Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Miami Gardens, FL (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Miami Gardens

Florida
115

Boston is 53% more expensive than Miami Gardens.

$2,093/mo ↑ 22%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↓ 18%
$94,755/yr ↑ 55%
Median Income
$60,979/yr ↓ 36%
$710,400 ↑ 111%
Home Value
$337,200 ↓ 53%
$2,176/mo ↑ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,640/mo ↓ 25%
663,972
Population
111,264

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
33.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Miami Gardens, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 115 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $384/month cheaper in Miami Gardens, saving renters about $4,608/year.

Median household income is $33,776/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $337,200 in Miami Gardens.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Miami Gardens residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Miami Gardens — common questions

Is Boston 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 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Miami Gardens?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Miami Gardens it's $1,709/month — a difference of $384/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Miami Gardens?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $60,979 in Miami Gardens. Median household income is $33,776/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Florida?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Miami Gardens?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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.
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More Comparisons

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