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

Santa Rosa

California
172
VS

Miami Gardens

Florida
115

Santa Rosa is 50% more expensive than Miami Gardens.

$2,084/mo ↑ 22%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↓ 18%
$97,410/yr ↑ 60%
Median Income
$60,979/yr ↓ 37%
$685,000 ↑ 103%
Home Value
$337,200 ↓ 51%
$2,130/mo ↑ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,640/mo ↓ 23%
177,216
Population
111,264

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
33.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Rosa, CA and Miami Gardens, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 172 and 115 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $375/month cheaper in Miami Gardens, saving renters about $4,500/year.

Median household income is $36,431/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Rosa is $685,000 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

Santa Rosa vs Miami Gardens — common questions

Is Santa Rosa 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 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Rosa and Miami Gardens?
Median rent in Santa Rosa is $2,084/month and in Miami Gardens it's $1,709/month — a difference of $375/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Rosa or Miami Gardens?
Median household income is $97,410 in Santa Rosa and $60,979 in Miami Gardens. Median household income is $36,431/year higher in Santa Rosa.
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 Rosa or Miami Gardens?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with median rent of $2,084/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 Rosa details → View Miami Gardens details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Santa Rosa and Miami Gardens

Santa Rosa vs. Elk Grove Santa Rosa vs. Cary Santa Rosa vs. Eugene Santa Rosa vs. Salem Santa Rosa vs. Ontario Santa Rosa vs. Rancho Cucamonga 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