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

Downey

California
169
VS

Miami Gardens

Florida
115

Downey is 54% more expensive than Miami Gardens.

$1,892/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↓ 10%
$87,400/yr ↑ 43%
Median Income
$60,979/yr ↓ 30%
$728,500 ↑ 116%
Home Value
$337,200 ↓ 54%
$1,997/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,640/mo ↓ 18%
111,793
Population
111,264

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
33.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Downey, CA and Miami Gardens, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 169 and 115 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $183/month cheaper in Miami Gardens, saving renters about $2,196/year.

Median household income is $26,421/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Downey is $728,500 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

Downey vs Miami Gardens — common questions

Is Downey 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 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Downey and Miami Gardens?
Median rent in Downey is $1,892/month and in Miami Gardens it's $1,709/month — a difference of $183/month.
Which city has higher income, Downey or Miami Gardens?
Median household income is $87,400 in Downey and $60,979 in Miami Gardens. Median household income is $26,421/year higher in Downey.
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 Downey or Miami Gardens?
It depends on your priorities. Downey has a cost index of 169 with median rent of $1,892/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 Downey details → View Miami Gardens details →