Is Kissimmee, Florida expensive? The short answer: it depends on what you’re comparing it to. If you’re coming from New York, San Francisco, or even Orlando’s tourist zone, Kissimmee feels like a breath of fresh air-literally and financially. But if you’re budgeting for a family vacation or thinking about moving there full-time, you need to know where the money actually goes.
Housing: The biggest factor
Housing in Kissimmee is one of the main reasons people move here. The median home price in 2025 is around $320,000. That’s nearly 40% lower than Orlando’s average and over 60% cheaper than Tampa. You can find a three-bedroom, two-bath single-family home on a quarter-acre lot for under $300,000, especially if you’re willing to live 10-15 minutes from the main tourist corridors.
Rentals are just as friendly. A two-bedroom apartment in a gated community near the I-4 corridor runs about $1,800 a month. In Orlando, you’d pay $2,400 for the same space. Even in nearby Celebration, home prices are 50% higher than in Kissimmee. The trade-off? You’re trading walkability for space. Kissimmee isn’t downtown-style urban-it’s suburban, spread out, and car-dependent.
Utilities and taxes: What you save
Florida has no state income tax. That alone puts Kissimmee ahead of most of the country. A family earning $75,000 a year keeps nearly $6,000 more than they would in Georgia or North Carolina. Property taxes are low too-around $2,800 per year on a $320,000 home. That’s less than half of what you’d pay in New Jersey or Illinois.
Utilities? Average monthly bills (electricity, water, trash, internet) run $220-$280. That’s higher than the national average because of AC use, but still cheaper than most northern states. Gas prices hover around $3.10 a gallon, which is about average for Florida.
Food and groceries: Affordable, but watch the tourist zones
Grocery prices in Kissimmee are close to the Florida average. A gallon of milk costs $3.60. A dozen eggs? $3.25. A loaf of bread? $3.10. You’ll find good deals at Walmart, Publix, and local Latin markets on West Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway.
But if you eat out near the tourist strip-think International Drive or the Gateway area-you’ll pay Disney-level prices. A basic burger and fries at a chain restaurant near the exit ramps can cost $18. Walk just five miles west to the local Mexican restaurant on East Irlo Bronson, and you’ll get a plate of tacos, rice, and beans for $9.50. Locals know where to go. Tourists don’t.
Vacation costs: How much does it really cost to visit?
If you’re planning a trip to Kissimmee because of Disney World, you’re probably thinking about hotel prices. A standard 3-star hotel near the Kissimmee Gateway area starts at $120-$150 a night in November. That’s half the price of staying in Lake Buena Vista. Some vacation rentals even drop to $90 a night if you book 60+ days ahead.
But here’s the catch: you’re not staying near the parks. You’ll need to drive 15-25 minutes to Magic Kingdom or Animal Kingdom. That means gas, parking ($25 per day at Disney), and maybe a rental car. A 7-day trip for a family of four might cost $2,200 if you stay in Kissimmee and drive-versus $3,800 if you stay inside Disney property. The savings are real, but you need to plan for transportation.
Disney tickets themselves? Same price everywhere. $109-$179 per day, depending on the season. No discount for staying in Kissimmee. But you can save on souvenirs by buying them at Walmart or Target before you go. Locals do it all the time.
Transportation: You need a car
Kissimmee doesn’t have a reliable public transit system. The LYNX bus runs every 90 minutes on main roads and doesn’t go near most vacation rentals. If you don’t have a car, you’re stuck. Ride-shares like Uber cost $25-$35 to get from a Kissimmee rental to Disney. That adds up fast if you’re going daily.
Buying a used car here is cheap. A 2018 Honda Civic with 60,000 miles sells for $14,000. Insurance is average for Florida-$1,700 a year. It’s not cheap, but it’s necessary. Most people who move here buy a car within a week.
Entertainment and activities: Beyond Disney
Kissimmee isn’t just about Disney. There’s the Kissimmee Lakefront Park, free to enter. The Osceola County Historical Society Museum costs $5. The Old Town Kissimmee area has live music on weekends, and most events are free. You can kayak on the Kissimmee River for $35 a day, or go to the local state parks like Lake Kissimmee State Park-entry is $6 per vehicle.
Compared to Orlando’s museums and aquariums, which charge $30-$50 per person, these are bargain options. Families who live here often skip the big theme parks on weekdays and save up for one big day. That’s how they stretch their budget.
Is Kissimmee expensive? The bottom line
If you’re looking for a place to live with space, low taxes, and affordable housing, Kissimmee is one of the best values in Central Florida. The cost of living is 12% below the national average. For retirees, remote workers, or families looking to stretch their dollars, it’s a smart choice.
If you’re visiting for a Disney vacation, Kissimmee is the smartest place to stay-unless you want to walk to the gates. You’ll save hundreds on lodging, but you’ll need to budget for gas and parking. Don’t assume everything is cheap just because you’re outside Disney’s bubble. The tourist traps are still there-they’re just farther away.
Bottom line: Kissimmee isn’t expensive. It’s just different. You trade convenience for affordability. And for most people, that’s a fair trade.
Is Kissimmee cheaper than Orlando?
Yes, by a wide margin. Housing is 35-40% cheaper. Rent is $600-$800 lower per month. Even groceries and dining out cost less outside the tourist zones. Orlando’s prices are inflated because of Disney’s influence. Kissimmee doesn’t have that pressure.
How much money do you need to live in Kissimmee?
