Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Palm Bay, FL (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Palm Bay

Florida
91

Raleigh is 21% more expensive than Palm Bay.

$1,468/mo ↓ 1%
Median Rent
$1,487/mo ↑ 1%
$82,424/yr ↑ 22%
Median Income
$67,521/yr ↓ 18%
$377,800 ↑ 52%
Home Value
$248,000 ↓ 34%
$1,487/mo ↑ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,203/mo ↓ 19%
470,763
Population
125,273

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Palm Bay, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $14,903/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $248,000 in Palm Bay.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Palm Bay residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Palm Bay — common questions

Is Raleigh 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 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Palm Bay?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Palm Bay it's $1,487/month — a difference of $19/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Palm Bay?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $67,521 in Palm Bay. Median household income is $14,903/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Florida?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Palm Bay?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/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 Raleigh details → View Palm Bay details →

More Comparisons

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