Cost of Living in Palm Bay, FL

Brevard County · 2026 Data · 1 nearby cities in county

COL Index
91
vs FL Avg
-14
Median Income
$55K

Cost of Living Breakdown

Overall Cost of Living
95vs 100 US avg
Below avg
Near avg
Above avg
High
Housing
US avg = 10091
Groceries
US avg = 10098
Healthcare
US avg = 10096
Transportation
US avg = 10099
Utilities
US avg = 10097

Housing & Income in Palm Bay

Median Home Price
$300,000
Estimated market price
Median Monthly Rent
$1,600
All unit types
Median Household Income
$55,000
Annual, pre-tax
Est. Monthly Payment
$1,475
20% down, 30yr fixed
Property Tax Rate
0.9%
~$2,700/yr
Price-to-Rent Ratio
15.6x
<15 favors buying

About Living in Palm Bay

Palm Bay offers some of Florida's most affordable Space Coast housing, with easy access to beaches, Kennedy Space Center, and a growing tech corridor.

With a cost of living index of 91, Palm Bay is 9% below the US average and 14 points below the Florida average of 105. The median household income of $55,000 supports a home-price-to-income ratio of 5.5x — above the recommended 4–5x threshold.

FAQ

Common questions about cost of living in Palm Bay

What is the cost of living in Palm Bay, FL?

Palm Bay's overall cost of living index is 91 compared to the US average of 100. Housing (91) is the main driver, with groceries at 98, healthcare at 96, transportation at 99, and utilities at 97.

Is Palm Bay affordable to live in?

Yes — Palm Bay is considered affordable by Florida standards, with a COL index of 91. Median rent is $1,600/mo and the median home price is $300,000.

How does Palm Bay compare to the Florida average?

Palm Bay's COL index of 91 is 14 points below the Florida average of 105. It's one of Florida's more budget-friendly options.

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