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

Phoenix

Arizona
109
VS

Miami Gardens

Florida
115

Phoenix is 5% cheaper than Miami Gardens.

$1,458/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↑ 17%
$77,041/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$60,979/yr ↓ 21%
$381,900 ↑ 13%
Home Value
$337,200 ↓ 12%
$1,430/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,640/mo ↑ 15%
1,624,832
Population
111,264

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
33.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and Miami Gardens, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 115 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $251/month cheaper in Phoenix, saving renters about $3,012/year.

Median household income is $16,062/year higher in Phoenix. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 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

Phoenix vs Miami Gardens — common questions

Is Phoenix or Miami Gardens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Phoenix is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Phoenix and Miami Gardens?
Median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month and in Miami Gardens it's $1,709/month — a difference of $251/month.
Which city has higher income, Phoenix or Miami Gardens?
Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $60,979 in Miami Gardens. Median household income is $16,062/year higher in Phoenix.
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 Phoenix or Miami Gardens?
It depends on your priorities. Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,458/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 Phoenix details → View Miami Gardens details →

More Comparisons

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