Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Palm Bay, FL (2026)

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Palm Bay

Florida
91

Austin is 47% more expensive than Palm Bay.

$1,655/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,487/mo ↓ 10%
$91,461/yr ↑ 35%
Median Income
$67,521/yr ↓ 26%
$512,700 ↑ 107%
Home Value
$248,000 ↓ 52%
$1,747/mo ↑ 45%
Owner Costs
$1,203/mo ↓ 31%
967,862
Population
125,273

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Palm Bay, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $168/month cheaper in Palm Bay, saving renters about $2,016/year.

Median household income is $23,940/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $248,000 in Palm Bay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Palm Bay — common questions

Is Austin or Palm Bay cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Palm Bay is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Palm Bay?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Palm Bay it's $1,487/month — a difference of $168/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Palm Bay?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $67,521 in Palm Bay. Median household income is $23,940/year higher in Austin.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Florida?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Austin or Palm Bay?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/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 Austin details → View Palm Bay details →

More Comparisons

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