Skyline of Melbourne
Cost of Living: 98 84,000

Melbourne, FL, US

Space Coast city near Kennedy Space Center with a growing tech and aerospace sector.

Updated July 20, 2026
Cost of Living 98

Below Average vs US Avg (100)

Housing Index 105

Above Average

Median Income $58,000

Household income

Unemployment 3.5%

Job market health

Melbourne vs US Average

Cost of Living
Melbourne: 98
US Avg: 100
Housing Index
Melbourne: 105
US Avg: 100

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: None
  • Sales Tax: 7.0%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: $58,000
  • Unemployment: 3.5%
  • Population: 84,000

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 235/year
  • Summer High: 90°F
  • Winter Low: 55°F

Housing

  • Median Home: $320,000
  • 1BR Rent: $1300/mo

Cost of Living

Melbourne's cost of living index is 98 (US average = 100).

CategoryMelbourneNational AverageDifference
Overall98100-2.0%
Housing105100+5.0%

Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home Price$320,000
Median Rent (1BR)$1300/mo
Median Rent (2BR)$1,625/mo
Price per Sq Ft$213

Data source: Zillow Research, 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

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$90,000 down
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Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Melbourne:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
Electricity$110Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage
Heating & CoolingN/AEstimated based on local climate. Gas or electric
Cooling (AC)$17Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates
Water$55Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)$60Broadband average
Garbage / Trash$25Private service
Total Utilities$267Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling)

Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Best Neighborhoods

Downtown Melbourne

The heart of the city with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Average rent: $1,560/mo.

Melbourne Heights

Trendy area with local businesses and a mix of historic and modern housing. Average rent: $1,430/mo.

East Melbourne

Up-and-coming neighborhood with new developments and young professionals. Average rent: $1,170/mo.

West Melbourne

Family-friendly area with parks and good schools. Average rent: $1,235/mo.

Remote Work Score

Melbourne scores —/100 for remote work readiness:

Cost of Living
98
Rent
$1300
Sunny Days
235
Tax
None
Unemployment
3.5%
Climate
90°F / 55°F

Climate

Melbourne has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January75°F55°F2.5"
April75°F70°F2.8"
July90°F65°F1.5"
October70°F73°F2.2"

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 0% (None)
  • Sales Tax: 7%
  • Property Tax: ~0.85% of assessed value

Economy & Jobs

Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 3.5%.

Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Melbourne, FL, US?

The cost of living index in Melbourne is 98, which is Lower the US national average of 100.

How much does it cost to buy a home in Melbourne?

The median home price in Melbourne is $320,000. The housing index is 105.

What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Melbourne is approximately $1300/mo.

Does Melbourne, FL have income tax?

Melbourne is in FL, which has no income tax.

What is the climate like in Melbourne?

Melbourne enjoys approximately 235 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 90°F, while winter lows can drop to around 55°F.

Data Sources

  • Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
  • Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
  • Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
  • Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Data last updated: July 20, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.