Cost of Living in North Merritt Island, FL

With a cost of living index of 116, North Merritt Island, FL is a notably expensive place to live. Living here is 16% more expensive than the national average and 6% above the Florida state average of 110. North Merritt Island is a smaller community of 8,903 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in North Merritt Island's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,328 (1% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $495,400 (62% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 4.3x the median household income — a moderately affordable ratio by today's standards.

The median household income in North Merritt Island is $113,897, which is 52% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 14% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum. While incomes are above average, they more than offset the higher cost of living.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to North Merritt Island. The area sees an average annual temperature of 71.6°F, with summers averaging 80°F and winters around 62°F. Annual rainfall totals 48.6 inches spread over roughly 117 days. The mild climate is a draw for many residents and keeps utility costs moderate year-round.

Everyday prices in the Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area are generally below the national average. Out of 6 common items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 6 are priced lower than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.