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

Ontario

California
152
VS

Palm Bay

Florida
91

Ontario is 67% more expensive than Palm Bay.

$1,916/mo ↑ 29%
Median Rent
$1,487/mo ↓ 22%
$82,806/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$67,521/yr ↓ 18%
$568,000 ↑ 129%
Home Value
$248,000 ↓ 56%
$1,967/mo ↑ 64%
Owner Costs
$1,203/mo ↓ 39%
178,347
Population
125,273

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

27.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Ontario, CA and Palm Bay, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 152 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $429/month cheaper in Palm Bay, saving renters about $5,148/year.

Median household income is $15,285/year higher in Ontario. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Ontario is $568,000 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

Ontario vs Palm Bay — common questions

Is Ontario 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 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Ontario and Palm Bay?
Median rent in Ontario is $1,916/month and in Palm Bay it's $1,487/month — a difference of $429/month.
Which city has higher income, Ontario or Palm Bay?
Median household income is $82,806 in Ontario and $67,521 in Palm Bay. Median household income is $15,285/year higher in Ontario.
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 Ontario or Palm Bay?
It depends on your priorities. Ontario has a cost index of 152 with median rent of $1,916/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 Ontario details → View Palm Bay details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Ontario and Palm Bay

Ontario vs. Aurora Ontario vs. Eugene Ontario vs. Chattanooga Ontario vs. Elk Grove Ontario vs. Fort Lauderdale Ontario vs. Santa Rosa 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