Cost of Living: Palm Bay, FL vs The Woodlands, TX (2026)

Palm Bay

Florida
91
VS

The Woodlands

Texas
139

Palm Bay is 35% cheaper than The Woodlands.

$1,487/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↑ 21%
$67,521/yr ↓ 52%
Median Income
$141,353/yr ↑ 109%
$248,000 ↓ 48%
Home Value
$479,400 ↑ 93%
$1,203/mo ↓ 40%
Owner Costs
$2,005/mo ↑ 67%
125,273
Population
116,916

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.86%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

26.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Palm Bay, FL and The Woodlands, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $305/month cheaper in Palm Bay, saving renters about $3,660/year.

Median household income is $73,832/year higher in The Woodlands. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Palm Bay is $248,000 compared to $479,400 in The Woodlands.

Frequently Asked Questions

Palm Bay vs The Woodlands — common questions

Is Palm Bay or The Woodlands cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Palm Bay is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 139 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Palm Bay and The Woodlands?
Median rent in Palm Bay is $1,487/month and in The Woodlands it's $1,792/month — a difference of $305/month.
Which city has higher income, Palm Bay or The Woodlands?
Median household income is $67,521 in Palm Bay and $141,353 in The Woodlands. Median household income is $73,832/year higher in The Woodlands.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Texas?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Palm Bay or The Woodlands?
It depends on your priorities. Palm Bay has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,487/mo, while The Woodlands has a cost index of 139 with rent of $1,792/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Palm Bay details → View The Woodlands details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Palm Bay and The Woodlands

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