If you’re planning a move to Florida’s Space Coast, one of the first—and most important—decisions you’ll face is choosing between Cocoa Beach or Merritt Island.
On a map, they’re minutes apart. In real life, they offer dramatically different lifestyles, housing styles, and day-to-day rhythms that can make or break your Florida dream.
I’m Carrie Liotta, a Space Coast Realtor who lives and works right here in Brevard County. I help relocation buyers make this exact decision every week. This comparison isn’t about which area is “better”—it’s about which one feels right for how you actually want to live.
New to the Space Coast? Download our free Space Coast Relocation Guide with neighborhood comparisons, school ratings, and insider tips.
Lifestyle & Vibe: Beach Town Energy vs. Residential Waterfront Peace
Cocoa Beach: Florida’s Authentic Surf Town
Cocoa Beach is a true surf town—compact, walkable, and built around the ocean. Life here hums with energy, from sunrise surf sessions to live music nights at the local tiki bar.
- Laid-back, beach-centric lifestyle with year-round outdoor activities
- Walk or bike to coffee shops, restaurants, and boutique shops
- Strong surf culture and thriving local arts scene
- A steady tourist presence (which some love—and some don’t)
- Home to the famous Cocoa Beach Pier and Ron Jon Surf Shop
If your dream day starts with sand between your toes and ends watching the sunset from your balcony, Cocoa Beach makes that dream effortless.
Merritt Island: Spacious River Living with Privacy
Merritt Island feels more residential and private, with a lifestyle shaped by the Indian River and Banana River rather than the Atlantic Ocean.
- Quieter neighborhoods with larger lots (often 0.25+ acres)
- Strong boating culture with direct river access via the Barge Canal
- Less tourist traffic and seasonal crowds
- Convenient access to daily essentials—shopping centers, schools, and healthcare facilities
- Close proximity to Kennedy Space Center and Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
If you want space, tranquility, and water access right out your back door—without the beach-town buzz—Merritt Island might fit like home.
Location & Commute Times: What You Need to Know
While both areas sit at the heart of Florida’s Space Coast region, daily convenience can differ significantly depending on where you go most often:
Distance to Orlando International Airport (MCO)
- Merritt Island to MCO: 45–50 minutes via FL-528 (Beachline Expressway)
- Cocoa Beach to MCO: 60–65 minutes
Distance to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
- Merritt Island to KSC: About 15 minutes
- Cocoa Beach to KSC: Roughly 20–25 minutes
Working at Kennedy Space Center or Cape Canaveral Space Force Station? Merritt Island offers the shortest commute times.
Beach Access from Each Location
- Cocoa Beach: You’re already there—ocean access in minutes
- Merritt Island: Typically a 15–20 minute drive to Cocoa Beach, Satellite Beach, or quieter spots like Canaveral National Seashore
For frequent travelers or those working near KSC, Merritt Island’s central location offers a practical advantage. For full-time beach lovers, it’s hard to compete with Cocoa Beach’s doorstep ocean access.
Cocoa Beach vs Merritt Island: Quick Comparison Chart
| Feature | Cocoa Beach | Merritt Island |
|---|---|---|
| Total Housing Units | ~6,000 | 16,000+ |
| Primary Property Types | Condos, smaller lots | Single-family, larger lots, waterfront estates |
| Average Lot Size | Smaller (condo-focused) | 0.25+ acres common |
| Lifestyle Vibe | Walkable surf town | Quiet residential boating community |
| Schools (Public) | 3 | 9 |
| Schools (Private) | 2 | 7 |
| Beach Access | Immediate | 15-20 min drive |
| Tourist Traffic | Moderate to High | Low |
| Airport Commute (MCO) | 60-65 min | 45-50 min |
Housing Inventory & Real Estate Pricing Differences
This is where relocation buyers are often surprised by the market dynamics.
