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

Pasadena

California
220
VS

Miami Gardens

Florida
115

Pasadena is 91% more expensive than Miami Gardens.

$2,218/mo ↑ 30%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↓ 23%
$103,778/yr ↑ 70%
Median Income
$60,979/yr ↓ 41%
$1,045,000 ↑ 210%
Home Value
$337,200 ↓ 68%
$2,340/mo ↑ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,640/mo ↓ 30%
136,462
Population
111,264

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
33.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pasadena, CA and Miami Gardens, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 220 and 115 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $509/month cheaper in Miami Gardens, saving renters about $6,108/year.

Median household income is $42,799/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pasadena is $1,045,000 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

Pasadena vs Miami Gardens — common questions

Is Pasadena 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 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pasadena and Miami Gardens?
Median rent in Pasadena is $2,218/month and in Miami Gardens it's $1,709/month — a difference of $509/month.
Which city has higher income, Pasadena or Miami Gardens?
Median household income is $103,778 in Pasadena and $60,979 in Miami Gardens. Median household income is $42,799/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena or Miami Gardens?
It depends on your priorities. Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with median rent of $2,218/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 Pasadena details → View Miami Gardens details →

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