Quick answer
✅ Yes — comfortably. A physician assistant in Orlando earns roughly $135,731/yr (~$7,957/mo take-home) and a 1BR costs $1,580/mo — that's 20% of take-home on rent. The standard is 30% or less.
FL · 2026
Can a Physician Assistant Afford to Live in Orlando?
Using local salary estimates and Orlando's actual cost of living — rent, taxes, utilities, and groceries — here's the real monthly picture for a physician assistant in Orlando, FL in 2026.
Monthly Budget Breakdown
Gross monthly salary
$135,731/yr local estimate
$11,311
Taxes (federal + state + FICA)
None state income tax
-$3,354
Monthly take-home
After all taxes
$7,957
1BR rent
20% of take-home
-$1,580
Utilities
Electric, gas, internet avg
-$165
Groceries
Single-person estimate
-$340
Transport
Car or transit average
-$350
Left for everything else
Dining, clothing, fun, savings
$5,522
At a 40% savings rate on discretionary income, a physician assistant in Orlando could save roughly $26,508/year after covering all essentials.
What Does 20% Rent Burden Mean?
The standard rule of thumb is to spend no more than 30% of gross income on rent. At 20% of take-home pay, a physician assistant in Orlando is well within a healthy range — leaving solid room for savings and discretionary spending.
No state income tax in FL meaningfully helps. A physician assistant earning $135,731/yr saves roughly $6,108/year compared to a 4.5% state income tax state — that's equivalent to one month of rent.
These numbers use a local salary estimate of $135,731/yr — adjusted from the national Physician Assistant median of $126,010/yr based on Orlando's cost of living index. Actual salaries vary by employer, experience, and specialization.
Best Neighborhoods in Orlando for a Physician Assistant
Based on walkability, rent levels, and quality of life — not just lowest price.
College Park
Bungalows, walkable corridor, independent coffee and restaurants, young families; 1BR $1,500–1,900
Thornton Park / Downtown
Lake Eola views, walkable, bars and restaurants, most urban Orlando feel; 1BR $1,600–2,100
Mills 50 / Milk District
Vietnamese food, indie bars, young creatives, most affordable urban option; 1BR $1,300–1,700
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Physician Assistant in Orlando?
A Physician Assistant in Orlando earns approximately $135,731 per year, based on the national BLS median of $126,010/yr adjusted for Orlando's cost of living. Actual pay varies by employer, experience, and specialization.
Is Orlando affordable for a physician assistant in 2026?
Yes. Rent takes around 20% of take-home pay — below the 30% guideline. A physician assistant can live comfortably in Orlando with room to save.
How much take-home pay does a Physician Assistant get in Orlando?
After federal taxes, no state income tax, and FICA, a Physician Assistant earning $135,731/yr takes home roughly $7,957/month in Orlando.
What is the rent-to-income ratio for a Physician Assistant in Orlando?
A 1-bedroom apartment in Orlando costs a median of $1,580/month. On a Physician Assistant salary, that's 20% of monthly take-home pay. Financial experts recommend keeping this below 30%.