Available Inventory
- Merritt Island: Over 16,000 homes and condos—significantly more variety and selection
- Cocoa Beach: Around 6,000 total units—limited supply creates competition
That greater variety on Merritt Island means more flexibility in your search and typically less bidding competition for single-family homes.
Property Types Available
Merritt Island offers:
- Larger residential lots (many with canal or riverfront access)
- Estate properties along prestigious South Tropical Trail
- Golf course communities like Indian River Colony Club
- Waterfront properties with private boat docks
Cocoa Beach features:
- Predominantly oceanfront and oceanview condos
- Smaller single-family lots (often under 0.15 acres)
- Limited new construction opportunities
- Rare golf course communities with canal access
Real Estate Pricing Trends
Cocoa Beach generally carries higher price points due to limited supply and prime oceanfront real estate. Beachside condos command premium prices, especially those with direct ocean views.
Merritt Island tends to offer more house and land for your money, particularly for buyers seeking:
- Larger square footage
- Private yards and outdoor space
- Waterfront access at lower price points than oceanfront
Want current pricing data? Check our monthly Space Coast market reports or request a custom market analysis for your specific search criteria.
Construction Quality & Age of Homes
In both areas, you’ll find most homes are concrete block construction (CBS) built several decades ago—a Florida standard that withstands hurricanes better than wood frame construction.
Many properties have been beautifully remodeled, but buyers should still factor in potential updates, especially for:
- Plumbing systems (common in 1970s-1980s builds)
- Electrical panels and wiring
- HVAC systems in older homes
- Condo association reserves and upcoming assessments
This is where working with a local Realtor familiar with Space Coast construction nuances can save you time, money, and surprises down the line. I help clients navigate home inspections, understand maintenance histories, and budget realistically for ownership.
Schools & Education Options for Families
For families relocating with children, school quality and proximity often drive neighborhood decisions.
Merritt Island Schools
- 9 public schools serving elementary through high school
- 7 private school options including religious and college-prep institutions
- Notable schools include Merritt Island High School and several highly-rated elementary programs
Cocoa Beach Schools
- 3 public schools (smaller but well-regarded)
- 2 private schools
- Many families also consider schools in nearby Satellite Beach and Cape Canaveral
Both areas feature solid education options through Brevard Public Schools, but Merritt Island’s larger residential base means more variety—especially for families comparing public vs. private options.
Need detailed school ratings? Download my Space Coast School Comparison Guide with test scores, programs, and parent reviews.
Outdoor Lifestyle: Boating vs. Surfing Culture
This is where the Space Coast lifestyle truly splits into two distinct paths.
The Boating Lifestyle (Merritt Island)
Many Merritt Island homes offer direct access to the Indian and Banana Rivers via the Barge Canal—perfect for:
- Fishing enthusiasts targeting redfish, snook, and sea trout
- Sailors and kayakers exploring the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge
- Sunset cruises and waterfront entertaining
- Easy access to the Intracoastal Waterway
Properties with private boat docks and lifts are highly sought after and tend to hold value exceptionally well.
Surfing & Ocean Adventures (Cocoa Beach)
From morning swells to evening beach walks, this town thrives on salt air and ocean life:
- Year-round surfing (Cocoa Beach hosts professional surf competitions)
- Stand-up paddleboarding and ocean kayaking
- Beach volleyball leagues and ocean swimming
- Proximity to Port Canaveral for cruise departures and deep-sea fishing charters
For something unique, Cocoa Beach also features a handful of golf course communities with canal access, offering the best of both worlds—but these properties are rare and in high demand.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Space Coast Home?
Whether you’re drawn to the surf-town energy of Cocoa Beach or the peaceful river life on Merritt Island, the right home is waiting for you.
