Moving from Miami, FL to Palm Bay, FL
The 170 mi from Miami to Palm Bay translate to about 3h 21m behind the wheel through 1 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
170 mi Β· 3h 21m by car Β· FL
Distance & route
| Route through | FL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 95, CR 514, SR 514 |
| Major cities en route | Hialeah, Miami Gardens, Miramar, Pembroke Pines, Hollywood |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Miami | Palm Bay | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 114.155 | 100.005 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 97.235 | 88.064 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.556 | 96.24 | 100.0 |
| Services | 155.551 | 111.731 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 114.155 to 100.005, putting Palm Bay roughly 12.4% below Miami on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Palm Bay: 12.4% below Miami on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Miami -2.0%, Palm Bay -4.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Miami | Palm Bay |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 76Β°F | 73Β°F |
| January avg low | 61Β°F | 49Β°F |
| July avg high | 88Β°F | 91Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 57.2" | 55.6" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MIAMI BEACH, FL US, PALM BAY, FL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Miami | Palm Bay |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 446,663 | 125,273 |
| Median household income | $59,390 | $67,521 |
| Median age | 39.7 | 41.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.5% | 14.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.35 | 2.82 |
Income steps up 12.4%: $59,390 in Miami vs $67,521 in Palm Bay.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Palm Bay MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 28,820 | $39,710 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 24,880 | $28,940 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 22,200 | $33,940 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 16,730 | $79,650 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 15,660 | $73,620 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Palm Bay average 91Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Pack rain gear on top: Palm Bay averages 55.6 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- Hurricane season runs June through November β stock a basic emergency kit (water, flashlight, battery radio) during unpack.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Palm Bay compare to Miami?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,290 in the Palm Bay MSA vs $46,510 in the Miami MSA, on total employment of 236,890 and 2,721,490 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Miami to Palm Bay?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 170 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Palm Bay more expensive than Miami?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Palm Bay is 12.4% lower than Miami (100.005 vs 114.155, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Miami vs Palm Bay?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,521 in Palm Bay vs $59,390 in Miami β a 13.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Palm Bay compared to Miami?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $302,461 in Palm Bay vs $579,564 in Miami β a 47.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Palm Bay, FL from Miami, FL?
The driving distance is 170 mi and the route typically takes 3h 21m via I 95 and CR 514. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Miami.
City profiles: Miami, FL Β· Palm Bay, FL.