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

Palm Bay

Florida
91
VS

Downey

California
169

Palm Bay is 46% cheaper than Downey.

$1,487/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 27%
$67,521/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↑ 29%
$248,000 ↓ 66%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 194%
$1,203/mo ↓ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 66%
125,273
Population
111,793

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Palm Bay, FL and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $405/month cheaper in Palm Bay, saving renters about $4,860/year.

Median household income is $19,879/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Palm Bay is $248,000 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Palm Bay vs Downey — common questions

Is Palm Bay or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Palm Bay is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Palm Bay and Downey?
Median rent in Palm Bay is $1,487/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $405/month.
Which city has higher income, Palm Bay or Downey?
Median household income is $67,521 in Palm Bay and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $19,879/year higher in Downey.
How do taxes compare between Florida and California?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Palm Bay or Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Palm Bay has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,487/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Palm Bay details → View Downey details →

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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 Downey vs. Peoria Downey vs. Murrieta Downey vs. Pompano Beach Downey vs. Pueblo Downey vs. Lansing Downey vs. Miami Gardens