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

San Jose

California
254
VS

Miami Gardens

Florida
115

San Jose is 121% more expensive than Miami Gardens.

$2,617/mo ↑ 53%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↓ 35%
$141,565/yr ↑ 132%
Median Income
$60,979/yr ↓ 57%
$1,187,800 ↑ 252%
Home Value
$337,200 ↓ 72%
$2,775/mo ↑ 69%
Owner Costs
$1,640/mo ↓ 41%
990,054
Population
111,264

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
33.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Jose, CA and Miami Gardens, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 254 and 115 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $908/month cheaper in Miami Gardens, saving renters about $10,896/year.

Median household income is $80,586/year higher in San Jose. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Jose is $1,187,800 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

San Jose vs Miami Gardens — common questions

Is San Jose 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 254 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Jose and Miami Gardens?
Median rent in San Jose is $2,617/month and in Miami Gardens it's $1,709/month — a difference of $908/month.
Which city has higher income, San Jose or Miami Gardens?
Median household income is $141,565 in San Jose and $60,979 in Miami Gardens. Median household income is $80,586/year higher in San Jose.
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 San Jose or Miami Gardens?
It depends on your priorities. San Jose has a cost index of 254 with median rent of $2,617/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 San Jose details → View Miami Gardens details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for San Jose and Miami Gardens

San Jose vs. Dallas San Jose vs. Austin San Jose vs. San Diego San Jose vs. Jacksonville San Jose vs. San Antonio San Jose vs. Fort Worth 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