Median rent is 21% lower in Palm Bay ($1,487/mo vs $1,879/mo). Buying is cheaper in Palm Bay, where the median home runs $248,000 versus $879,500. Households earn more in Los Angeles ($80,366 vs $67,521 a year). Taken together, Los Angeles is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 113.3 against 114.4 — about 1% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Los Angeles, CA.
Quick verdict
Los Angeles is 1% cheaper overall
Cost index: 113.3 in Los Angeles vs 114.4 in Palm Bay (US average = 100)
City A
Los Angeles, CA
City B
Palm Bay, FL
How much would you need to earn in Palm Bay, FL to maintain your standard of living from Los Angeles, CA?
Equivalent salary in Palm Bay, FL
$75,749
You'd need $749 more (1% 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
Los Angeles
California
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 $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, a 21% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Los Angeles: the median home is $879,500 versus $248,000 in Palm Bay — 72% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Florida has no state income tax, while California tops out at 13.30% — giving Palm Bay a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 7.25% in California and 6.00% in Florida; Palm Bay has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Los Angeles
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Palm Bay
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.00%
Air quality data is available for Los Angeles (avg AQI 77.0) but not yet for Palm Bay.
Pick Los Angeles if you prioritize higher median household income ($80,366/yr).
Pick Palm Bay if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,487/mo median).
Pick Palm Bay if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Los Angeles cheaper than Palm Bay?
Los Angeles is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 113.3 versus 114.4 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 1% lower in Los Angeles.
How much is rent in Los Angeles vs Palm Bay?
Median rent is $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, CA and $1,487/mo in Palm Bay, FL. Palm Bay, FL has the lower rent by about 21%.
Which has higher salaries — Los Angeles or Palm Bay?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles, CA and $67,521 in Palm Bay, FL. Los Angeles, 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 — Los Angeles or Palm Bay?
Florida has no state income tax. California has a top rate of 13.30%.
What salary do I need in Palm Bay to match my Los Angeles income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Los Angeles, CA is equivalent to roughly $100,999 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