A single person can live comfortably on $3,000 a month. That covers rent ($1,400), utilities ($250), groceries ($400), car payment ($350), insurance ($140), and gas ($150). A family of four needs about $5,500-$6,000 monthly to live well, including school activities and occasional trips to Disney.
Is it expensive to retire in Kissimmee?
No. Kissimmee is one of Florida’s most affordable retirement spots. With no state income tax, low property taxes, and affordable healthcare options like the Osceola Regional Medical Center, retirees on Social Security can live comfortably. Many 55+ communities offer homes under $200,000 with low HOA fees.
Are vacation rentals in Kissimmee safe?
Yes, if you book through reputable platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, or local property managers with verified reviews. Most rentals in Kissimmee are in established neighborhoods like Gateway, Celebration West, or near the Old Town area. Avoid listings with no reviews or no photos of the actual unit. Crime rates are low compared to Orlando’s tourist zones.
Do I need to rent a car in Kissimmee?
If you’re visiting, yes. Public transit is unreliable. If you’re moving here, you’ll need a car within days. Uber is available but expensive for daily use. Buying a used car is cheaper than renting long-term. Most locals own at least one vehicle.
What’s the best time to visit Kissimmee to save money?
Late January through early March and September through early November are the cheapest. Summer is hot and rainy, and prices spike. December and holidays are the most expensive. If you avoid school breaks and major holidays, you’ll save 20-40% on lodging and flights.
What to do next if you’re thinking of moving or visiting
If you’re considering a move: drive through the main neighborhoods-Gateway, West Irlo Bronson, and the area near the Kissimmee Lake. Talk to residents at local grocery stores. Ask about HOA fees, flood zones, and school districts. Osceola County schools are improving, but some are still below state average.
If you’re planning a trip: book your rental early. Avoid the last-minute deals-they’re either overpriced or in sketchy locations. Pack snacks, bring a cooler, and plan one Disney day per week. Use the rest of your time exploring local parks, farmers markets, and the Old Town Antique Mall. Kissimmee rewards those who look beyond the theme parks.
Paul Timms
November 17, 2025 AT 02:46Housing is cheap, but don’t forget the insurance. Florida’s windstorm coverage adds hundreds to your monthly bill. It’s not just the mortgage.
Jeroen Post
November 18, 2025 AT 15:00They don’t want you to know the real cost. The government hides the water taxes in the utility bill. And those ‘low property taxes’? They’ll reassess your home the second you paint it. You think you’re saving? You’re being slowly drained.
Nathaniel Petrovick
November 19, 2025 AT 04:57Yeah I moved here last year and honestly it’s been a game changer. Got a 3bed for $280k, no income tax, and the taco truck down the road is legit. Only thing I miss is not having a walkable downtown but you trade that for space and sanity.
Honey Jonson
November 20, 2025 AT 14:09so i lived in orlando for 5 years and moved here last june and wow the savings are real like i was paying 2k rent and now im at 1550 and the grocery store down the street has the best mangoes ever like why did i wait so long
Sally McElroy
November 21, 2025 AT 00:40People act like this is some hidden gem but it’s just the bottom of the barrel. You’re not saving money-you’re accepting lower quality. No walkability, no culture, just strip malls and humidity. If you’re proud of this, you’ve given up.
Destiny Brumbaugh
November 22, 2025 AT 09:17Florida is the last real America left. No woke taxes, no rent control, no socialist city councils. Kissimmee is what America was supposed to be. If you hate it, move to California and pay $8000 rent for a closet.
Sara Escanciano
November 22, 2025 AT 13:17You people act like $320k is cheap. That’s a middle-class trap. You’re buying into a system that keeps you working 60 hours a week just to afford a car payment and a water bill. This isn’t affordability-it’s exploitation disguised as opportunity.
Elmer Burgos
November 22, 2025 AT 15:09Love how this post breaks it down real. I’m a retiree here and the $2800 property tax is a dream compared to Ohio. And the lakefront park? Perfect for mornings with coffee. Just bring bug spray.
Jason Townsend
November 23, 2025 AT 11:14Disney owns the whole state. They pay off the county to keep prices low so tourists keep coming. The minute you try to open a real business here they shut it down with zoning laws. This whole post is propaganda
Antwan Holder
November 24, 2025 AT 11:48I came here for the peace. I left with a broken soul. The silence is too loud. The air smells like chlorine and regret. I spent three months trying to find meaning in a 15-minute drive to a Walmart that sold $4.50 avocados. I’m not okay. Nobody here is. We’re all just waiting for the next hurricane to wash it all away.
Angelina Jefary
November 25, 2025 AT 09:14Correction: The median home price in 2025 is NOT $320,000. That’s the 2024 median. 2025 projections are closer to $335,000 based on Zillow’s Q1 data. And ‘gated community’ rentals are actually $1,950, not $1,800. You’re spreading misinformation.
Jennifer Kaiser
November 26, 2025 AT 10:15It’s not about cost. It’s about what you value. If you want convenience, you pay. If you want space, quiet, and community, you trade. This isn’t a budget hack-it’s a lifestyle shift. Most people don’t realize that until they’re here.
TIARA SUKMA UTAMA
November 28, 2025 AT 09:07i just visited and the drive to disney was so long and the roads were bad and i got lost 3 times and my kid cried the whole time
Jasmine Oey
November 28, 2025 AT 11:09I’m sorry, but if you think Kissimmee is ‘affordable,’ you’re clearly not familiar with the concept of true economic mobility. This is the American Dream™ for people who gave up on dreams. I’d rather live in a shoebox in Manhattan than a McMansion in a flood zone with no cultural soul.