Cost of Living: West Palm Beach, FL vs Dearborn, MI (2026)

West Palm Beach

Florida
119
VS

Dearborn

Michigan
79

West Palm Beach is 51% more expensive than Dearborn.

$1,709/mo ↑ 35%
Median Rent
$1,264/mo ↓ 26%
$69,261/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$65,192/yr ↓ 6%
$369,800 ↑ 80%
Home Value
$205,900 ↓ 44%
$1,667/mo ↑ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,174/mo ↓ 30%
119,508
Population
107,846

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.86%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

29.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing West Palm Beach, FL and Dearborn, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 119 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $445/month cheaper in Dearborn, saving renters about $5,340/year.

Median household income is $4,069/year higher in West Palm Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in West Palm Beach is $369,800 compared to $205,900 in Dearborn.

Florida has no state income tax, giving West Palm Beach residents a significant tax advantage over Michigan's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

West Palm Beach vs Dearborn — common questions

Is West Palm Beach or Dearborn cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dearborn is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between West Palm Beach and Dearborn?
Median rent in West Palm Beach is $1,709/month and in Dearborn it's $1,264/month — a difference of $445/month.
Which city has higher income, West Palm Beach or Dearborn?
Median household income is $69,261 in West Palm Beach and $65,192 in Dearborn. Median household income is $4,069/year higher in West Palm Beach.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Michigan?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to West Palm Beach or Dearborn?
It depends on your priorities. West Palm Beach has a cost index of 119 with median rent of $1,709/mo, while Dearborn has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,264/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View West Palm Beach details → View Dearborn details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for West Palm Beach and Dearborn

West Palm Beach vs. Hartford West Palm Beach vs. Spring Hill West Palm Beach vs. Fairfield West Palm Beach vs. Wilmington West Palm Beach vs. Berkeley West Palm Beach vs. Billings Dearborn vs. Sparks Dearborn vs. Riverview Dearborn vs. South Fulton Dearborn vs. Tyler Dearborn vs. Greeley Dearborn vs. Tuscaloosa