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

Palm Bay

Florida
91
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Palm Bay and Rochester have a similar cost of living.

$1,487/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↓ 11%
$67,521/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↑ 30%
$248,000 ↓ 14%
Home Value
$287,500 ↑ 16%
$1,203/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↑ 11%
125,273
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
9.85%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
0.86%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

26.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Palm Bay, FL and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $171/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $2,052/year.

Median household income is $20,246/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Palm Bay is $248,000 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Palm Bay residents a significant tax advantage over Minnesota's 9.85% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Palm Bay vs Rochester — common questions

Is Palm Bay or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Palm Bay is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 93 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Palm Bay and Rochester?
Median rent in Palm Bay is $1,487/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $171/month.
Which city has higher income, Palm Bay or Rochester?
Median household income is $67,521 in Palm Bay and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $20,246/year higher in Rochester.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Minnesota?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Palm Bay or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Palm Bay has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,487/mo, while Rochester has a cost index of 93 with rent of $1,316/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Palm Bay details → View Rochester details →

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