Cost of Living: Fort Lauderdale, FL vs Miami Gardens, FL (2026)

Fort Lauderdale

Florida
132
VS

Miami Gardens

Florida
115

Fort Lauderdale is 15% more expensive than Miami Gardens.

$1,776/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↓ 4%
$79,935/yr ↑ 31%
Median Income
$60,979/yr ↓ 24%
$455,600 ↑ 35%
Home Value
$337,200 ↓ 26%
$1,778/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,640/mo ↓ 8%
183,032
Population
111,264

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
33.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Lauderdale, FL and Miami Gardens, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 115 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $67/month cheaper in Miami Gardens, saving renters about $804/year.

Median household income is $18,956/year higher in Fort Lauderdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Lauderdale is $455,600 compared to $337,200 in Miami Gardens.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Florida.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Lauderdale vs Miami Gardens — common questions

Is Fort Lauderdale 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 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Lauderdale and Miami Gardens?
Median rent in Fort Lauderdale is $1,776/month and in Miami Gardens it's $1,709/month — a difference of $67/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Lauderdale or Miami Gardens?
Median household income is $79,935 in Fort Lauderdale and $60,979 in Miami Gardens. Median household income is $18,956/year higher in Fort Lauderdale.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Florida?
Both cities are in Florida and share the same state tax rates: 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Lauderdale or Miami Gardens?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Lauderdale has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,776/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 Fort Lauderdale details → View Miami Gardens details →

More Comparisons

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