Cost of Living: Miami Gardens, FL vs Santa Maria, CA (2026)

Miami Gardens

Florida
115
VS

Santa Maria

California
137

Miami Gardens is 22% cheaper than Santa Maria.

$1,709/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,842/mo ↑ 8%
$60,979/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$84,617/yr ↑ 39%
$337,200 ↓ 29%
Home Value
$478,200 ↑ 42%
$1,640/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,789/mo ↑ 9%
111,264
Population
109,880

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 Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $133/month cheaper in Miami Gardens, saving renters about $1,596/year.

Median household income is $23,638/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Miami Gardens is $337,200 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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 Santa Maria — common questions

Is Miami Gardens or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Miami Gardens is cheaper to live in with an index of 115 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Miami Gardens and Santa Maria?
Median rent in Miami Gardens is $1,709/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $133/month.
Which city has higher income, Miami Gardens or Santa Maria?
Median household income is $60,979 in Miami Gardens and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $23,638/year higher in Santa Maria.
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 Santa Maria?
It depends on your priorities. Miami Gardens has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,709/mo, while Santa Maria has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,842/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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