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

Tempe

Arizona
120
VS

Palm Bay

Florida
91

Tempe is 32% more expensive than Palm Bay.

$1,623/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$1,487/mo ↓ 8%
$77,643/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$67,521/yr ↓ 13%
$421,900 ↑ 70%
Home Value
$248,000 ↓ 41%
$1,554/mo ↑ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,203/mo ↓ 23%
186,419
Population
125,273

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tempe, AZ and Palm Bay, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $136/month cheaper in Palm Bay, saving renters about $1,632/year.

Median household income is $10,122/year higher in Tempe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tempe is $421,900 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

Tempe vs Palm Bay — common questions

Is Tempe 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 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tempe and Palm Bay?
Median rent in Tempe is $1,623/month and in Palm Bay it's $1,487/month — a difference of $136/month.
Which city has higher income, Tempe or Palm Bay?
Median household income is $77,643 in Tempe and $67,521 in Palm Bay. Median household income is $10,122/year higher in Tempe.
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 Tempe or Palm Bay?
It depends on your priorities. Tempe has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,623/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 Tempe details → View Palm Bay details →

More Comparisons

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Tempe vs. Brownsville Tempe vs. Paradise Tempe vs. Akron Tempe vs. Mobile Tempe vs. Providence Tempe vs. Newport News 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