Melbourne, FL, US
Space Coast city near Kennedy Space Center with a growing tech and aerospace sector.
Overview
Melbourne is a city in FL with a population of 84,000. Space Coast city near Kennedy Space Center with a growing tech and aerospace sector. Housing costs are close to the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 7a growing zone supports Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees. A large share of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The population skews older, with a median age of 59.5.
Last updated: September 12, 2026
Below Average vs US Avg (100)
Above Average
Household income
Job market health
Melbourne vs US Average
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
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 7a
Housing
- Median Home: $320,000
- 1BR Rent: $1300/mo
Cost of Living
Melbourne's cost of living index is 98 (US average = 100).
| Category | Melbourne | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 98 | 100 | -2.0% |
| Housing | 105 | 100 | +5.0% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| 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
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Melbourne:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | $113 | Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage |
| Heating & Cooling | N/A | Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric |
| Cooling (AC) | $17 | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | $55 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | $70 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | $30 | Private service |
| Total Utilities | $285 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Remote Work Score
Melbourne scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Melbourne has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 75°F | 55°F | 2.5" |
| April | 75°F | 70°F | 2.8" |
| July | 90°F | 65°F | 1.5" |
| October | 70°F | 73°F | 2.2" |
Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees
Natural Hazards
Melbourne faces the following natural hazards:
Frequently affected by hurricanes.
Extreme summer heat.
Coastal flooding.
Wildfire risk in dry season.
Tornado risk from hurricanes.
Periodic drought conditions.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 0% (None)
- Sales Tax: 7%
- Property Tax: ~0.91% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 3.5%.
Schools & Education
Academic Schedule
State mandates 180 school days. Many districts start in early August.
Demographics
The population of Melbourne is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
Data source: US Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) (2023)
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: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.