Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Miami Gardens, FL (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Miami Gardens

Florida
115

Mesa is 7% cheaper than Miami Gardens.

$1,478/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↑ 16%
$78,779/yr ↑ 29%
Median Income
$60,979/yr ↓ 23%
$364,300 ↑ 8%
Home Value
$337,200 ↓ 7%
$1,404/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,640/mo ↑ 17%
507,478
Population
111,264

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
33.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Miami Gardens, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 115 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $231/month cheaper in Mesa, saving renters about $2,772/year.

Median household income is $17,800/year higher in Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $337,200 in Miami Gardens.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Miami Gardens residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Miami Gardens — common questions

Is Mesa or Miami Gardens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesa is cheaper to live in with an index of 107 compared to 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Miami Gardens?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Miami Gardens it's $1,709/month — a difference of $231/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Miami Gardens?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $60,979 in Miami Gardens. Median household income is $17,800/year higher in Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Florida?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Miami Gardens?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/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 Mesa details → View Miami Gardens details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Mesa and Miami Gardens

Mesa vs. Kansas City Mesa vs. Atlanta Mesa vs. Sacramento Mesa vs. Omaha Mesa vs. Tucson Mesa vs. Colorado Springs Miami Gardens vs. Pueblo Miami Gardens vs. Everett Miami Gardens vs. Murrieta Miami Gardens vs. Costa Mesa Miami Gardens vs. Downey Miami Gardens vs. Temecula