Cape Coral, FL vs Miami Gardens, FL

Cape Coral, FL and Miami Gardens, FL have a very similar cost of living, with only a 1.4% difference in their overall index. Cape Coral scores 117 while Miami Gardens scores 119 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Cape Coral is $1,751/month compared to $1,709/month in Miami Gardens — a 3% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Miami Gardens is more affordable at $337,200 median vs $339,200.

Median household income in Cape Coral is $76,062 compared to $60,979 in Miami Gardens (+24.7%). Cape Coral offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Cape Coral spend roughly 27.6% of their income on rent, less than the 33.6% in Miami Gardens. The Cape Coral ratio exceeds the commonly recommended 30% threshold, which can put pressure on household budgets.