As a full-time Space Coast Realtor with deep local expertise, I help buyers like you:
- Navigate competitive markets with expert buyer representation
- Access off-market listings before they hit the MLS
- Understand true home values with comparative market analysis
- Negotiate inspection repairs and closing costs
- Connect with trusted local lenders, inspectors, and contractors
Let’s schedule a discovery call to discuss your lifestyle priorities, budget, and timeline—then I’ll create a customized home search that matches exactly what you’re looking for.
Schedule Your Free Consultation
Prefer to browse first? Search all available Cocoa Beach properties or Merritt Island homes on our live MLS search.
Choosing the Space Coast Lifestyle That Fits You
If you crave walkable, surf-town energy and ocean views, Cocoa Beach calls your name.
If you value privacy, space, and life on the river, Merritt Island may be your perfect match.
Both offer incredible access to Florida’s Space Coast lifestyle—just through very different lenses. The question isn’t which is better, but which aligns with your vision of home.
If you’re exploring a relocation to Florida’s Space Coast and want help matching your lifestyle goals with the right community, I’d love to guide you through that process and show you what each area feels like beyond the listings.
Frequently Asked Questions: Cocoa Beach vs Merritt Island
What is the main difference between Cocoa Beach and Merritt Island?
Cocoa Beach is a walkable beach town with direct ocean access and a vibrant surf culture, while Merritt Island offers quieter, residential living with larger lots and river access. Cocoa Beach has about 6,000 housing units while Merritt Island has over 16,000 homes, offering more variety.
Is Cocoa Beach or Merritt Island more expensive?
Cocoa Beach generally has higher price points due to limited oceanfront supply and strong demand for beachfront properties. Merritt Island typically offers more house and land for your money with larger lots and greater inventory selection.
How far is Merritt Island from Cocoa Beach?
Merritt Island is approximately 15-20 minutes from Cocoa Beach by car via A1A or FL-520, making beach access convenient even for Merritt Island residents who want occasional ocean visits.
Which area is better for families with children?
Merritt Island offers more school options with 9 public and 7 private schools, along with larger lots and quieter neighborhoods ideal for families. Cocoa Beach has 3 public and 2 private schools with a more walkable, active lifestyle. The best choice depends on whether you prioritize space and schools (Merritt Island) or beach access and walkability (Cocoa Beach).
Can you have a boat in Cocoa Beach?
While Cocoa Beach is primarily ocean-focused, some properties—particularly in golf course communities—offer canal access for boats. However, Merritt Island provides far more waterfront homes with direct river access and private docks.
What is the best area to live on the Space Coast?
The “best” area depends on your lifestyle preferences. Cocoa Beach suits those wanting walkable beach-town living, while Merritt Island appeals to those seeking space and boating. Other popular Space Coast areas include Satellite Beach, Melbourne Beach, and Viera.
Are there hurricanes in Cocoa Beach and Merritt Island?
Yes, both areas are located on Florida’s Atlantic coast and can be affected by hurricanes during the June-November hurricane season. However, most homes are built with concrete block construction to withstand storms. Homeowners should maintain hurricane insurance and emergency plans.
What is the cost of living in Cocoa Beach vs Merritt Island?
Both areas have similar costs for groceries, utilities, and services. The main difference is in housing costs—Cocoa Beach properties typically cost more due to oceanfront location. Property taxes, HOA fees (especially for Cocoa Beach condos), and insurance should also be factored into your budget. Request a cost of living analysis for personalized estimates.
Related Space Coast Resources
- The Ultimate Space Coast Neighborhoods Guide
- What to Know Before Buying Waterfront Property in Florida
- First-Time Homebuyer’s Guide to the Space Coast
- Relocating to Florida: Your Complete Checklist
- Best Investment Properties on the Space Coast
About Carrie Liotta
Carrie Liotta is a licensed Florida Realtor specializing in Space Coast real estate, including Cocoa Beach, Merritt Island, Satellite Beach, and surrounding Brevard County communities. With extensive local market knowledge and a commitment to client success, Carrie helps relocation buyers, first-time homebuyers, and investors find their perfect Florida property.
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