Houston, TX vs Palm Bay, FL: 88 vs 91

$1,313/mo ↓ 12%

Median Rent

$1,487/mo ↑ 13%

$62,894/yr ↓ 7%

Median Income

$67,521/yr ↑ 7%

$253,400 ↑ 2%

Home Value

$248,000 ↓ 2%

$1,316/mo ↑ 9%

Owner Costs

$1,203/mo ↓ 9%

2,300,419

Population

125,273

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Palm Bay, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $174/month cheaper in Houston, saving renters about $2,088/year.

Median household income is $4,627/year higher in Palm Bay. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $248,000 in Palm Bay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Palm Bay — common questions

Is Houston or Palm Bay cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Houston is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 91 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Houston and Palm Bay?

Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Palm Bay it's $1,487/month — a difference of $174/month.

Which city has higher income, Houston or Palm Bay?

Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $67,521 in Palm Bay. Median household income is $4,627/year higher in Palm Bay.

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 Houston or Palm Bay?

It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/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.

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

Houston

Palm Bay

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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