Cost of Living: Lakewood, CO vs Palm Bay, FL (2026)

Lakewood

Colorado
141
VS

Palm Bay

Florida
91

Lakewood is 55% more expensive than Palm Bay.

$1,746/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$1,487/mo ↓ 15%
$85,789/yr ↑ 27%
Median Income
$67,521/yr ↓ 21%
$548,200 ↑ 121%
Home Value
$248,000 ↓ 55%
$1,729/mo ↑ 44%
Owner Costs
$1,203/mo ↓ 30%
156,309
Population
125,273

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
0%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

24.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lakewood, CO and Palm Bay, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 141 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $259/month cheaper in Palm Bay, saving renters about $3,108/year.

Median household income is $18,268/year higher in Lakewood. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lakewood is $548,200 compared to $248,000 in Palm Bay.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Palm Bay residents a significant tax advantage over Colorado's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lakewood vs Palm Bay — common questions

Is Lakewood 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 141 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lakewood and Palm Bay?
Median rent in Lakewood is $1,746/month and in Palm Bay it's $1,487/month — a difference of $259/month.
Which city has higher income, Lakewood or Palm Bay?
Median household income is $85,789 in Lakewood and $67,521 in Palm Bay. Median household income is $18,268/year higher in Lakewood.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Florida?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Lakewood or Palm Bay?
It depends on your priorities. Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with median rent of $1,746/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 Lakewood details → View Palm Bay details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lakewood and Palm Bay

Lakewood vs. Macon Lakewood vs. Killeen Lakewood vs. Alexandria Lakewood vs. Kansas City Lakewood vs. Murfreesboro Lakewood vs. Springfield 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