If you're relocating to Florida's Space Coast for work at SpaceX, Blue Origin, L3Harris, or another aerospace employer, the first question on your mind is probably: "How much will a home cost me?"
As a Space Coast relocation specialist, I answer this question daily. Here's the honest, comprehensive breakdown of what you'll pay in 2026—no fluff, just real numbers.
Brevard County offers something rare: affordable coastal living within commuting distance of major aerospace employers. Here's what each area costs:
Palm Bay is Brevard's largest city and most affordable option. You'll find newer construction, larger lots, and family-friendly neighborhoods. The trade-off is a 40-50 minute commute to Kennedy Space Center.
Titusville offers the shortest commute to KSC (10-15 minutes) at affordable prices. It's experiencing a renaissance with downtown revitalization and direct rocket launch views.
Melbourne is the Space Coast's cultural hub with a growing downtown, excellent restaurants, and diverse housing options. Commute to KSC is 35-45 minutes.
Viera is a master-planned community with top-rated schools, new construction, and resort-style amenities. Popular with families relocating from out of state. Prices range $400K-$600K for most homes.
Rockledge offers a central location with quick access to both Melbourne and KSC (25-30 minutes each way).
These barrier island communities offer the beach lifestyle with ocean access, river views, and tight-knit communities. Expect to pay a 30-50% premium over mainland prices for similar square footage.
Cocoa Beach oceanfront condos start around $400K for older units, with newer or renovated units commanding $600K-$1M+. Single-family beachside homes are rare and typically $800K+.
Merritt Island is the sweet spot for many aerospace workers: 15-20 minutes to KSC, waterfront options on the Indian and Banana Rivers, and prices $100-200K less than equivalent beachside properties.
If you're relocating from California (many SpaceX employees are), here's the reality:
| Factor | Space Coast, FL | Los Angeles/Bay Area |
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $400,000 | $800,000 - $1,500,000 |
| State Income Tax | 0% | 9.3% - 13.3% |
| Property Tax Rate | ~1% | ~1.1% |
| Insurance Costs | Higher (hurricanes) | Higher (earthquakes/fire) |
Bottom line: A $150K salary goes much further on the Space Coast. Many relocating professionals buy waterfront homes here for what a basic condo costs in California.
A general rule: With current interest rates around 6-7%, budget approximately $6-7 per $1,000 borrowed for your monthly payment (principal + interest). Add taxes, insurance, and HOA for your total monthly cost.
Example: A $450,000 home with 20% down ($90,000) = $360,000 mortgage = approximately $2,160-$2,520/month P&I + $400/month taxes + $400/month insurance = $2,960-$3,320/month total
Every situation is different. I help aerospace relocators understand exactly what they can afford and which neighborhoods fit their budget and lifestyle. Schedule a free consultation to get personalized guidance for your Space Coast move.
Alyssa Mills-Berry is a Space Coast relocation specialist helping aerospace professionals find their perfect Florida home. She serves all of Brevard County including Melbourne, Cocoa Beach, Merritt Island, Viera, and surrounding areas.