Cost of Living: Gilbert, AZ vs Palm Bay, FL (2026)

Gilbert

Arizona
148
VS

Palm Bay

Florida
91

Gilbert is 63% more expensive than Palm Bay.

$2,028/mo ↑ 36%
Median Rent
$1,487/mo ↓ 27%
$121,351/yr ↑ 80%
Median Income
$67,521/yr ↓ 44%
$518,600 ↑ 109%
Home Value
$248,000 ↓ 52%
$1,908/mo ↑ 59%
Owner Costs
$1,203/mo ↓ 37%
271,118
Population
125,273

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Gilbert, AZ and Palm Bay, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $541/month cheaper in Palm Bay, saving renters about $6,492/year.

Median household income is $53,830/year higher in Gilbert. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Gilbert is $518,600 compared to $248,000 in Palm Bay.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Palm Bay residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Gilbert vs Palm Bay — common questions

Is Gilbert 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 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Gilbert and Palm Bay?
Median rent in Gilbert is $2,028/month and in Palm Bay it's $1,487/month — a difference of $541/month.
Which city has higher income, Gilbert or Palm Bay?
Median household income is $121,351 in Gilbert and $67,521 in Palm Bay. Median household income is $53,830/year higher in Gilbert.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Florida?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Gilbert or Palm Bay?
It depends on your priorities. Gilbert has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $2,028/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 Gilbert details → View Palm Bay details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Gilbert and Palm Bay

Gilbert vs. Chula Vista Gilbert vs. North Las Vegas Gilbert vs. Madison Gilbert vs. Reno Gilbert vs. Buffalo Gilbert vs. Toledo 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