Cost of Living: Virginia Beach, VA vs Palm Bay, FL (2026)

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Palm Bay

Florida
91

Virginia Beach is 29% more expensive than Palm Bay.

$1,649/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,487/mo ↓ 10%
$90,685/yr ↑ 34%
Median Income
$67,521/yr ↓ 26%
$366,300 ↑ 48%
Home Value
$248,000 ↓ 32%
$1,704/mo ↑ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,203/mo ↓ 29%
457,066
Population
125,273

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
0%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Palm Bay, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $162/month cheaper in Palm Bay, saving renters about $1,944/year.

Median household income is $23,164/year higher in Virginia Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $248,000 in Palm Bay.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Palm Bay residents a significant tax advantage over Virginia's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs Palm Bay — common questions

Is Virginia Beach 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 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and Palm Bay?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in Palm Bay it's $1,487/month — a difference of $162/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Palm Bay?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $67,521 in Palm Bay. Median household income is $23,164/year higher in Virginia Beach.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Florida?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Virginia Beach or Palm Bay?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/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 Virginia Beach details → View Palm Bay details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Virginia Beach and Palm Bay

Virginia Beach vs. Long Beach Virginia Beach vs. Miami Virginia Beach vs. Raleigh Virginia Beach vs. Oakland Virginia Beach vs. Colorado Springs Virginia Beach vs. Minneapolis 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