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

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Palm Bay

Florida
91

Sacramento is 45% more expensive than Palm Bay.

$1,694/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$1,487/mo ↓ 12%
$83,753/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$67,521/yr ↓ 19%
$484,600 ↑ 95%
Home Value
$248,000 ↓ 49%
$1,752/mo ↑ 46%
Owner Costs
$1,203/mo ↓ 31%
524,802
Population
125,273

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Palm Bay, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $207/month cheaper in Palm Bay, saving renters about $2,484/year.

Median household income is $16,232/year higher in Sacramento. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 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

Sacramento vs Palm Bay — common questions

Is Sacramento 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 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and Palm Bay?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Palm Bay it's $1,487/month — a difference of $207/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Palm Bay?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $67,521 in Palm Bay. Median household income is $16,232/year higher in Sacramento.
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 Sacramento or Palm Bay?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/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 Sacramento details → View Palm Bay details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Sacramento and Palm Bay

Sacramento vs. Tucson Sacramento vs. Kansas City Sacramento vs. Fresno Sacramento vs. Mesa Sacramento vs. Albuquerque Sacramento vs. Atlanta 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