Cost of Living: Orange, CA vs West Palm Beach, FL (2026)

Orange

California
206
VS

West Palm Beach

Florida
119

Orange is 73% more expensive than West Palm Beach.

$2,252/mo ↑ 32%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↓ 24%
$116,945/yr ↑ 69%
Median Income
$69,261/yr ↓ 41%
$900,700 ↑ 144%
Home Value
$369,800 ↓ 59%
$2,394/mo ↑ 44%
Owner Costs
$1,667/mo ↓ 30%
138,723
Population
119,508

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
29.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Orange, CA and West Palm Beach, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 206 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $543/month cheaper in West Palm Beach, saving renters about $6,516/year.

Median household income is $47,684/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Orange is $900,700 compared to $369,800 in West Palm Beach.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Orange vs West Palm Beach — common questions

Is Orange 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 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Orange and West Palm Beach?
Median rent in Orange is $2,252/month and in West Palm Beach it's $1,709/month — a difference of $543/month.
Which city has higher income, Orange or West Palm Beach?
Median household income is $116,945 in Orange and $69,261 in West Palm Beach. Median household income is $47,684/year higher in Orange.
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 Orange or West Palm Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Orange has a cost index of 206 with median rent of $2,252/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 Orange details → View West Palm Beach details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Orange and West Palm Beach

Orange vs. Metairie Orange vs. Warren Orange vs. Fullerton Orange vs. Columbia Orange vs. Waco Orange vs. West Valley City West Palm Beach vs. Hartford West Palm Beach vs. Spring Hill West Palm Beach vs. Fairfield West Palm Beach vs. Wilmington West Palm Beach vs. Berkeley West Palm Beach vs. Billings