Median rent is 41% lower in Palm Bay ($1,487/mo vs $2,505/mo). Buying is cheaper in Palm Bay, where the median home runs $248,000 versus $1,203,100. Households earn more in Bellevue ($161,300 vs $67,521 a year). Taken together, Bellevue is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 114.0 against 114.4 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Bellevue, WA.
City A
Bellevue, WA
City B
Palm Bay, FL
How much would you need to earn in Palm Bay, FL to maintain your standard of living from Bellevue, WA?
Equivalent salary in Palm Bay, FL
$75,276
You'd need $276 more (0% higher).
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
Bellevue
Washington
Palm Bay
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 Palm Bay — median rent of $1,487/mo versus $2,505/mo in Bellevue, a 41% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Bellevue: the median home is $1,203,100 versus $248,000 in Palm Bay — 79% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Both Washington and Florida have no state income tax — a notable advantage for workers in both cities. Sales tax is 6.50% in Washington and 6.00% in Florida; Palm Bay has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Bellevue
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.50%
Palm Bay
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.00%
Air quality data is available for Bellevue (avg AQI 37.0) but not yet for Palm Bay.
Pick Bellevue if you prioritize higher median household income ($161,300/yr).
Pick Palm Bay if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,487/mo median).
Is Bellevue cheaper than Palm Bay?
Bellevue is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 114.0 versus 114.4 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Bellevue.
How much is rent in Bellevue vs Palm Bay?
Median rent is $2,505/mo in Bellevue, WA and $1,487/mo in Palm Bay, FL. Palm Bay, FL has the lower rent by about 41%.
Which has higher salaries — Bellevue or Palm Bay?
Median household income is $161,300 in Bellevue, WA and $67,521 in Palm Bay, FL. Bellevue, WA 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 — Bellevue or Palm Bay?
Both Washington and Florida have no state income tax.
What salary do I need in Palm Bay to match my Bellevue income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Bellevue, WA is equivalent to roughly $100,368 in Palm Bay, FL (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology