Moving from Clearwater, FL to Miami Gardens, FL
The 271 mi from Clearwater to Miami Gardens translate to about 5h 8m behind the wheel through 1 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
271 mi Β· 5h 8m by car Β· FL
Distance & route
| Route through | FL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 75, I 275, US 19 |
| Major cities en route | Tampa, St Petersburg, Cape Coral, Pembroke Pines, Coral Springs |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Clearwater | Miami Gardens | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.89 | 114.155 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.525 | 97.235 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.47 | 103.556 | 100.0 |
| Services | 125.839 | 155.551 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Miami Gardens is 13.1% higher than Clearwater, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Miami Gardens is 13.1% above Clearwater β $339,488 vs $469,434 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Clearwater -5.1%, Miami Gardens -2.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Clearwater | Miami Gardens |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 74Β°F | 76Β°F |
| January avg low | 53Β°F | 59Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 53.6" | 68.3" |
Annual average temperatures in Clearwater (73.9Β°F) and Miami Gardens (76.0Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ST PETERSBURG INTL AP, FL US, N MIAMI BEACH #2, FL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Clearwater | Miami Gardens |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 117,075 | 111,264 |
| Median household income | $64,440 | $60,979 |
| Median age | 46.4 | 38.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.6% | 11.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.35 | 3.22 |
Income steps down 13.1%: $64,440 in Clearwater vs $60,979 in Miami Gardens.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Miami Gardens MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 393,730 | $41,640 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 306,440 | $37,640 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 261,940 | $30,720 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 239,610 | $37,610 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 194,910 | $77,760 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Pack rain gear on top: Miami Gardens averages 68.3 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- Hurricane season runs June through November β stock a basic emergency kit (water, flashlight, battery radio) during unpack.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
Frequently asked
How far is Miami Gardens, FL from Clearwater, FL?
The driving distance is 271 mi and the route typically takes 5h 8m via I 75 and I 275. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Clearwater vs Miami Gardens?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $60,979 in Miami Gardens vs $64,440 in Clearwater β a 5.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Miami Gardens more expensive than Clearwater?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Miami Gardens is 13.1% higher than Clearwater (114.155 vs 100.89, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Clearwater to Miami Gardens?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 271 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Miami Gardens compared to Clearwater?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $469,434 in Miami Gardens vs $339,488 in Clearwater β a 38.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Miami Gardens compare to Clearwater?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,510 in the Miami Gardens MSA vs $46,420 in the Clearwater MSA, on total employment of 2,721,490 and 1,412,840 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Clearwater.
City profiles: Clearwater, FL Β· Miami Gardens, FL.