Kissimmee Vacation Cost Calculator
Kissimmee is a city in Osceola County, Central Florida, located just south of Orlando and adjacent to Walt Disney World Resort. Its population hovers around 75,000, and the local economy leans heavily on tourism, hospitality, and retail. Because of its proximity to major attractions, many travelers wonder whether the day‑to‑day expenses are lower than in the neighboring hubs.
Cost‑of‑Living Snapshot
According to the latest Cost of Living Index from the Council for Community and Economic Research, Kissimmee scores about 93, where the national average is set at 100. That translates to roughly 7% cheaper overall than the U.S. median. For comparison, Orlando sits at 102, making Kissimmee a modestly more affordable base for both residents and short‑term visitors.
The index breaks down into housing (62), groceries (102), utilities (97), transportation (106), health care (98) and miscellaneous (95). Housing drives the biggest savings, while transportation edges a bit higher because many commuters rely on the I‑4 corridor that runs through the city.
Housing: Buying and Renting
Real‑estate data from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation shows the Median Home Price in Kissimmee sits at $285,000, well below the Orlando median of $370,000 and the state median of $335,000. Rental markets follow a similar trend: a two‑bedroom apartment averages $1,350 per month, compared with $1,650 in Orlando.
These figures matter for anyone planning a longer stay or relocation. Lower purchase prices also mean lower property taxes - roughly $1,250 per $100,000 assessed value versus $1,450 in the Orlando metro.
| Metric | Kissimmee | Orlando | Florida Avg. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $285,000 | $370,000 | $335,000 |
| Average Monthly Rent (2‑bed) | $1,350 | $1,650 | $1,500 |
| Average Hotel Rate (mid‑range) | $115 | $150 | $132 |
| Grocery Price Index | 102 | 108 | 105 |
| Transportation Cost Index | 106 | 110 | 108 |
Accommodation for Tourists
Visitors often stay in hotels, motels, or vacation rentals. The Average Hotel Rate for a mid‑range three‑star property in Kissimmee is around $115 per night, roughly 23% lower than the Orlando average. Vacation rental platforms like Airbnb list entire homes starting at $80 per night during off‑peak months, while peak-season prices can climb to $180.
These savings are amplified by the fact that many Kissimmee hotels bundle complimentary shuttle service to Walt Disney World, a perk that often costs extra in Orlando. So not only is the nightly rate cheaper, but the overall out‑of‑pocket expense for park transportation can be lower.
Food, Dining, and Everyday Expenses
Grocery bills in Kissimmee track just above the national average (index 102), but the price gap narrows when you factor in the abundance of discount supermarkets like Walmart Supercenter and Publix’s “Baker’s Kitchen” specials. A typical family grocery run for a week (four adults, two kids) costs about $180, compared with $200 in Orlando.
Dining out is where Kissimmee shines for budget‑conscious travelers. The city hosts a vibrant “restaurant row” along Highway 192, where you can snag a three‑course meal for $12-$15 at local Cuban or Mexican eateries. In Orlando, the average dinner at a comparable establishment rises to $20-$22.
Transportation: Getting Around
While the Transportation Cost Index is modestly higher than the national figure (106), the real savings come from the prevalence of rideshare incentives and the city’s public bus system, Lynx. A single bus ride costs $2, and a 30‑day unlimited pass is $70, which is cheaper than many Orlando commuter passes.
For those renting cars, daily rates in Kissimmee average $35 during off‑season, due to competition among rental agencies near the airport. Gas prices hover around $3.45 per gallon, aligning with the state average but lower than the national median of $3.68.
Entertainment and Attraction Costs
Kissimmee’s biggest draw is its closeness to Walt Disney World. While park tickets are the same regardless of where you stay, the city offers numerous free or low‑cost alternatives. The Lake Tohopekaliga (often called “Lake Toho”) provides kayaking, fishing, and sunset cruises for $25 per person, a fraction of the $70‑plus theme‑park experiences.
Other attractions include Old Town’s classic rides (free admission, pay‑per‑ride), the Osceola County Welcome Center (free), and seasonal festivals that charge only a few dollars for entry. These options let visitors stretch a vacation budget without sacrificing fun.
Quality of Life and Safety
Safety matters when you consider long‑term affordability. FBI crime statistics show Kissimmee’s violent crime rate at 4.2 incidents per 1,000 residents, slightly higher than the national average of 3.9 but lower than Orlando’s 5.1. Property crime hovers around 30 per 1,000, again modestly above the U.S. mean but comparable to other tourist hubs.
On the upside, Osceola County invests heavily in public parks, libraries, and community programs, which boost resident satisfaction. Health‑care access is solid, with Osceola Regional Medical Center offering a broad range of services at rates roughly 5% below the state average.
Bottom Line: Is Kissimmee Cheap?
If you’re weighing the numbers, the answer leans toward a resounding yes. Housing, hotel rooms, and everyday meals are consistently cheaper than in Orlando, while entertainment options remain abundant. Even though transportation and groceries sit near the national average, the overall cost‑of‑living advantage is roughly 7‑10%.
For a family of four planning a week‑long vacation, the budget could look like this:
- Accommodation (mid‑range hotel) - $115×7=$805
- Food (groceries + meals out) - $250
- Transportation (rental car + gas) - $300
- Park tickets (4×$109) - $436
- Extra activities (Lake Toho cruise, Old Town rides) - $100
Total ≈ $1,891, roughly $300‑$400 less than a comparable Orlando itinerary.
So, for both residents seeking affordable housing and travelers hunting value, Kissimmee cheap is more than a catchy phrase - it’s a measurable reality.
Related Concepts and Next Steps
Readers who want to dive deeper can explore the following topics, which sit naturally in the same knowledge hierarchy:
- Long‑term rental market trends in Central Florida
- Comparative analysis of cost of living across Florida’s tourist corridors
- Impact of Disney’s expansion on nearby municipal budgets
- Transportation infrastructure projects on the I‑4 corridor
- Seasonal employment patterns in hospitality
Each of these sub‑topics expands on the affordability narrative and helps you make more informed decisions, whether you’re moving, investing, or simply planning a vacation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the cost of living in Kissimmee compare to the Florida state average?
Kissimmee scores about 93 on the Cost of Living Index, while the Florida statewide average sits around 100. This means everyday expenses, especially housing, are roughly 7% lower than the state norm.
Is it cheaper to stay in a Kissimmee hotel than an Orlando hotel?
Yes. The average rate for a mid‑range hotel in Kissimmee is about $115 per night, compared with $150 in Orlando. Many Kissimmee properties also include free shuttle service to Disney parks, adding extra savings.
What are the safest neighborhoods in Kissimmee for families?
Neighborhoods such as Poinciana, Four Corners, and the area around the Osceola County Library consistently rank low in crime and have good schools, making them popular with families looking for affordable living.
How much does a typical grocery bill cost for a family of four in Kissimmee?
A weekly grocery run for a family of four averages around $180, which is about $20 less than the comparable cost in nearby Orlando.
Are there affordable public transportation options for tourists?
Yes. Lynx bus service provides $2 single rides and a 30‑day unlimited pass for $70, offering a budget‑friendly way to reach downtown, the airport, and nearby attractions.
What free or low‑cost attractions are available in Kissimmee?
Free attractions include the Osceola County Welcome Center, historic downtown strolls, and the Lakeside Park. Low‑cost options feature kayaking on Lake Tohopekaliga ($25) and the pay‑per‑ride classic rides at Old Town.