Melbourne, FL Utility & Living Guide

Tier 3 Location

Melbourne, FL Utility & Living Guide

Melbourne offers a relaxed coastal lifestyle with a mix of suburban comfort and vibrant cultural scenes.

Last updated: June 5, 2026
Total Utilities$305/mo
1BR Rent$1200/mo
Sales Tax7.5%
COL Index105 (+5% above national average)
Family Score6/10
Median Home$320,000
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⚠️ 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$1200/mo
2 Bedrooms$1600/mo
3 Bedrooms$2100/mo
Median Home Price$320,000
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.

Local Briefing & Neighborhood Pulse

Live Local News

Short-term rental regulations vary by neighborhood; check zoning laws. Coastal properties may have additional restrictions.

Melbourne is experiencing growth in aerospace and tech sectors, boosting local employment. Rising home values reflect increased demand for coastal living.

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📊 Melbourne — Census & Demographic Data

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

💰 Median Household Income
$84,821
👤 Median Age
59.9
🏠 Homeownership Rate
93.0%
🔑 Renter Rate
7.0%
📉 Poverty Rate
6.6%
💼 Unemployment Rate
5.6%
📡 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.