Cost of Living in Brevard County, Florida
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Brevard County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Brevard County ranks #2,446 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 22%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Brevard County, Florida
Brevard balances strong income with high rents
Brevard County renters spend 23.0% of income on housing—just below the national threshold—thanks to a median income of $75,817, above the U.S. average. At $1,456 monthly, rents are steep, but household earnings cushion the burden.
Premium coastal county with manageable burden
Brevard's 23.0% rent-to-income ratio sits slightly below Florida's 22.5% average, a rare win for a high-rent county. The Space Coast's $1,456 median rent ranks third-highest statewide, yet strong local incomes keep affordability reasonable.
Costlier than inland peers, worth the trade
Brevard's $1,456 rent exceeds Alachua ($1,255), Charlotte ($1,289), and most rural counties, rivaled only by Broward ($1,804). But Brevard's median income of $75,817 is among Florida's strongest, making the math work better than raw rent suggests.
Homeownership offers modest savings
Brevard renters and homeowners face similar burdens—23.0% and 18.1% respectively—but the $304,400 median home value is steep. Strong local incomes from aerospace and tech jobs make ownership achievable for higher earners, though it requires substantial down payments.
High-income professionals' space coast choice
Brevard County suits higher earners seeking coastal lifestyle without the Broward price shock—incomes here are among Florida's best. If you're tech or aerospace-employed with household income above $75,000, Brevard's 23% housing burden is quite manageable.
Cost of Living Advisory: Brevard County
Affordability Verdict
Brevard County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $1,456/month representing approximately 23.0% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 32.0%.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Brevard County is $1,456/month, while owner costs run $1,144/month. Owning saves approximately $312/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $58,240/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $49,029/year. With a median household income of $75,817, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 32.0% of renter households in Brevard County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Pinellas County where rent averages $1,525/month, Brevard County is approximately 5% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Brevard County
Rent Burden
23.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,769
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.1%
of gross income
The median home in Brevard County may be a stretch
Median home value is $304,400. Estimated monthly cost: $2,430 vs. your max of $1,769.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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