Median rent is 30% lower in Melbourne ($1,525/mo vs $2,175/mo). Buying is cheaper in Melbourne, where the median home runs $306,400 versus $831,200. Households earn more in Anaheim ($95,227 vs $66,991 a year). Taken together, Melbourne is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 113.7 against 114.7 — about 1% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Anaheim, CA.
Quick verdict
Melbourne is 1% cheaper overall
Cost index: 113.7 in Melbourne vs 114.7 in Anaheim (US average = 100)
City A
Anaheim, CA
City B
Melbourne, FL
How much would you need to earn in Melbourne, FL to maintain your standard of living from Anaheim, CA?
Equivalent salary in Melbourne, FL
$74,305
You could earn $695 less (1% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Anaheim
California
Melbourne
Florida
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Melbourne — median rent of $1,525/mo versus $2,175/mo in Anaheim, a 30% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Anaheim: the median home is $831,200 versus $306,400 in Melbourne — 63% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
State tax data is not yet available for these cities.
Anaheim
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Melbourne
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Air quality data is available for Anaheim (avg AQI 35.0) but not yet for Melbourne.
Pick Anaheim if you prioritize higher median household income ($95,227/yr).
Pick Melbourne if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,525/mo median).
Is Anaheim cheaper than Melbourne?
Melbourne is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 113.7 versus 114.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 1% lower in Melbourne.
How much is rent in Anaheim vs Melbourne?
Median rent is $2,175/mo in Anaheim, CA and $1,525/mo in Melbourne, FL. Melbourne, FL has the lower rent by about 30%.
Which has higher salaries — Anaheim or Melbourne?
Median household income is $95,227 in Anaheim, CA and $66,991 in Melbourne, FL. Anaheim, CA has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Anaheim or Melbourne?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in Melbourne to match my Anaheim income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Anaheim, CA is equivalent to roughly $99,073 in Melbourne, FL (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology
