Melbourne, FL Utility & Living Guide

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Melbourne, FL Utility & Living Guide

Melbourne is a city in Brevard County, Florida, United States. It is located 72 miles (116 km) southeast of Orlando along Florida's Space Coast, so named because of the region's proximity to Cape Canaveral and the Kennedy Space Center.

Last updated: July 8, 2026
Total Utilities$305/mo
1BR Rent$1172/mo
Sales Tax7.5%
COL Index105 (+5% above national average)
Family Score6/10
Median Home$247,300
📷 Live Cameras — Melbourne
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🌤️ Live Weather — Melbourne
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Living in Melbourne, summers are hot, with Jul highs around 87.6°F, while winters stay mild, with Jan lows rarely below 56.2°F. At just 35 heating degree days per year, home heating costs are minimal. Annual rainfall reaches 56.5 inches, mostly summer thunderstorms. Median household income: $60,917. With a 15.2% poverty rate and 58.8% homeownership, the community reflects a stable residential mix. Air quality is Good — avg AQI 37 over the past week.
📍 City Briefing
Living in Melbourne, summers are hot, with Jul highs around 87.6°F, while winters stay mild, with Jan lows rarely below 56.2°F. At just 35 heating degree days per year, home heating costs are minimal. Annual rainfall reaches 56.5 inches, mostly summer thunderstorms. Median household income: $60,917. With a 15.2% poverty rate and 58.8% homeownership, the community reflects a stable residential mix. Air quality is Good — avg AQI 37 over the past week.
⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Melbourne
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💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$120/mo

Florida Power & Light (FPL)
🔥 Gas

$50/mo

N/A - Electric only
💧 Water

$45/mo

City of Melbourne Utilities
🗑️ Garbage

$25/mo

Waste Management
📶 Internet

$65/mo

Combined Average Overhead$305/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1172/mo
2 Bedrooms$1303/mo
3 Bedrooms$1628/mo
Median Home Price$247,300
Property Tax Rate1.2%
Avg Childcare/mo$1000

Melbourne’s housing market is competitive, with steady demand driven by its coastal location and aerospace industry. Prices have risen moderately over the past few years.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

105

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+5% above national average

Groceries

102

Transportation

98

Healthcare

100

Childcare/mo

$1000

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax7.5%
Property Tax Rate1.2%
<p>State 6% + County 1% + City 0.5%</p>

Florida has no state income tax.

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
6/10
Safety Index

50

Higher = safer
School Rating

6.5/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$1000/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+3% (growing)
Political Climate
Purple (mix of Republican and Democratic voters)
Business Momentum
Moderate with key industries in aerospace, defense, and tourism
Top Local Concerns
Coastal erosion, traffic congestion, affordable housing
🚌 Transit for Families

Limited public transit; Space Coast Area Transit offers some accessible routes but most families rely on cars.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Brevard Zoo
  • 🎯
    Andretti Thrill Park
  • 🎯
    Melbourne Beach

Best Neighborhoods for Families

Viera is family-friendly with top-rated schools and parks. Downtown Melbourne offers walkability and cultural amenities.

Household Budget Calculator

Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Melbourne based on your household profile.

Financial Tools

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📊 Melbourne — Census & Demographic Data

Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.

💰 Median Household Income
$60,917
👤 Median Age
59.9
🏠 Homeownership Rate
58.8%
🔑 Renter Rate
41.2%
📉 Poverty Rate
15.2%
💼 Unemployment Rate
4.6%
📡 Internet Access
93.0%
🎓 College Educated
44.6%

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Summer AC use spikes electric bills, while mild winters keep heating costs low. Water usage may rise in dry seasons.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

ZIP 32901: Millage rate ~20.0, no local surtax. Coastal zones may have additional fees.

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

7/10: Decent sidewalks in newer areas like Viera, but older neighborhoods lack consistency. Parks are accessible but transit options are limited.

📍 Melbourne City Stories

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Melbourne, Florida — City Overview

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