Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Miami Gardens, FL (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Miami Gardens

Florida
115

Durham is 9% cheaper than Miami Gardens.

$1,412/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↑ 21%
$79,234/yr ↑ 30%
Median Income
$60,979/yr ↓ 23%
$355,300 ↑ 5%
Home Value
$337,200 ↓ 5%
$1,434/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,640/mo ↑ 14%
288,465
Population
111,264

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
33.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Miami Gardens, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 115 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $297/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $3,564/year.

Median household income is $18,255/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $337,200 in Miami Gardens.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Miami Gardens residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Miami Gardens — common questions

Is Durham or Miami Gardens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Miami Gardens?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Miami Gardens it's $1,709/month — a difference of $297/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Miami Gardens?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $60,979 in Miami Gardens. Median household income is $18,255/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Florida?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Miami Gardens?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/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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