Palm Coast vs. Boca Raton Rent Prices in 2026
Palm Coast remains substantially less expensive than Boca Raton in the latest ZIP-level rent data. In August 2026, Zillow's typical rent ranged from $1,823.92 in Palm Coast ZIP 32164 to $3,121.02 in Boca Raton ZIP 33432. The three-year growth rates were 1.74% and 11.24%, respectively.
For renters choosing between the two cities, the difference involves both price and direction. Palm Coast has the lower starting cost and more restrained long-term movement in the ZIPs reviewed here. Boca Raton calls for a larger housing budget and has generally seen faster growth.
The August 2026 rent comparison
Five ZIP codes, measured the same way
The table uses the Zillow Observed Rent Index for single-family homes and condominiums through August 31, 2026. The monthly, annual and three-year changes come from the corresponding points in that ZIP-level series.
| City and ZIP | August 2026 typical rent | Month over month | Year over year | Three-year change | Above least-expensive ZIP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palm Coast 32164 | $1,823.92 | -1.03% | -0.44% | 1.74% | $0.00 |
| Palm Coast 32137 | $1,956.34 | 2.16% | 2.22% | 3.01% | $132.42 |
| Boca Raton 33433 | $2,541.70 | 0.03% | 3.18% | 5.54% | $717.78 |
| Boca Raton 33486 | $2,894.79 | 0.84% | 4.57% | 5.73% | $1,070.87 |
| Boca Raton 33432 | $3,121.02 | 0.01% | 2.95% | 11.24% | $1,297.10 |
What the numbers show
All three Boca Raton ZIPs have a higher typical rent than both Palm Coast ZIPs. Boca's least-expensive tracked ZIP, 33433 at $2,541.70, is still $585.36 per month above Palm Coast 32137 and $717.78 above 32164.
The growth pattern is similarly clear. Palm Coast's three-year changes were 1.74% in 32164 and 3.01% in 32137. Boca's figures ranged from 5.54% to 11.24%.
Palm Coast: lower cost, with two short-term stories
ZIP 32164 had the lowest rent
At $1,823.92, 32164 was the least-expensive ZIP in this comparison. Its index declined 1.03% from July and 0.44% from August 2025, after rising only 1.74% since August 2023.
Renters comparing homes around southern and western Palm Coast should keep that pattern in context. An individual renewal could still rise, though the figures suggest less market-wide upward pressure than in the Boca ZIPs in this dataset. More local information is available in the Palm Coast rental guides.
ZIP 32137 moved upward in August
Palm Coast 32137 was higher at $1,956.34. While 32164 declined, 32137 increased 2.16% month over month and 2.22% year over year.
The two Palm Coast ZIPs moved in opposite directions during the latest month. Describing Palm Coast as stable does not mean every neighborhood is falling. Both ZIPs had modest three-year growth, even though their latest monthly movements diverged.
Boca Raton: a wider range of rents
ZIP 33433 was Boca's lower-cost option in this set
Boca Raton 33433 had a typical rent of $2,541.70. Its monthly movement was nearly flat at 0.03%. It remained 3.18% above August 2025 and 5.54% above August 2023.
For renters who need to be in Boca Raton, 33433 is the first ZIP I would put beside Palm Coast in a budget worksheet. It is Boca's least-expensive option among the three tracked here, though its typical rent is still hundreds of dollars more each month than Palm Coast's higher figure.
ZIPs 33486 and 33432 require a larger budget
ZIP 33486 reached $2,894.79, with growth of 0.84% monthly, 4.57% annually and 5.73% over three years. ZIP 33432 was higher still at $3,121.02.
The difference between Boca's lowest and highest tracked rents was $579.32 per month. That spread is larger than many recurring household bills, which makes a citywide "Boca Raton rent" figure too broad for practical planning. Start with the ZIP, then compare the home, association costs and lease terms.
The cross-city budget math
Moving from Palm Coast 32164
Using 32164's $1,823.92 as the baseline, the Boca ZIPs require this much additional rent:
- 33433: $717.78 more per month, or $8,613.36 over twelve months.
- 33486: $1,070.87 more per month, or $12,850.44 over twelve months.
- 33432: $1,297.10 more per month, or $15,565.20 over twelve months.
Moving from Palm Coast 32137
Using 32137's $1,956.34 as the baseline produces a smaller Boca premium, though it remains substantial:
- 33433: $585.36 more per month, or $7,024.32 over twelve months.
- 33486: $938.45 more per month, or $11,261.40 over twelve months.
- 33432: $1,164.68 more per month, or $13,976.16 over twelve months.
Turn the difference into a household decision
Qualifying for the higher rent is only part of the calculation. Put the annual premium on its own line, then consider what the Boca location saves in commuting, parking, time and other costs. See whether those savings come close to the rent difference.
A useful decision rule: Boca makes sense when its location and property fit are worth the documented annual premium to your household. Palm Coast makes sense when lower fixed housing costs matter more than proximity to South Florida destinations.
Why the three-year growth gap matters
33432 stands apart
The sharpest contrast is between 33432's 11.24% three-year increase and 32164's 1.74% increase. The gap between those growth rates is 9.50 percentage points.
