Cost of Living: Tacoma, WA vs Palm Bay, FL (2026)

Tacoma

Washington
126
VS

Palm Bay

Florida
91

Tacoma is 38% more expensive than Palm Bay.

$1,597/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$1,487/mo ↓ 7%
$83,857/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$67,521/yr ↓ 19%
$454,600 ↑ 83%
Home Value
$248,000 ↓ 45%
$1,747/mo ↑ 45%
Owner Costs
$1,203/mo ↓ 31%
220,482
Population
125,273

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

22.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tacoma, WA and Palm Bay, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $110/month cheaper in Palm Bay, saving renters about $1,320/year.

Median household income is $16,336/year higher in Tacoma. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tacoma is $454,600 compared to $248,000 in Palm Bay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tacoma vs Palm Bay — common questions

Is Tacoma 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 Tacoma and Palm Bay?
Median rent in Tacoma is $1,597/month and in Palm Bay it's $1,487/month — a difference of $110/month.
Which city has higher income, Tacoma or Palm Bay?
Median household income is $83,857 in Tacoma and $67,521 in Palm Bay. Median household income is $16,336/year higher in Tacoma.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Florida?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Tacoma or Palm Bay?
It depends on your priorities. Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,597/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 Tacoma details → View Palm Bay details →

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