Cost of Living in North Merritt Island, FL

Population 8,903 · Florida · Data vintage 2023

138
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

North Merritt Island sits on the smaller end of the Florida city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 7.3% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.

Located 35 miles east of Orlando, North Merritt Island falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 38% higher than Orlando's $359,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 162
Rent 101

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

About the Cost of Living in North Merritt Island

The median home value in North Merritt Island is $495,400 — 62% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,328/month, 1% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $113,897/year is 53% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.3%, above the national average of 4.8%. Florida charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. Overall, North Merritt Island has a cost of living index of 138 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 38% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$495,400
62% above avg
Median Rent
$1,328/mo
1% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
31.1x
Favors renting
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 86.2%
Renter-occupied 13.8%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,328
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,942/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
30.5 min
13% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
23.4%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
66.0%
Carpooled
8.8%
Walked
1.3%
Work from home
23.4%

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
$113,897
53% above avg
Per Capita Income
$57,425
Unemployment Rate
7.3%
52% above avg
Poverty Rate
6.8%
Labor Force Participation
54.0%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 21.7%
Graduate degree 15.3%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 52.4
Male median age 50.9
Female median age 52.9

💨 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 North Merritt Island, FL?

North Merritt Island has a cost index of 138 (100 = national average). It is 38% above the national average.

What is average rent in North Merritt Island, FL?

The median gross rent in North Merritt Island is $1,328 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in North Merritt Island?

The median home value in North Merritt Island is $495,400 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in North Merritt Island?

The median household income in North Merritt Island is $113,897 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in North Merritt Island, FL?

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

Is North Merritt Island, FL affordable?

North Merritt Island is above average in cost of living, with an index of 138 — about 38% higher than the national average.

North Merritt Island at a Glance

Population
8,903
Median Income
$113,897
Home Value
$495,400
Median Rent
$1,328/mo
Unemployment
7.3%
Sales Tax
7.0%
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🗺️ County data for Florida

Explore county-level cost of living data

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