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

Palm Bay

Florida
91
VS

Santa Maria

California
137

Palm Bay is 34% cheaper than Santa Maria.

$1,487/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,842/mo ↑ 24%
$67,521/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$84,617/yr ↑ 25%
$248,000 ↓ 48%
Home Value
$478,200 ↑ 93%
$1,203/mo ↓ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,789/mo ↑ 49%
125,273
Population
109,880

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Palm Bay, FL and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $355/month cheaper in Palm Bay, saving renters about $4,260/year.

Median household income is $17,096/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Palm Bay is $248,000 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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 Santa Maria — common questions

Is Palm Bay or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Palm Bay is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Palm Bay and Santa Maria?
Median rent in Palm Bay is $1,487/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $355/month.
Which city has higher income, Palm Bay or Santa Maria?
Median household income is $67,521 in Palm Bay and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $17,096/year higher in Santa Maria.
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 Santa Maria?
It depends on your priorities. Palm Bay has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,487/mo, while Santa Maria has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,842/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Palm Bay details → View Santa Maria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Palm Bay and Santa Maria

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 Santa Maria vs. Ventura Santa Maria vs. Sugar Land Santa Maria vs. Temecula Santa Maria vs. Greeley Santa Maria vs. Costa Mesa Santa Maria vs. South Fulton