Cost of Living: Modesto, CA vs Palm Bay, FL (2026)

Modesto

California
120
VS

Palm Bay

Florida
91

Modesto is 32% more expensive than Palm Bay.

$1,609/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$1,487/mo ↓ 8%
$77,899/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$67,521/yr ↓ 13%
$415,600 ↑ 68%
Home Value
$248,000 ↓ 40%
$1,613/mo ↑ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,203/mo ↓ 25%
218,614
Population
125,273

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Palm Bay, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $122/month cheaper in Palm Bay, saving renters about $1,464/year.

Median household income is $10,378/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $248,000 in Palm Bay.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Palm Bay residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Palm Bay — common questions

Is Modesto 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 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Palm Bay?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Palm Bay it's $1,487/month — a difference of $122/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Palm Bay?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $67,521 in Palm Bay. Median household income is $10,378/year higher in Modesto.
How do taxes compare between California and Florida?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Modesto or Palm Bay?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/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 Modesto details → View Palm Bay details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Modesto and Palm Bay

Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno 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