Cost of Living in West Melbourne, FL

Population 27,643 · Florida · Data vintage 2023

122
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

West Melbourne lands reasonably close to national benchmarks on most cost indicators, with a median home value of $342,000 — 12% above the US figure. That makes it a useful reference point for comparing with more extreme markets in Florida.

Located 6 miles north of Palm Bay, West Melbourne falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 38% higher than Palm Bay's $248,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 112
Rent 137

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

About the Cost of Living in West Melbourne

The median home value in West Melbourne is $341,500 — 12% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,801/month, 37% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $90,521/year is 21% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.7%, below the national average of 4.8%. Florida charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. Overall, West Melbourne has a cost of living index of 122 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 22% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$341,500
12% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$369,999
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,801/mo
37% above avg
Zillow Rent
$1,976/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
15.8x
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 74.9%
Renter-occupied 25.1%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,801
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,415/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
24.7 min
9% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
13.9%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
76.4%
Carpooled
7.3%
Walked
0.8%
Work from home
13.9%

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
$90,521
21% above avg
Per Capita Income
$40,196
Unemployment Rate
4.7%
3% below avg
Poverty Rate
6.8%
Labor Force Participation
61.5%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 24.6%
Graduate degree 15.8%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 40.2
Male median age 37.7
Female median age 44.4

💨 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 West Melbourne, FL?

West Melbourne has a cost index of 122 (100 = national average). It is 22% above the national average.

What is average rent in West Melbourne, FL?

The median gross rent in West Melbourne is $1,801 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in West Melbourne?

The median home value in West Melbourne is $341,500 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in West Melbourne?

The median household income in West Melbourne is $90,521 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in West Melbourne, FL?

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

Is West Melbourne, FL affordable?

West Melbourne is above average in cost of living, with an index of 122 — about 22% higher than the national average.

West Melbourne at a Glance

Population
27,643
Median Income
$90,521
Home Value
$341,500
Median Rent
$1,801/mo
Unemployment
4.7%
Sales Tax
7.0%
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Explore county-level cost of living data

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