How Much Does Orlando Cost? 2026 Budget Guide | Prices & Tips
Orlando is a unique destination where costs are heavily influenced by the world-famous theme parks that dominate its landscape. While the city itself can be navigated on a moderate budget, those visiting for major attractions will find it significantly more expensive than a standard American city like Charlotte or Houston. Daily solo budgets range from $105 for a modest stay to a staggering $1,844 for a luxury experience inside resort boundaries. For families, the per-person cost typically lands around $319 for a mid-range trip, which balances park visits with more affordable dining. Understanding the interplay between high ticket prices and local value is essential for managing a budget here.
Is Orlando expensive to visit?
Orlando is moderately expensive for urban travelers but very expensive for theme park visitors, with daily budgets ranging from $105 to $1,844.
On This Page
Daily Budget
How much to budget per person per day in Orlando
$105
per person /day
$419
per person /day
$1,844
per person /day
Trip Costs by Duration
Total estimated costs per person, excluding flights
| Trip Costs by Duration | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Day Trip | $314 | $1,256 | $5,531 |
| 5-Day Trip | $524 | $2,093 | $9,218 |
| 7-Day Trip | $732 | $2,930 | $12,906 |
per person — Excludes international flights
Budget Buffer
Recommended contingency for unexpected expenses
It is wise to add a 15–20% buffer to your budget to cover the mandatory 18–20% restaurant tips and the 6.5% sales tax that is not included in advertised prices. Additionally, many hotels charge an unavoidable resort fee of approximately $35 per night that is often excluded from the initial booking price.
How Does It Compare?
See how Orlando stacks up against other popular destinations
What Things Cost
Real prices for common tourist expenses in Orlando
Food & Drink (2)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Mid-Range 3-Course Dinner for One Expect to pay ~$45 per person for a full meal excluding alcohol and 18-20% tip. | $45 |
| Coffee (Cappuccino) Prices in tourist hubs like Disney Springs are usually higher, around ~$6. | $5.38 |
Transport (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| LYNX Bus Single Ride Fare Exact change required or pay via LYNX PawPass app. Discounted fare of ~$1 available for youth and seniors. | $1.99 |
| LYNX Bus All-Day Pass Valid from 04:00 to 03:00 the following day. Great for budget travel between I-Drive and Downtown. | $4.48 |
| Ride-hail (MCO Airport to Disney Area) Prices fluctuate with demand; expect ~$48–$65 depending on traffic and vehicle type. | $48 |
| I-Ride Trolley Single Fare Convenient for moving along International Drive. Exact change required. | $1.99 |
Accommodation (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Budget Hostel Dorm (Bposhtels Orlando) One of the few hostel options in Orlando, typically ~$38/night. | $38 |
| Mid-Range Hotel (Rosen Inn International) Typical mid-range hotel on I-Drive, roughly ~$145/night before taxes. | $145 |
| Luxury Resort (Four Seasons Orlando) Ultra-luxury experience within Disney grounds, costing ~$1,445/night. | $1,445 |
Activities (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Walt Disney World 2-Day Ticket (Park Hopper Plus) Highest 2nd tier access for international visitors; includes water parks. | $584 |
| Universal Orlando 1-Day Park-to-Park Ticket Necessary for the Hogwarts Express train. Seasonal prices can reach ~$194. | $173 |
| Kennedy Space Center 1-Day Admission Includes Gateway, Bus Tour, and Space Shuttle Atlantis. Adult is 12+. | $77 |
| Go City Orlando 2-Day All-Inclusive Pass Includes Legoland, Orlando Eye, and Kennedy Space Center access. | $218 |
Other (1)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Theme Park Standard Parking Daily fee for 1 car at Disney/Universal parks, roughly ~$30. | $30 |
Food & Dining
What to eat and what it costs
Dining varies from hyper-expensive theme park restaurants to affordable suburban gems, with a typical mid-range three-course dinner costing around $45 excluding tip. Coffee prices reflect the tourist demand, with a cappuccino costing about $5.38 generally and up to $6 in premium hubs like Disney Springs.
Cheap Eats
Where locals eat — real places, real prices
Lazy Moon Pizza
$7.47–$15University/Downtown · Local chain
One slice is bigger than a human head—half a slice is plenty for ~$3.77.
Gringos Locos
$9.97–$18Downtown/Milk District · Local chain
The 'Double Ds' taco is a local favorite. A filling meal costs ~$14.
Beefy King
$7.97–$14Milk District · Local chain
A legendary Orlando institution since 1968. Get the 'Tater Tots' for ~$2.94.
Hunger Street Tacos
$12–$22Winter Park · Street food area
Located in a cool converted gas station. Their hibiscus taco is a must-try for ~$4.24.
Black Rooster Taqueria
$14–$25Mills 50 · Local chain
Famous for their handmade tortillas. Expect a wait on weekends.
Getting Around
Transport costs and the smartest ways to move
Navigating the city is most affordable via the LYNX bus system, which offers an all-day pass for $4.48, while the I-Ride Trolley serves International Drive for $1.99 per ride. For convenience, ride-hails from MCO Airport to the Disney area average $48, though costs fluctuate based on traffic and time of day.
