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

Modesto

California
120
VS

Miami Gardens

Florida
115

Modesto is 4% more expensive than Miami Gardens.

$1,609/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↑ 6%
$77,899/yr ↑ 28%
Median Income
$60,979/yr ↓ 22%
$415,600 ↑ 23%
Home Value
$337,200 ↓ 19%
$1,613/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,640/mo ↑ 2%
218,614
Population
111,264

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
33.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Miami Gardens, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 115 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $100/month cheaper in Modesto, saving renters about $1,200/year.

Median household income is $16,920/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 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

Modesto vs Miami Gardens — common questions

Is Modesto 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 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Miami Gardens?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Miami Gardens it's $1,709/month — a difference of $100/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Miami Gardens?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $60,979 in Miami Gardens. Median household income is $16,920/year higher in Modesto.
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 Modesto or Miami Gardens?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/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 Modesto details → View Miami Gardens details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Modesto and Miami Gardens

Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley 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