Cost of Living in Malabar, FL

Population 3,017 · Florida · Data vintage 2023

145
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Malabar skews considerably older than the national median, with an average age of 56. Reported household income of $123,345 often reflects pension and investment income rather than wages, which makes the local tax picture — especially property tax treatment — a larger factor than in working-age cities. An unemployment rate of 0.0% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.

Geographically, Malabar sits roughly 5 miles east of Palm Bay. Median home values run roughly 78% higher than Palm Bay's $248,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 145

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Malabar

The median home value in Malabar is $441,700 — 45% above the national median of $305,000. The median household income of $123,345/year is 65% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 0.0%, below the national average of 4.8%. Florida charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. Overall, Malabar has a cost of living index of 145 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 45% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$441,700
45% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$85,000
Zillow ZHVI
Property Tax Rate
0.9%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$1,085
1 BR
$1,181
2 BR
$1,427
3 BR
$1,797
4 BR
$2,099
Owner-occupied 95.2%
Renter-occupied 4.8%

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
27.6 min
2% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
16.7%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
74.0%
Carpooled
1.9%
Walked
1.0%
Work from home
16.7%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) None
Total Sales Tax 7.0%
State rate 6.0%
Avg local rate 1.1%
Property Tax 0.9%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$123,345
65% above avg
Per Capita Income
$58,519
Unemployment Rate
0.0%
100% below avg
Poverty Rate
2.8%
Labor Force Participation
62.9%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 15.5%
Graduate degree 17.9%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 55.7
Male median age 52.4
Female median age 57.7

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 43 — Good
76.4%
Good air days/yr
130
Max AQI recorded
143
PM2.5 days
222
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Malabar, FL?

Malabar has a cost index of 145 (100 = national average). It is 45% above the national average.

What is the average home price in Malabar?

The median home value in Malabar is $441,700 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Malabar?

The median household income in Malabar is $123,345 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Malabar, FL?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Malabar is 7.0%. Florida has no state income tax.

Is Malabar, FL affordable?

Malabar is above average in cost of living, with an index of 145 — about 45% higher than the national average.