If you're willing to sign a lease of at least 12 months, and you don't see an incentive advertised, ask or negotiate for it - reread the previous sentence.
Kissimmee and Altamonte Springs are both popular cities for young families who are renting. (Not surprising, given Kissimmee is right next to the theme parks!) Altamonte Springs is also great for young singles, especially UCF and tech students, due to its centrality and entertainment options. And with a large student population in the Orlando area overall, the highest traffic for renters moving in and out tends to be on the semester schedule, during the spring and the fall. Most people tend to stay for 3-6 years, depending on whether they’re coming for school, Disney-related work, or something more long-term.
Whether you’re a student, musician, aspiring chef, Disney fan, or just wanting a warm, sunny place to be, Orlando is your place. See our full guide to find the right area for making your next home!
Average Rent in Orlando
The following rent averages come from current listings on our website. Rent prices listed are averages and may not reflect the cost of specific units. Rental prices can vary depending on factors like size, location, amenities, and availability.
How Much Is Rent for a Studio Apartment in Orlando?
On average, expect to pay around $1,654 per month for a studio apartment in Orlando.
How Much Is Rent for a 1-Bedroom Apartment in Orlando?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Orlando is approximately $1,722 per month.
How Much Is Rent for a 2-Bedroom Apartment in Orlando?
In Orlando, a 2-bedroom apartment typically rents for around $2,122 per month.
How Much Is Rent for a 3-Bedroom Apartment in Orlando?
A 3-bedroom apartment in Orlando will cost, on average, $2,522 per month.
Transportation in Orlando
Orlando's sprawling tourist industry means transportation caters to visitors and residents alike. Here's a breakdown of the most common ways to get around in Orlando:
-
Cars: While rental cars dominate for tourists, many residents still rely on personal vehicles for the most flexibility, especially for navigating suburban areas. Traffic congestion can be a concern during peak hours.
-
LYNX Bus System: Orlando's public bus system, LYNX, provides a network of routes throughout the metro area, including Orange, Seminole, Osceola and Lake Counties. It's an affordable option for commuting and daily errands, though wait times and travel durations can be longer than a car.
-
SunRail: This commuter rail line connects Orlando with other cities in the region. It's a good option for longer commutes, especially for those who live near a SunRail station.
-
Biking: The weather allows for year-round cycling, and Orlando offers designated bike lanes on some roads. However, compared to other cities, Orlando's bike infrastructure is still developing.
Pet-Friendly Apartment Hunting in Orlando
Orlando isn't the most pet-friendly rental scene in the country, though it is making steady improvements. While there are an increasing number of properties beginning to welcome furry friends, you'll find many high-rises have a no-pet policy or strict weight restrictions and/or fees. "Conditional" or "Considered" are terms you will often come across when searching for pet-friendly apartments in Orlando.
FAQs about Apartments in Orlando
Still have questions about renting in Orlando? Here are some of the most commonly asked questions from people who are moving to the city for the first time:
Is it expensive to live in Orlando?
At an median rate of $1,342 for a one-bedroom in Orlando, we estimate you would need to make around $60,000 a year to comfortably afford living in the city. Orlando is a slightly more affordable than Miami ($1,601) and much more affordable than other major cities like NYC, San Francisco, and Chicago.
Are rents dropping in Orlando?
As of April 2024, rent in orlando was down 3.3% over the previous year, and only up slightly (0.6%) over the previous month. This year over year decrease mirrored trends in Florida and the U.S. in general.
What is a good salary in Orlando?
Using a budgeting rule that says rent should not be more than 30% of your income, and assuming a "good salary" means comfortably affording a 2-bedroom apartment, we estimate you would want to make a little under $70,000 a year to afford a median rent of $1,668.
Orlando Neighborhoods
Living near so many theme parks is the absolute dream, of course. But with this many places of happiness around, which neighborhood should you choose? You’re in luck, because our city guide is here to help you figure out which area fits you best. Read on, apartment hunter!
Downtown Orlando
Here you’ll find posh, high-rise apartments, lakes, farmer's markets, pro sports, performing arts, and dozens of hip restaurants (many owned by notable chefs) and bars that bring out your fun-loving, food-loving side! Thornton Park, Lake Eola, and the Central Business District make up the most chic core of Orlando's downtown area, and this is reflected in steeper rent prices.
