Cost of Living: Springfield, IL vs Miami Gardens, FL (2026)

Springfield

Illinois
61
VS

Miami Gardens

Florida
115

Springfield is 47% cheaper than Miami Gardens.

$945/mo ↓ 45%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↑ 81%
$65,537/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$60,979/yr ↓ 7%
$155,200 ↓ 54%
Home Value
$337,200 ↑ 117%
$974/mo ↓ 41%
Owner Costs
$1,640/mo ↑ 68%
113,714
Population
111,264

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

17.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
33.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Springfield, IL and Miami Gardens, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 115 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $764/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $9,168/year.

Median household income is $4,558/year higher in Springfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Springfield is $155,200 compared to $337,200 in Miami Gardens.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Miami Gardens residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Springfield vs Miami Gardens — common questions

Is Springfield or Miami Gardens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Springfield and Miami Gardens?
Median rent in Springfield is $945/month and in Miami Gardens it's $1,709/month — a difference of $764/month.
Which city has higher income, Springfield or Miami Gardens?
Median household income is $65,537 in Springfield and $60,979 in Miami Gardens. Median household income is $4,558/year higher in Springfield.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Florida?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Springfield or Miami Gardens?
It depends on your priorities. Springfield has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $945/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 Springfield details → View Miami Gardens details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Springfield and Miami Gardens

Springfield vs. Odessa Springfield vs. Beaumont Springfield vs. Elgin Springfield vs. Gresham Springfield vs. Provo Springfield vs. Las Cruces 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