Cost of Living in Melbourne, FL

Population 85,718 · Florida · Data vintage 2023

97
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Melbourne lands reasonably close to national benchmarks on most cost indicators, with a median home value of $273,000 — 11% below the US figure. That makes it a useful reference point for comparing with more extreme markets in Florida.

Geographically, Melbourne sits roughly 10 miles north of Palm Bay. Median home values run roughly 10% higher than Palm Bay's $248,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 89
Rent 107

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

About the Cost of Living in Melbourne

The median home value in Melbourne is $272,900 — 11% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,411/month, 7% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $64,504/year is 14% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.4%, below the national average of 4.8%. Florida charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. The climate averages highs of 81.5°F and lows of 64.6°F. Overall, Melbourne has a cost of living index of 97 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 3% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$272,900
11% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$353,208
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,411/mo
7% above avg
Zillow Rent
$1,855/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
16.1x
Favors buying
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 60.3%
Renter-occupied 39.7%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,411
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,025/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 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
24.2 min
10% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
13.1%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
73.6%
Carpooled
7.4%
Public transit
1.3%
Walked
2.7%
Bicycle
0.5%
Work from home
13.1%

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
$64,504
14% below avg
Per Capita Income
$36,715
Unemployment Rate
4.4%
8% below avg
Poverty Rate
14.9%
Labor Force Participation
58.4%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 21.2%
Graduate degree 12.0%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 42.3
Male median age 39.7
Female median age 45.4

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
81.5°F
Avg Low
64.6°F
Annual Precip
50.8"
50° 60° 70° 80° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 727477818588908988847774
Low °F 525458636973747574696156
Precip" 2.631.982.692.293.537.106.506.677.634.862.552.36

💨 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 Melbourne, FL?

Melbourne has a cost index of 97 (100 = national average). It is 3% below the national average.

What is average rent in Melbourne, FL?

The median gross rent in Melbourne is $1,411 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Melbourne?

The median home value in Melbourne is $272,900 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Melbourne?

The median household income in Melbourne is $64,504 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Melbourne, FL?

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

Is Melbourne, FL affordable?

Melbourne is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 97 (100 = US average).

What is the weather like in Melbourne?

Melbourne has average high temperatures of 81.5°F and average lows of 64.6°F. Annual precipitation is 50.8". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Melbourne at a Glance

Population
85,718
Median Income
$64,504
Home Value
$272,900
Median Rent
$1,411/mo
Unemployment
4.4%
Avg High Temp
81.5°F
Sales Tax
7.0%
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🗺️ County data for Florida

Explore county-level cost of living data

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