Lake Buena Vista
Home of The Walt Disney World Resort, and privately controlled by The Walt Disney Company (although it is an incorporated state municipality), Lake Buena Vista is the mostly heavily touristed region and has every imaginable store, souvenir, chain restaurant, theme restaurant, high-end restaurant, and lodging that exists or soon will. The apartments here are mainly big complexes with island motif names - resplendent with pools, fountains, artificial lakes, landscaped grounds...and they are all highly similar to each other. Seek opinions about management and maintenance in gleaning your best choice.
Kissimmee
In relation to Lake Buena Vista, Kissimmee is a few miles south, less frenetic, and marginally less expensive. This city sits right on the edge of Lake Tohopekaliga (Lake Toho, for short), which means that although Kissimmee is close to the Disney theme parks, it’s got a lot to offer in its own right too. The Kissimmee Waterfront Park has fishing piers, walking paths, playgrounds...it’s great place for those who want theme park proximity but with a little less hassle. Except for when the annual Silver Spurs Rodeo rolls around, of course. That one’s a pretty big deal.
Celebration
An entirely Disney designed (but no longer company owned) master community, Celebration could literally be from a Disney movie. Directly connected to the Magic Kingdom (but not as close as LBV), the architecture, piers, post-office, movie theater, restaurants, and shops lend to a surreal atmosphere. This city is ridiculously clean, like gum-wrappers-are-litter clean. There is a dearth of 1 BR accommodations here, so Celebration is best suited for young families or roommates with a desire for an easy commute to Disney.
Altamonte Springs
Quiet, yet full of fun things to do, Altamonte Springs is about 10-15 minutes from Orlando and offers shopping, restaurants, and the Cranes Roost Park and Lake. People from Casselberry, Longwood, and Maitland come to Altamonte Springs to enjoy what the city center has to offer, including its indoor shopping mall and large movie theater. Altamonte Springs is undergoing extensive developments, with plans for more large-scale apartment buildings and high rise condominiums in its near future, so plenty of spaces are opening up for renters in this area. And with so many upcoming available apartments and things to do in this area, it is perfect for families and young professionals.
Winter Garden
Winter Garden is a pleasant, small city with a country feel, right on Lake Apopka - Florida's third largest lake. Just west of Orlando, Winter Garden has a little bit of everything and lots of fishing. Its historical downtown offers various restaurants, shops, cafes, museums, and a performing arts venue. And its open-air shopping center, Winter Village Garden, is a popular spot for an enjoyable shopping spree! Plus, with its proximity to Windermere, living in Winter Garden gives you access to all of the area’s great shopping and schools, for cheaper rent. This city is becoming increasingly popular for families and growing businesses.
Dr. Phillips/Bay Hill
The communities of Dr. Phillips and Bay Hill are the closest to Universal Studios and Seaworld, and this is some of the priciest real estate in the metro region (Tiger Woods lives one town over). Very few apartments, several house rentals though - mostly 3 BR, some 2BR.
Orlando Culture
The truth is that, living in Orlando and its surrounding neighborhoods, you will feel no more imposed upon by the plethora of parks than the people of Las Vegas do by the Strip. It's there, everyone's aware it’s there, and it’s generally avoided whenever possible. However, they're fun to visit (locals discounts and specials are generous) and perfect for incentivizing your friends to come see you. But there’s plenty more besides the parks, too! For example, you may not have realized that Orlando has a killer live music scene. From downtown bars to the House of Blues (Disney, of course), live bands are everywhere to be found and enjoyed. Orlando also hosts the Florida Film Festival, Florida Music Festival, Orlando International Fringe Festival, Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival, and more, so you certainly don’t have to be obsessed with Mickey Mouse to enjoy living here.
Orlando residents love to have a good time and have an appreciation for the artistic and creative, no matter which form that may take (film, traditional art, etc.). And if you’re sports-friendly, this is the place for you! Sports make up a huge part of the culture here, so you certainly won’t be alone in your love for the game. Overall, Orlando is a multi-layered city with lots to offer in itself and in its surrounding neighbor cities. No matter where you’re looking to make your home, you’re sure to find a perfect match around here.
