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

Santa Ana

California
163
VS

Miami Gardens

Florida
115

Santa Ana is 42% more expensive than Miami Gardens.

$1,975/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↓ 13%
$88,354/yr ↑ 45%
Median Income
$60,979/yr ↓ 31%
$657,800 ↑ 95%
Home Value
$337,200 ↓ 49%
$1,965/mo ↑ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,640/mo ↓ 17%
311,639
Population
111,264

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
33.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Ana, CA and Miami Gardens, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 163 and 115 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $266/month cheaper in Miami Gardens, saving renters about $3,192/year.

Median household income is $27,375/year higher in Santa Ana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Ana is $657,800 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

Santa Ana vs Miami Gardens — common questions

Is Santa Ana 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 163 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Ana and Miami Gardens?
Median rent in Santa Ana is $1,975/month and in Miami Gardens it's $1,709/month — a difference of $266/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Ana or Miami Gardens?
Median household income is $88,354 in Santa Ana and $60,979 in Miami Gardens. Median household income is $27,375/year higher in Santa Ana.
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 Santa Ana or Miami Gardens?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with median rent of $1,975/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 Santa Ana details → View Miami Gardens details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Santa Ana and Miami Gardens

Santa Ana vs. Orlando Santa Ana vs. Cincinnati Santa Ana vs. Riverside Santa Ana vs. Irvine Santa Ana vs. Corpus Christi Santa Ana vs. St. Paul 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