Cost of Living: Jersey City, NJ vs Miami Gardens, FL (2026)

Jersey City

New Jersey
148
VS

Miami Gardens

Florida
115

Jersey City is 29% more expensive than Miami Gardens.

$1,902/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↓ 10%
$94,813/yr ↑ 55%
Median Income
$60,979/yr ↓ 36%
$534,500 ↑ 59%
Home Value
$337,200 ↓ 37%
$2,006/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,640/mo ↓ 18%
289,691
Population
111,264

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
0%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

24.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
33.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jersey City, NJ and Miami Gardens, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 115 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $193/month cheaper in Miami Gardens, saving renters about $2,316/year.

Median household income is $33,834/year higher in Jersey City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jersey City is $534,500 compared to $337,200 in Miami Gardens.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Miami Gardens residents a significant tax advantage over New Jersey's 10.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jersey City vs Miami Gardens — common questions

Is Jersey City 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 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jersey City and Miami Gardens?
Median rent in Jersey City is $1,902/month and in Miami Gardens it's $1,709/month — a difference of $193/month.
Which city has higher income, Jersey City or Miami Gardens?
Median household income is $94,813 in Jersey City and $60,979 in Miami Gardens. Median household income is $33,834/year higher in Jersey City.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Florida?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Jersey City or Miami Gardens?
It depends on your priorities. Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $1,902/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 Jersey City details → View Miami Gardens details →

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