Cost of Living: Surprise, AZ vs Miami Gardens, FL (2026)

Surprise

Arizona
126
VS

Miami Gardens

Florida
115

Surprise is 10% more expensive than Miami Gardens.

$1,917/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↓ 11%
$93,371/yr ↑ 53%
Median Income
$60,979/yr ↓ 35%
$396,000 ↑ 17%
Home Value
$337,200 ↓ 15%
$1,587/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,640/mo ↑ 3%
149,519
Population
111,264

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
33.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Surprise, AZ and Miami Gardens, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 115 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $208/month cheaper in Miami Gardens, saving renters about $2,496/year.

Median household income is $32,392/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Surprise is $396,000 compared to $337,200 in Miami Gardens.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Miami Gardens residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Surprise vs Miami Gardens — common questions

Is Surprise 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 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Surprise and Miami Gardens?
Median rent in Surprise is $1,917/month and in Miami Gardens it's $1,709/month — a difference of $208/month.
Which city has higher income, Surprise or Miami Gardens?
Median household income is $93,371 in Surprise and $60,979 in Miami Gardens. Median household income is $32,392/year higher in Surprise.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Florida?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Surprise or Miami Gardens?
It depends on your priorities. Surprise has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,917/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 Surprise details → View Miami Gardens details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Surprise and Miami Gardens

Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite 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