Cost of Living: Palm Bay, FL vs College Station, TX (2026)

Palm Bay

Florida
91
VS

College Station

Texas
91

Palm Bay and College Station have a similar cost of living.

$1,487/mo ↑ 27%
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ↓ 21%
$67,521/yr ↑ 30%
Median Income
$51,776/yr ↓ 23%
$248,000 ↓ 24%
Home Value
$326,500 ↑ 32%
$1,203/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↑ 4%
125,273
Population
122,280

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.86%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

26.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Palm Bay, FL and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $319/month cheaper in College Station, saving renters about $3,828/year.

Median household income is $15,745/year higher in Palm Bay. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Palm Bay is $248,000 compared to $326,500 in College Station.

Frequently Asked Questions

Palm Bay vs College Station — common questions

Is Palm Bay or College Station cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, College Station is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Palm Bay and College Station?
Median rent in Palm Bay is $1,487/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $319/month.
Which city has higher income, Palm Bay or College Station?
Median household income is $67,521 in Palm Bay and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $15,745/year higher in Palm Bay.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Texas?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Palm Bay or College Station?
It depends on your priorities. Palm Bay has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,487/mo, while College Station has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,168/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Palm Bay details → View College Station details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Palm Bay and College Station

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 College Station vs. Clovis College Station vs. Independence College Station vs. Arvada College Station vs. Rochester College Station vs. Concord College Station vs. Lafayette