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

Palm Bay

Florida
91
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Palm Bay is 13% cheaper than Clearwater.

$1,487/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↑ 3%
$67,521/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↓ 5%
$248,000 ↓ 24%
Home Value
$326,100 ↑ 31%
$1,203/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↑ 17%
125,273
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

26.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Palm Bay, FL and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $52/month cheaper in Palm Bay, saving renters about $624/year.

Median household income is $3,081/year higher in Palm Bay. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Palm Bay is $248,000 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Florida.

Frequently Asked Questions

Palm Bay vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Palm Bay or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Palm Bay is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Palm Bay and Clearwater?
Median rent in Palm Bay is $1,487/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $52/month.
Which city has higher income, Palm Bay or Clearwater?
Median household income is $67,521 in Palm Bay and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $3,081/year higher in Palm Bay.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Florida?
Both cities are in Florida and share the same state tax rates: 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Palm Bay or Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Palm Bay has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,487/mo, while Clearwater has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,539/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Palm Bay details → View Clearwater details →

More Comparisons

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