Cost of Living: New York, NY vs West Palm Beach, FL (2026)

New York

New York
166
VS

West Palm Beach

Florida
119

New York is 39% more expensive than West Palm Beach.

$1,779/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↓ 4%
$79,713/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$69,261/yr ↓ 13%
$751,700 ↑ 103%
Home Value
$369,800 ↓ 51%
$1,837/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,667/mo ↓ 9%
8,516,202
Population
119,508

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.62%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
29.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New York, NY and West Palm Beach, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 166 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $70/month cheaper in West Palm Beach, saving renters about $840/year.

Median household income is $10,452/year higher in New York. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New York is $751,700 compared to $369,800 in West Palm Beach.

Florida has no state income tax, giving West Palm Beach residents a significant tax advantage over New York's 10.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

New York vs West Palm Beach — common questions

Is New York or West Palm Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, West Palm Beach is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 166 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New York and West Palm Beach?
Median rent in New York is $1,779/month and in West Palm Beach it's $1,709/month — a difference of $70/month.
Which city has higher income, New York or West Palm Beach?
Median household income is $79,713 in New York and $69,261 in West Palm Beach. Median household income is $10,452/year higher in New York.
How do taxes compare between New York and Florida?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to New York or West Palm Beach?
It depends on your priorities. New York has a cost index of 166 with median rent of $1,779/mo, while West Palm Beach has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,709/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View New York details → View West Palm Beach details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for New York and West Palm Beach

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