Cost of Living: Athens, GA vs Palm Bay, FL (2026)

Athens

Georgia
83
VS

Palm Bay

Florida
91

Athens is 9% cheaper than Palm Bay.

$1,162/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,487/mo ↑ 28%
$51,655/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$67,521/yr ↑ 31%
$271,800 ↑ 10%
Home Value
$248,000 ↓ 9%
$1,163/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,203/mo ↑ 3%
126,987
Population
125,273

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

27.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Athens, GA and Palm Bay, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $325/month cheaper in Athens, saving renters about $3,900/year.

Median household income is $15,866/year higher in Palm Bay. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Athens is $271,800 compared to $248,000 in Palm Bay.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Palm Bay residents a significant tax advantage over Georgia's 5.49% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Athens vs Palm Bay — common questions

Is Athens or Palm Bay cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Athens is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Athens and Palm Bay?
Median rent in Athens is $1,162/month and in Palm Bay it's $1,487/month — a difference of $325/month.
Which city has higher income, Athens or Palm Bay?
Median household income is $51,655 in Athens and $67,521 in Palm Bay. Median household income is $15,866/year higher in Palm Bay.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Florida?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Athens or Palm Bay?
It depends on your priorities. Athens has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,162/mo, while Palm Bay has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,487/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Athens details → View Palm Bay details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Athens and Palm Bay

Athens vs. Abilene Athens vs. Topeka Athens vs. Columbia Athens vs. Pearland Athens vs. Lehigh Acres Athens vs. Simi Valley Palm Bay vs. Allentown Palm Bay vs. Meridian Palm Bay vs. Thousand Oaks Palm Bay vs. Vallejo Palm Bay vs. Simi Valley Palm Bay vs. Round Rock