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

Pasadena

California
220
VS

Palm Bay

Florida
91

Pasadena is 142% more expensive than Palm Bay.

$2,218/mo ↑ 49%
Median Rent
$1,487/mo ↓ 33%
$103,778/yr ↑ 54%
Median Income
$67,521/yr ↓ 35%
$1,045,000 ↑ 321%
Home Value
$248,000 ↓ 76%
$2,340/mo ↑ 95%
Owner Costs
$1,203/mo ↓ 49%
136,462
Population
125,273

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pasadena, CA and Palm Bay, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 220 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $731/month cheaper in Palm Bay, saving renters about $8,772/year.

Median household income is $36,257/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pasadena is $1,045,000 compared to $248,000 in Palm Bay.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Palm Bay residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pasadena vs Palm Bay — common questions

Is Pasadena or Palm Bay cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Palm Bay is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pasadena and Palm Bay?
Median rent in Pasadena is $2,218/month and in Palm Bay it's $1,487/month — a difference of $731/month.
Which city has higher income, Pasadena or Palm Bay?
Median household income is $103,778 in Pasadena and $67,521 in Palm Bay. Median household income is $36,257/year higher in Pasadena.
How do taxes compare between California and Florida?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Pasadena or Palm Bay?
It depends on your priorities. Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with median rent of $2,218/mo, while Palm Bay has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,487/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Pasadena details → View Palm Bay details →

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