Santa Ana, CA vs Palm Bay, FL: 163 vs 91

$1,975/mo ↑ 33%

Median Rent

$1,487/mo ↓ 25%

$88,354/yr ↑ 31%

Median Income

$67,521/yr ↓ 24%

$657,800 ↑ 165%

Home Value

$248,000 ↓ 62%

$1,965/mo ↑ 63%

Owner Costs

$1,203/mo ↓ 39%

311,639

Population

125,273

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Ana, CA and Palm Bay, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 163 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $488/month cheaper in Palm Bay, saving renters about $5,856/year.

Median household income is $20,833/year higher in Santa Ana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Ana is $657,800 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

Santa Ana vs Palm Bay — common questions

Is Santa Ana 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 163 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Santa Ana and Palm Bay?

Median rent in Santa Ana is $1,975/month and in Palm Bay it's $1,487/month — a difference of $488/month.

Which city has higher income, Santa Ana or Palm Bay?

Median household income is $88,354 in Santa Ana and $67,521 in Palm Bay. Median household income is $20,833/year higher in Santa Ana.

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 Santa Ana or Palm Bay?

It depends on your priorities. Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with median rent of $1,975/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.

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

Santa Ana

Palm Bay

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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