The Orlando Economic Partnership launched a Top 30 MSA Comparison Tool that compares Orlando’s economy, workforce, business climate, infrastructure, and quality of life with other large regions.
Orlando, Fla. – Orlando ranks highly among the top 30 largest Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) in the United States, standing out as one of the nation’s most dynamic and fast-growing regions. To illustrate how Orlando compares to other major metros, the Orlando Economic Partnership (OEP) has launched its new Top 30 MSA Comparison Tool, now live on the OEP website.
This interactive tool makes it easier than ever to see why Orlando continues to rise as a premier location for business growth and talent attraction. It allows users to explore and compare key business location factors such as economic performance, workforce strength, business climate, infrastructure, and quality of life across the country’s most populous MSAs. The Top 30 MSA Comparison Tool serves as a valuable resource for businesses, site selectors, investors, and community leaders looking to understand Orlando’s competitive position in the national landscape.
This tool reinforces what we already know – Orlando is not just competing with the nation’s largest regions; we’re leading in the areas that matter most to businesses and talent. From our strong economic growth and cost efficiency to unmatched connectivity and an exceptional quality of life, Orlando continues to prove it’s one of the most competitive and future-ready regions in the country.
Tim Giuliani, President and CEO, OEP
The data reveals Orlando’s strengths across several critical categories, including:
- Economic Growth: Orlando ranks highly in GDP growth, supported by a rapidly expanding labor force, growing business base, and increasing population.
- Cost Efficiency: Among large regions, Orlando offers some of the lowest operating costs, with competitive construction expenses and a tax-friendly environment—including no state income tax.
- Accessibility: With nine international airports, five deepwater ports, and three space launch ports within 100 miles, Orlando offers exceptional global connectivity.
- Quality of Life: Residents benefit from an affordable cost of living, accessible higher education, diverse cultural amenities, professional sports teams, and world-class dining.
The Top 30 MSA Comparison Tool highlights Orlando’s competitive position and offers a clear view of how the Orlando region excels in key areas such as economic growth, cost efficiency, accessibility, and quality of life. It offers customizable comparisons, allowing users to select up to five MSAs to compare with Orlando based on their specific interests. The tool features a user-friendly interface that enables easy navigation, with options to expand or collapse data sections, and to download results as a PDF.
“By offering detailed comparisons across critical business factors, this tool allows users to make informed decisions about Orlando as a top business destination,” said Neil Hamilton, OEP’s Vice President of Research & Strategy. “It is a key resource in showcasing Orlando’s competitive advantages while reinforcing our status as a major U.S. region.”
The Top 30 MSA Comparison Tool was developed with support from the $20,000 grant awarded to OEP by the Duke Energy Foundation’s Economic Development Grant Program in August 2024. This grant was part of a larger initiative to help 15 economic development organizations across Florida enhance their efforts in attracting business and driving economic growth in the state.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Duke Energy Foundation for their support in helping us build this tool,” Giuliani added. “This resource will not only help businesses understand the competitive advantages of Orlando but will also help elevate our region’s reputation as a leading business hub.”
The data presented in the Top 30 MSA Comparison Tool will be regularly updated to ensure that users have access to the most current and relevant information.
