Average Income in Kissimmee: What You Really Need to Earn to Live Here

When people ask about the average income in Kissimmee, the typical earnings of residents in this Central Florida city, often measured in annual household or individual wages. Also known as median household income, it’s not just a number—it’s the baseline for deciding if you can afford to live here, especially with Disney World just minutes away. Many assume Kissimmee is cheap because it’s not Orlando or Miami, but that’s not the whole story. The cost of living in Kissimmee, the total amount needed to cover housing, food, transportation, healthcare, and other essentials has climbed steadily since 2020, and wages haven’t always kept up.

Most families here need at least $65,000 a year to get by without stress. That’s not luxury—it’s covering a modest 3-bedroom rental ($1,800–$2,200/month), Florida’s high insurance rates (homeowners insurance averages $3,000 a year), basic childcare ($900/month per kid), and groceries that cost more than you’d expect. Even a single person needs around $45,000 to avoid living paycheck to paycheck. The Florida salary needed, the minimum income required to maintain a stable, non-debt-dependent lifestyle in the state isn’t set by the state—it’s set by real bills. And if you work in tourism, retail, or hospitality—the biggest employers in Kissimmee—you’re likely earning closer to $30,000–$40,000, which means living with roommates, driving older cars, and skipping health insurance.

What makes this tricky is that Kissimmee sits right on the edge of Orlando’s tourist economy. You’re close to Disney, but you’re not part of its high-paying jobs. You get lower rent than Orlando, but you also get fewer professional opportunities. And while sinkholes and hurricanes are rare here compared to other parts of Florida, the Kissimmee housing costs, the price of renting or buying a home in this area, influenced by proximity to theme parks and local demand still push people into tight budgets. The good news? You can live here on a modest income if you’re smart about it. Pack your own meals, avoid peak-season travel, and shop local for groceries. But if you’re planning to move here, don’t assume $50,000 is enough. That number might have worked five years ago. It doesn’t now.

Below, you’ll find real breakdowns from people who’ve done the math—how much rent eats up their paycheck, what insurance really costs, and which jobs actually pay enough to make this place work. No fluff. Just numbers, stories, and what you need to know before you pack your bags.