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

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Miami Gardens

Florida
115

Los Angeles is 63% more expensive than Miami Gardens.

$1,879/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↓ 9%
$80,366/yr ↑ 32%
Median Income
$60,979/yr ↓ 24%
$879,500 ↑ 161%
Home Value
$337,200 ↓ 62%
$2,055/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,640/mo ↓ 20%
3,857,897
Population
111,264

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
33.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Miami Gardens, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 115 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $170/month cheaper in Miami Gardens, saving renters about $2,040/year.

Median household income is $19,387/year higher in Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 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

Los Angeles vs Miami Gardens — common questions

Is Los Angeles 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 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Miami Gardens?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Miami Gardens it's $1,709/month — a difference of $170/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Miami Gardens?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $60,979 in Miami Gardens. Median household income is $19,387/year higher in Los Angeles.
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 Los Angeles or Miami Gardens?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles details → View Miami Gardens details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Los Angeles and Miami Gardens

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