Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
Miami and Sacramento have very similar costs of living, with less than a 3% difference overall.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Florida salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Miami has a housing index of 172 while Sacramento sits at 163 (national average = 100). The median home in Miami costs $450,000 compared to $450,000 in Sacramento, a difference of $0. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,200 in Miami versus $1,700 in Sacramento.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Miami scores 108 while Sacramento scores 104.
Healthcare costs in Miami (99) are lower than Sacramento (106). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Miami is $44,268 compared to $64,660 in Sacramento. When adjusted for cost of living, purchasing power is similar in both cities.
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