Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Miami Gardens, FL (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Miami Gardens

Florida
115

Chicago is 13% cheaper than Miami Gardens.

$1,380/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↑ 24%
$75,134/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$60,979/yr ↓ 19%
$315,200 ↓ 7%
Home Value
$337,200 ↑ 7%
$1,502/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,640/mo ↑ 9%
2,707,648
Population
111,264

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
33.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Miami Gardens, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 115 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $329/month cheaper in Chicago, saving renters about $3,948/year.

Median household income is $14,155/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $337,200 in Miami Gardens.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Miami Gardens residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Miami Gardens — common questions

Is Chicago or Miami Gardens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chicago is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Miami Gardens?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Miami Gardens it's $1,709/month — a difference of $329/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Miami Gardens?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $60,979 in Miami Gardens. Median household income is $14,155/year higher in Chicago.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Florida?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Miami Gardens?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/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 Chicago details → View Miami Gardens details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chicago and Miami Gardens

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