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

Palm Bay

Florida
91
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Palm Bay is 40% cheaper than Meridian.

$1,487/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↑ 15%
$67,521/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 46%
$248,000 ↓ 49%
Home Value
$485,000 ↑ 96%
$1,203/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↑ 34%
125,273
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.8%
6.0%
Sales Tax
6.0%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

26.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Palm Bay, FL and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $227/month cheaper in Palm Bay, saving renters about $2,724/year.

Median household income is $31,165/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Palm Bay is $248,000 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Palm Bay residents a significant tax advantage over Idaho's 5.8% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Palm Bay vs Meridian — common questions

Is Palm Bay or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Palm Bay is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Palm Bay and Meridian?
Median rent in Palm Bay is $1,487/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $227/month.
Which city has higher income, Palm Bay or Meridian?
Median household income is $67,521 in Palm Bay and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $31,165/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Idaho?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Palm Bay or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Palm Bay has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,487/mo, while Meridian has a cost index of 131 with rent of $1,714/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Palm Bay details → View Meridian details →