Kissimmee vs Orlando Cost: Find Out Which City Saves You Money

Planning a Florida getaway? You’ve probably looked at both Kissimmee and Orlando. Both sit right next to each other, but the price tags can differ a lot. Below you’ll see where the real savings hide.

Where You Spend the Most: Hotels and Rentals

In Orlando, big resorts dominate the market. You’ll find Disney and Universal properties that can easily top $200 a night for a standard room. Kissimmee, on the other hand, offers plenty of budget motels, vacation rentals and mid‑range hotels that often stay below $130. If you book a few weeks ahead, a three‑bedroom condo in Kissimmee can cost as little as $90 per night.

Don’t forget about Airbnb. In Orlando the average entire‑home listing sits around $150, while Kissimmee listings average $110. For families, the extra space in Kissimmee usually means lower total cost for food and parking.

Tickets and Attractions

Orlando is the home of Disney World and Universal Studios, so ticket prices are the highest in the state. A one‑day park ticket for an adult can be $150 or more. Kissimmee doesn’t have a mega‑park, but it’s only a short drive to the same attractions. That means you can stay cheaper and still enjoy the same rides.

For non‑park fun, Kissimmee shines with local attractions like Gatorland, Old Town and the Lake Tohopekaliga boat tours. Tickets for these spots range from $20 to $45, far less than the theme‑park prices.

Food and Drink

Eating in Orlando’s resort zones can be pricey. A family dinner at a Disney restaurant often tops $80. In Kissimmee you’ll find a mix of chain restaurants and local diners where a family meal can be under $50. Grocery stores are also more abundant and cheaper in Kissimmee, so cooking some meals can cut costs dramatically.

Don’t overlook happy hour deals. Many Kissimmee bars offer drinks for $5‑$7, whereas Orlando’s tourist hotspots tend to charge $8‑$12.

Parking and Transportation

Most Orlando resorts charge $30‑$50 a day for parking. Kissimmee hotels usually include free parking or charge a nominal fee. If you rent a car, the daily rate is the same, but you’ll save on daily parking fees in Kissimmee.

Public transport in Orlando is improving, but it’s still not as convenient as the resort shuttles that many Kissimmee hotels provide for free.

Putting It All Together

If you add up lodging, food, tickets and parking, a typical 5‑day family vacation in Orlando can run $3,000‑$4,000. The same trip based in Kissimmee usually lands between $2,200‑$3,000, depending on your choices.

That’s a big gap, especially for tight budgets. The downside? You’ll spend a bit more time driving to the parks. However, the savings on hotel, meals and parking often outweigh the extra commute.

Bottom line: Kissimmee gives you the same access to Orlando’s attractions at a lower price. If you’re looking to stretch every dollar, make Kissimmee your home base and enjoy the best of both worlds.