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

Santa Clara

California
307
VS

Miami Gardens

Florida
115

Santa Clara is 167% more expensive than Miami Gardens.

$2,985/mo ↑ 75%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↓ 43%
$173,670/yr ↑ 185%
Median Income
$60,979/yr ↓ 65%
$1,527,900 ↑ 353%
Home Value
$337,200 ↓ 78%
$3,051/mo ↑ 86%
Owner Costs
$1,640/mo ↓ 46%
129,239
Population
111,264

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

20.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
33.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Clara, CA and Miami Gardens, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 307 and 115 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,276/month cheaper in Miami Gardens, saving renters about $15,312/year.

Median household income is $112,691/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Clara is $1,527,900 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 Clara vs Miami Gardens — common questions

Is Santa Clara 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 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Clara and Miami Gardens?
Median rent in Santa Clara is $2,985/month and in Miami Gardens it's $1,709/month — a difference of $1,276/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Clara or Miami Gardens?
Median household income is $173,670 in Santa Clara and $60,979 in Miami Gardens. Median household income is $112,691/year higher in Santa Clara.
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 Clara or Miami Gardens?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with median rent of $2,985/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 Clara details → View Miami Gardens details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Santa Clara and Miami Gardens

Santa Clara vs. Carrollton Santa Clara vs. Fargo Santa Clara vs. New Haven Santa Clara vs. Norman Santa Clara vs. Sterling Heights Santa Clara vs. Lewisville 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