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

Miami Gardens

Florida
115
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Miami Gardens is 113% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,709/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 40%
$60,979/yr ↓ 45%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 81%
$337,200 ↓ 68%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 213%
$1,640/mo ↓ 33%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 50%
111,264
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

33.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Miami Gardens, FL and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $686/month cheaper in Miami Gardens, saving renters about $8,232/year.

Median household income is $49,094/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Miami Gardens is $337,200 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Miami Gardens residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Miami Gardens vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Miami Gardens or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Miami Gardens is cheaper to live in with an index of 115 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Miami Gardens and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Miami Gardens is $1,709/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $686/month.
Which city has higher income, Miami Gardens or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $60,979 in Miami Gardens and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $49,094/year higher in Costa Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Florida and California?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Miami Gardens or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Miami Gardens has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,709/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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