2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Merritt Island, FL vs Fort Walton Beach, FL

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Highlights
Are people in Fort Walton Beach older or younger than people in Merritt Island?
- The Median Age in Fort Walton Beach is 10.6 years younger than in Merritt Island.

Are housing costs cheaper in Fort Walton Beach or Merritt Island?
- Fort Walton Beach housing costs are 25.7% less expensive than Merritt Island housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Fort Walton Beach or Merritt Island?
- The average commute for residents of Fort Walton Beach is 4.9 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Merritt Island.

Things to do in Merritt Island?
Merritt Island FL found Central Florida barrier close proximity tourist Disney World resorts eclectic mix wildlife landscapes everglade marshes

Things to do in Fort Walton Beach?
Fort Walton Beach is a city in Florida that is known for its beautiful beaches and amazing weather. The local attractions include the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, the Indian Temple Mound Museum, and the Air Force Armament Museum. There are also many great restaurants, shops, and activities to enjoy.The area offers wonderful outdoor activities, such as fishing, boating, swimming, and beachcombing. Fort Walton Beach boasts a vibrant nightlife with live music, dance clubs, and bars.

 Merritt Island, FLFort Walton Beach, FLUnited States
 Population  Unlock20,805329,725,481
 Median Income$78,022  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock39.538.4
 Avg. Home Price$433,900  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.0%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time24.06  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Merritt Island    5 Reviews

Over 11 years ago

It can get hot in the summer, but you get a breeze off the ocean most afternoons. If you live on the waterways, it seems to be a little cooler. Winters are  More

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Over 14 years ago

New to the area, but soon to know more. Florida is a sunshine state  More

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Over 17 years ago

Coming from Virginia, the Merritt Island architecture leaves a lot to be desired. Hurricane season (June - November) causes me a lot of  More

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Reviews for Fort Walton Beach    10 Reviews

Over 3 years ago

Ive lived in Fort Walton for atleast 15yrs.Ive seen the good days(early to late 200's)and now the bad.If you move here,youd better make atleast $10,000 a month.These  More

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I would like to know if Fort Walton Beach is a better place to live rather than busy Clearwater FL. We want to re-locate to a quieter city with all the amenities of a  More

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FWB is great for its beautiful beaches and saltwater fishing. It's also easy to move around town except during rush hour (yes, we have a rush hour - but it literally  More

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