Cost of Living: Palm Bay, FL vs Las Cruces, NM (2026)

Palm Bay

Florida
91
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Palm Bay is 34% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$1,487/mo ↑ 57%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 36%
$67,521/yr ↑ 22%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 18%
$248,000 ↑ 14%
Home Value
$217,400 ↓ 12%
$1,203/mo ↑ 24%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 19%
125,273
Population
112,612

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.9%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

26.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Palm Bay, FL and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $541/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $6,492/year.

Median household income is $12,345/year higher in Palm Bay. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Palm Bay is $248,000 compared to $217,400 in Las Cruces.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Palm Bay residents a significant tax advantage over New Mexico's 5.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Palm Bay vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Palm Bay or Las Cruces cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Las Cruces is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Palm Bay and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Palm Bay is $1,487/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $541/month.
Which city has higher income, Palm Bay or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $67,521 in Palm Bay and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $12,345/year higher in Palm Bay.
How do taxes compare between Florida and New Mexico?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Palm Bay or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Palm Bay has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,487/mo, while Las Cruces has a cost index of 68 with rent of $946/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Palm Bay details → View Las Cruces details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Palm Bay and Las Cruces

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 Las Cruces vs. Gresham Las Cruces vs. Lansing Las Cruces vs. Beaumont Las Cruces vs. Pompano Beach Las Cruces vs. Springfield Las Cruces vs. Peoria