There is no guarantee that 33432 will repeat the same rate during the next lease term. The figures show that its typical rent has risen much more aggressively since August 2023 than rents in the Palm Coast ZIPs reviewed here.
Long-term direction and monthly movement answer different questions
ZIP 33432 rose only 0.01% in the latest month, even though its three-year increase was the largest. Meanwhile, 32137 posted a comparatively strong 2.16% monthly gain while remaining up just 3.01% over three years.
The monthly column can show recent direction, but it can also be noisy. The three-year column gives more context for how much the local rent level has changed. I would look at both and avoid treating one month as a forecast.
How to compare actual listings
Match the homes before comparing prices
ZORI is a market index, not a quote for a particular house. A condo with association amenities is not directly comparable to a detached home with a garage, yard and different maintenance responsibilities.
Make a short comparison sheet for each candidate:
- Monthly rent and required deposits.
- Home type, bedrooms, bathrooms and usable storage.
- Water, sewer, trash, lawn, pest or association services included.
- Parking rules, guest parking and vehicle restrictions.
- Commute route at the time you would actually travel.
- Lease length, renewal language and early-termination terms.
- Pet charges and association approval costs, when applicable.
Test the lease, not just the advertised rent
A lower advertised price can lose its advantage after required monthly fees and tenant-paid services are added. Ask for a written list of recurring charges before applying. Then compare the all-in monthly figure with the appropriate ZIP index.
If you are comparing Palm Coast homes, review the current rental inventory and use an actual home, such as this Palm Coast three-bedroom, as a concrete test case. Compare its size, services and lease terms with the other homes on your shortlist. Listings near the ZIP average will not necessarily be equivalent.
What ZORI can and cannot tell you
What the index measures
Zillow describes ZORI as a smoothed measure of typical observed market-rate rent. It is a repeat-rent index weighted to reflect the rental housing stock, instead of measuring only the mix of homes currently advertised.
Zillow's methodology explains that the index tracks rent changes for repeatedly listed units, applies market-representation weights and smooths the result. Its latest dollar value is based on asking rents in the middle portion of the distribution. Earlier values are then linked through the index's monthly changes.
What it does not measure
The ZIP figure is not an available inventory count or a guarantee of a renewal offer, and it does not mean every home should rent for the displayed amount. It also cannot account for your commute needs, included utilities, furnishings, property condition or association rules.
Use it as a benchmark. When a listing is far above its ZIP's typical figure, ask which features explain the difference. When it is far below, verify the property, required fees, condition and lease before calling it a bargain.
A practical choice for renters
When Palm Coast makes more sense
Palm Coast is the stronger budget choice in this dataset. Both tracked ZIPs remained below $2,000 in August 2026, and their three-year growth rates stayed between 1.74% and 3.01%.
That can leave more room for transportation, insurance, savings and the other costs of a Florida move. Weigh that advantage against the places you need to reach regularly, rather than a general preference for one coastline.
When Boca Raton can justify the premium
Boca may still be the practical choice when work, family, school or regular appointments are concentrated in South Florida. Identify what you receive for paying between $585.36 and $1,297.10 more per month than the Palm Coast benchmarks used here.
Write down that value before signing. If the location benefit does not clearly outweigh the annual premium, take a closer look at Palm Coast's lower typical rents.
Methodology note
This comparison uses Zillow's ZIP-level, smoothed ZORI series for single-family homes and condominiums through August 31, 2026. Currency is rounded to the nearest cent, percentage changes to two decimal places and annual differences are the monthly gaps multiplied across a twelve-month lease.
ZORI measures typical market rent, not the quoted rent of a specific property. Zillow may revise historical observations when its dataset is updated, so save the download date with any personal worksheet.
If Palm Coast's lower rent profile fits your budget, contact Tyler at 386-516-5774 or Tyler@386rent.com. Oasis Rentals can help you compare the full monthly cost and lease terms of available Palm Coast homes with the ZIP-level benchmark.
Sources
FAQ
Is Palm Coast cheaper to rent in than Boca Raton in 2026?
Yes. In Zillow's August 2026 ZIP-level data, Palm Coast's tracked typical rents were $1,823.92 in 32164 and $1,956.34 in 32137. Boca Raton's tracked ZIPs ranged from $2,541.70 to $3,121.02.
Which ZIP had the fastest three-year rent growth?
Boca Raton ZIP 33432 had the fastest increase, rising 11.24% from August 2023 to August 2026. Palm Coast ZIP 32164 increased 1.74% over the same period.
How much more does Boca Raton cost than Palm Coast?
Depending on the ZIP pairing, the August 2026 difference ranged from $585.36 to $1,297.10 per month. Across a twelve-month lease, that equals $7,024.32 to $15,565.20.
Does the Zillow index show what a specific rental home should cost?
No. ZORI measures typical observed market rent for a region. A specific home's asking rent can differ based on its property type, size, condition, location, amenities, included services and lease terms.
What should renters compare besides the advertised rent?
Compare deposits, recurring fees, included utilities and services, parking, commute requirements, property type, pet costs, association approval rules, renewal language and early-termination terms.
Photo credits: Andyrkellergmail / CC BY-SA 4.0; Elfguy at English Wikipedia / Public domain