Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Miami Gardens, FL?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 12.1% cheaper than Miami Gardens, FL. This translates to saving $904 per month.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to live like I do in Miami Gardens, FL?

If you earn $150,000 in Miami Gardens, FL, you'd need approximately $139,150.718 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Miami Gardens, FL and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 14.3% cheaper than in Miami Gardens, FL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,883/month in Miami Gardens, FL.

How much can I save per month by moving from Miami Gardens, FL to Raleigh, NC?

Moving from Miami Gardens, FL to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $904 per month, or $10849 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Miami Gardens, FL vs Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Miami Gardens, FL — COL adjusted from Hialeah, FL area + state data

Current salary in Miami Gardens, FL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $904/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $139.2K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach, FL area

Overall Cost

↓ 12.1%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$904

Savings

Annual Impact

$10.8K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Miami Gardens, FL

Population:111K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$415K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:88

Median Home:$512K

Miami Gardens, FL

The Sunshine State

111K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Florida, this city has a population of 111K residents.

💡 Advantage: Florida has no state income tax!

Raleigh, NC

The Tar Heel State

474K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Research Triangle
•State capital
•Major university town

Major Industries

TechnologyResearchEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Miami Gardens, FL vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Miami Gardens, FL	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,879/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $410less	14.3%
📦Other	$1,896/mo	$1,707/mo	↓ $188less	9.9%
🚗Transportation	$1,439/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $155less	10.8%
🛒Groceries	$1,071/mo	$959/mo	↓ $112less	10.4%
⚡All Utilities	$515/mo	$546/mo	↑ $31.29more	6.1%
🏥Healthcare	$584/mo	$601/mo	↑ $16.89more	2.9%

🏠Housing

↓ 14.3%

Miami Gardens, FL

$2,879

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$410

less

📦Other

↓ 9.9%

Miami Gardens, FL

$1,896

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$188

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 10.8%

Miami Gardens, FL

$1,439

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$155

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 10.4%

Miami Gardens, FL

$1,071

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$112

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 6.1%

Miami Gardens, FL

$515

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$31.29

🏥Healthcare

↑ 2.9%

Miami Gardens, FL

$584

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$16.89

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,297

To$1,570

↑ $273

1 Bed

From$1,507

To$1,640

↑ $133

2 Bed

From$1,883

To$1,800

↓ $83.00

3 Bed

From$2,595

To$2,255

↓ $340

Raleigh, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,880/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$8,384

Monthly in Miami Gardens, FL

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$817

Difference

Home Values

Miami Gardens

Raleigh

Median Value

$512K

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Calculate payment - Raleigh

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $7.1K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$594

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

4.7%

Rate difference

Miami Gardens, FL

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Florida State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Raleigh, NC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

North Carolina State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.1K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.4%

$44.1K

Take-Home Pay

$8,822/month

$105.9K

Additional Tax Information

Miami Gardens, FL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.2%

Property Tax:0.8%

Raleigh, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.