A+
5%
Overall NAT. AVG.
5%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
5%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Melbourne Florida National
Cost of living105102100
Groceries105102100
Health care106104100
Housing10597100
Transportation103103100
Utilities114110100
Lifestyle & Entertainment105104100
Household Items105102100
Education & Childcare101106100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Melbourne, FL

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Melbourne is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Melbourne is 105, which is 5% higher than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.

Everyday expenditures like food, housing, lifestyle expenses, transportation and health care in Melbourne are priced in a manner consistent with other areas. This means that residents of Melbourne can anticipate their daily expenses remaining reasonably similar to those in an average city, thereby supporting a manageable cost of living.

Is Melbourne Affordable?

Is Melbourne affordable? It's a key consideration when pondering a move, as affordability often shapes your choices. The cost of living index (we discussed it earlier), coupled with housing costs and income levels, serves as the cornerstone for determining a location's affordability. Take Melbourne, for instance, where the median home price falls 0.8% higher than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 13.8% higher than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Melbourne flaunting a median household income of $77,998, 4.1% lower than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Melbourne?

Transportation: When public transportation options are limited or non-existent, residents frequently resort to vehicle ownership, which can significantly contribute to the overall cost of living. Monthly financial obligations encompass fuel, insurance, regular maintenance and potentially lease or financing expenses. In Melbourne, the transportation index is 2.5% higher than the national average.

Utilities: Similar to the prices of any other goods or services, utility expenditures can exhibit substantial variability, influenced by factors such as climate, energy sources accessibility, geographical location and state regulations. Costs related to electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can fluctuate, whether higher or lower, contingent on the city or state. In Melbourne, the utilities index is 14.4% higher than the national average.

Healthcare: The costs associated with healthcare and insurance premiums can exhibit notable disparities based on the city or state of residence. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for medical appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs and specialized medical care expenses all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Melbourne, healthcare costs are 6.4% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Melbourne cost of living estimates above use a normalized U.S. average of 100 as the baseline for comparison. Housing values incorporate local home price and rental information from the U.S. Census, while all other estimates are AI-assisted and modeled using expected everyday expenses, local market trends, climate, and transportation-related cost pressures. The results are intended for practical city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Melbourne is 3% higher than the Florida average
  • The cost of living in Melbourne is 5% higher than the national average
  • Melbourne housing is 5% higher than the national average
  • Florida general sales tax is 18% higher than the national average
  • Florida state income tax is 100% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Melbourne

See all the best places to live around Melbourne

Compare Melbourne, FL Cost of Living

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$95,841$7,987$2,236$2,876
      Renters$56,742$4,729$1,324$1,702
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in Melbourne is by simply calculating the maximum that should be spent on housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The plan is to avoid spending more than 28 percent of the gross income on costs that pertain to housing and no more than 36 percent on all expenses and debts. Melbourne has a median income of about $95,841 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $2,236 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $56,742. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $1,324 on all rental costs if they want to maintain a non-impoverished standard of living.

      Florida Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Florida 6% 7.5%

      Florida Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Florida 0% 0%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Palm Bay, FL116,9371055.3%
      Palm Shores, FL1,66211010.1%
      June Park, FL5,05611212.1%
      West Melbourne, FL24,18811414.0%
      Melbourne Village, FL84311616.1%
      Melbourne, FL85,2421055.2%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Longview, TX85,215946.1%
      Fort Myers, FL85,27011212.0%
      Sioux City, IA85,3048910.9%
      Chino Hills, CA85,41217776.9%
      Goodyear, AZ85,48612121.2%
      Melbourne, FL85,2421055.2%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.