I live in Miami.
I pay about 31% more for housing than what I paid in Orlando (apples to apples comparison), car insurance is about 35% more, and gas is about 25 cents more per gallon.
Going out to eat is a wash (apples to apples comparison), but groceries are a little bit more expensive, and drink prices are more expensive.
Utilities are about 15% more, and sales tax is half a point higher.
Until now, Orlando's the winner as far as cheaper place to live. Now we add two more things:
My commute in Orlando cost $2.14 in tolls daily, whereas in Miami it's $6.60 daily. However, in Miami I work from home 3-4 days each week.
Also, I live in a pedestrian friendly part of Miami, and do a lot of my daily errands on foot.
And finally, I doubled my salary.
So while Miami is more expensive, at the end of the day, I'm better off financially being a visitor in Orlando than a resident.