Cost of Living: Berkeley, CA vs Miami Gardens, FL (2026)

Berkeley

California
251
VS

Miami Gardens

Florida
115

Berkeley is 118% more expensive than Miami Gardens.

$2,127/mo ↑ 24%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↓ 20%
$108,558/yr ↑ 78%
Median Income
$60,979/yr ↓ 44%
$1,351,100 ↑ 301%
Home Value
$337,200 ↓ 75%
$2,340/mo ↑ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,640/mo ↓ 30%
120,223
Population
111,264

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

23.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
33.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Berkeley, CA and Miami Gardens, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 251 and 115 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $418/month cheaper in Miami Gardens, saving renters about $5,016/year.

Median household income is $47,579/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Berkeley is $1,351,100 compared to $337,200 in Miami Gardens.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Miami Gardens residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Berkeley vs Miami Gardens — common questions

Is Berkeley or Miami Gardens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Miami Gardens is cheaper to live in with an index of 115 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Berkeley and Miami Gardens?
Median rent in Berkeley is $2,127/month and in Miami Gardens it's $1,709/month — a difference of $418/month.
Which city has higher income, Berkeley or Miami Gardens?
Median household income is $108,558 in Berkeley and $60,979 in Miami Gardens. Median household income is $47,579/year higher in Berkeley.
How do taxes compare between California and Florida?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Berkeley or Miami Gardens?
It depends on your priorities. Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with median rent of $2,127/mo, while Miami Gardens has a cost index of 115 with rent of $1,709/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Berkeley details → View Miami Gardens details →

More Comparisons

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