Accommodation Overview
The sweet spot for value is found in mid-range hotels like Rosen Inn International, which costs approximately $145 per night before taxes and fees. Budget travelers can opt for Bposhtels Orlando at $38 per night, while those seeking ultimate convenience can pay $1,445 for luxury resorts like the Four Seasons within Disney grounds.
Accommodation Budget in Orlando
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Money-Saving Tips
Insider tricks to stretch your budget further
- 1 Use the I-Ride Trolley for only $1.99 to travel between major shopping outlets and attractions along International Drive.
- 2 Purchase the Go City Orlando 2-Day All-Inclusive Pass for $218 to save on combined entry to Legoland and Kennedy Space Center.
- 3 Bring a reusable water bottle to parks; bottled water often costs over $5.89, but quick-service counters provide free cups of ice water.
- 4 Stay in Kissimmee or along the US-192 corridor to find hotels that avoid the high resort fees common in Lake Buena Vista.
- 5 Eat at 'Cheap Eats' spots like Lazy Moon Pizza or Gringos Locos in the Milk District to avoid the $45 average mid-range dinner cost.
- 6 Take advantage of free resort transportation, such as Disney's monorails and boats, which do not require a park ticket to ride.
- 7 Buy multi-day park tickets rather than single days; for example, a 2-Day Park Hopper Plus is $584, which lowers the per-day entry cost.
- 8 Avoid the $30 theme park parking fee by using hotel shuttles or public LYNX buses.
- 9 Shop for souvenirs at off-site supermarkets like Walmart or Target on Vineland Road where prices are 50–70% lower than in the parks.
- 10 Visit during late January or early February when temperatures are 15–22°C (59–72°F) to find lower hotel rates and shorter queues.
Seasonal Pricing
When prices rise and fall throughout the year
Mar, Apr, Jun, Jul, Dec
+30–50%
Jan, Feb, Sep
-20–30%
May, Oct, Nov
Late January and early February offer the best weather (15–22°C (59–72°F)) and shortest lines. Avoid major US holidays to save at least ~$100/night on hotels.
Events to Watch
- ● Spring Break (mid-March): +40% hotels
- ● Christmas/New Year: +100% hotel rates
- ● PGA Tour Events: +25% near Bay Hill
Free Things to Do
The best experiences that cost absolutely nothing
- 1 Disney Springs: Entry and standard parking are free, offering live entertainment and themed atmosphere.
- 2 Universal CityWalk: Entry is free, and parking is generally free for all guests after 18:00 (excluding special event nights).
- 3 Lake Eola Park: Located downtown, it features a 1.4km walking path and a signature fountain with no admission cost.
- 4 Rollins Museum of Art: This museum in Winter Park offers free admission to its permanent collection and rotating exhibitions.
- 5 Harry P. Leu Gardens: This 50-acre botanical oasis offers free admission on the first Monday of most months.
- 6 Kraft Azalea Garden: A scenic, secluded public park in Winter Park known for its massive cypress trees and lake views.
- 7 Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve: Offers well-maintained hiking trails and an environmental center for $0.
- 8 Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards: Provides free daily tours and wine tastings at its facility just outside the city.
- 9 Old Town Kissimmee: A walking district that hosts free classic car shows and live music on weekends.
- 10 Winter Park Farmers’ Market: Held every Saturday morning, it is free to browse local crafts and produce in a historic train depot.
- 11 The UCF Arboretum: A massive outdoor laboratory with 800+ acres of trails and plant life open to the public for free.
- 12 Celebration Town Center: Walk through this planned community's lakefront and enjoy seasonal events like 'snowing' in December.
Worth the Splurge
Premium experiences that justify the price tag
Discovery Cove Day Resort + Dolphin Swim
All-inclusive (food/drink/gear) and very limited crowds. Price is ~$282.
Fly With An Astronaut at KSC
Includes private lunch and a guided tour with a real NASA veteran. Costs ~$205.
Victoria & Albert's Chef's Tasting Menu
One of Florida's only Michelin-starred dining experiences. Roughly ~$294.
Popular Activities
Top-rated tours and experiences in Orlando
Day Trip Costs
Popular day trips from Orlando and what they cost
Clearwater Beach
$85 by shuttle
Free
$140
Crystal River (Manatee Swim)
$60 by rental car
$75
$184
Payment & Money
How to pay and what to know about money
US Dollar (USD)
No
Everywhere including parking meters and small snack stands.
Heavily expected: 18–20% for dining, $2 per bag for porters, and ~$1–$2 per drink at bars.
Avoid 'generic' ATMs in gas stations; fees are often ~$4.94. Use bank-affiliated ATMs like Chase or Wells Fargo.
Connectivity
eSIM: $16–$29 for 10GB (opens in new tab)
Local SIM: $35–$53 for unlimited data
WiFi: Excellent in theme parks, hotels, and major shopping malls.
Use an Airalo or Holafly eSIM for seamless coverage. Theme park WiFi can be spotty during peak crowds.
Why you can trust this guide
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
- All neighborhoods verified by walking them
- Curated locations based on walkability & safety
- Real-time availability via live partner maps
- Prices based on Booking.com & Numbeo averages
Methodology: This guide combines on-the-ground neighborhood research, current hotel pricing data, and real traveler feedback to provide honest, actionable accommodation recommendations for Orlando.
Updated: February 16, 2026
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Where to Stay
Best neighborhoods and hotel recommendations
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Complete Cost Guide
Full budget and cost breakdown