Can A Firefighter Afford Rent in West Melbourne, FL?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 40% of gross income.
West Melbourne rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Florida state estimate).
About rent and a firefighter salary
Firefighter base pay plus typical overtime sits modestly above the US median household income, but local rent levels determine whether that translates into affordability or rent burden. At the national-average firefighter base salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,570 a month in rent. The per-city pages compare local rent against local firefighter-pay estimates so renters can see where rent stays in range.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Florida cities have lower median rent than West Melbourne, which improves the affordability math on a firefighter salary:
Compare with full rent data for West Melbourne
View full rent data for West Melbourne, FL →Frequently asked questions
Can a firefighter afford rent in West Melbourne, FL?
Median rent in West Melbourne is $1,948 a month. A typical firefighter in Florida earns about $58,413 a year, which makes that rent 40% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a firefighter afford in West Melbourne?
Using the 30% rule, a firefighter salary in Florida (~$58,413/yr) supports up to $1,460 a month in rent. West Melbourne's current median rent is $1,948/mo, which is $488/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a firefighter work to cover rent in West Melbourne?
At an hourly equivalent of about $28 an hour, a firefighter in Florida works roughly 69.4 hours a month to cover West Melbourne's median rent of $1,948.
Where is rent cheaper than West Melbourne for a firefighter?
Nearby Florida cities with lower median rent include Fort Lauderdale ($1,947/mo), Ponte Vedra ($1,947/mo), Santa Rosa Beach ($1,947/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a firefighter salary.