Goulds, FL vs Merritt Island, FL

Goulds, FL and Merritt Island, FL have a very similar cost of living, with only a 0.7% difference in their overall index. Goulds scores 107 while Merritt Island scores 107 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Goulds is $1,104/month compared to $1,348/month in Merritt Island — a 18% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Goulds has cheaper rent, Merritt Island actually has lower median home values ($379,700 vs $415,100).

Median household income in Goulds is $58,291 compared to $91,020 in Merritt Island (-36%). While Merritt Island is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Goulds spend roughly 22.7% of their income on rent, more than the 17.8% in Merritt Island.

Climate-wise, Goulds is notably warmer with an average of 76.2°F compared to 73.1°F in Merritt Island. Goulds receives more rainfall at 56.1" per year compared to 50.8" in Merritt Island.