Cost of Living: Surprise, AZ vs Palm Bay, FL (2026)

Surprise

Arizona
126
VS

Palm Bay

Florida
91

Surprise is 38% more expensive than Palm Bay.

$1,917/mo ↑ 29%
Median Rent
$1,487/mo ↓ 22%
$93,371/yr ↑ 38%
Median Income
$67,521/yr ↓ 28%
$396,000 ↑ 60%
Home Value
$248,000 ↓ 37%
$1,587/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,203/mo ↓ 24%
149,519
Population
125,273

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Surprise, AZ and Palm Bay, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $430/month cheaper in Palm Bay, saving renters about $5,160/year.

Median household income is $25,850/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Surprise is $396,000 compared to $248,000 in Palm Bay.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Palm Bay residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Surprise vs Palm Bay — common questions

Is Surprise 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 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Surprise and Palm Bay?
Median rent in Surprise is $1,917/month and in Palm Bay it's $1,487/month — a difference of $430/month.
Which city has higher income, Surprise or Palm Bay?
Median household income is $93,371 in Surprise and $67,521 in Palm Bay. Median household income is $25,850/year higher in Surprise.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Florida?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Surprise or Palm Bay?
It depends on your priorities. Surprise has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,917/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 Surprise details → View Palm Bay details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Surprise and Palm Bay

Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite 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