When I first arrived in Orlando, the first reality I faced was the rent prices. Everyone has likely noticed that rental costs in Orlando have increased significantly compared to before COVID-19, so I've compiled information on how much they actually are and how they differ by area. I hope this serves as a realistic reference for those considering settling down or moving.

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the greater Orlando area is between $1,500 and $1,700 per month as of 2024. In early 2020, it was around $1,100 to $1,200, meaning it has increased by over $300 to $500 in the past 4-5 years. The rental market has somewhat stabilized since 2022-2023, but it still remains high due to a lack of supply.

There is a significant variation by region. In downtown Orlando and nearby areas like Mills 50, Westside, and Colonial Town, the rent for a 1-bedroom has risen to between $1,700 and $2,200 due to the increase in new apartment complexes. It is common for luxury high-rise apartments downtown to exceed $2,000. However, these areas are preferred by young professionals due to their good walkability and proximity to downtown jobs.

The direction of Seminole County (Altamonte Springs, Casselberry, Longwood) generally has slightly lower or similar rent compared to downtown Orlando. For a 1-bedroom, the typical range is between $1,400 and $1,800. This area is often chosen by Korean families due to its proximity to H-Mart and the Korean community, as well as good school districts. There are also options for renting single-family homes or townhouses, which provide more space and a quieter environment for families compared to apartments.

Kissimmee and Osceola County tend to have lower rents within the greater Orlando area. The rent for a 1-bedroom typically ranges from $1,200 to $1,500. This area has a high percentage of workers in the tourism industry or temporary jobs, and the rental market features a mix of short-term and long-term rentals. If you are far from downtown or your workplace, you should consider commuting times, and be aware that the quality of schools is lower than in Orange or Seminole County.

In addition to rent, you need to account for extra costs. Orlando's climate makes it difficult to endure the summer without air conditioning. The summer electricity bill for a 1-bedroom apartment can often exceed $150 to $250. Water, sewage, and trash collection may be included in the apartment rent or billed separately, so it's important to check before signing a lease. Depending on the apartment complex, there may be additional fees for amenities, parking, and pets. Many people find that their actual expenses are higher than expected if they only budget based on the rental advertisement price.

Your credit score is important when signing a rental agreement. Most apartment complexes require a credit score of at least 620, while upscale complexes may require 700 or higher. If you have just arrived in the U.S. and have no credit history, you may be asked for a higher security deposit or a cosigner. In cases where individual landlords in the Korean community rent out their properties directly, these conditions tend to be more flexible. Posting in the KakaoTalk Orlando Korean community chat about looking for a place can lead to connections with Korean landlords or referrals.