Moving from Fort Lauderdale, FL to Miami Gardens, FL
Relocating from Fort Lauderdale, FL to Miami Gardens, FL? The drive is 20 mi β about 30 min. Local does not always mean identical: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and NOAA climate can all shift a few percent across short distances. The sections below compare each data layer directly.
20 mi Β· 30 min by car Β· FL
Distance & route
| Route through | FL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 95, SR 838, SR 845 |
| Major cities en route | Pompano Beach, Coral Springs, Davie, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Fort Lauderdale | Miami Gardens | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 114.155 | 114.155 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 97.235 | 97.235 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.556 | 103.556 | 100.0 |
| Services | 155.551 | 155.551 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 114.155 vs 114.155 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect around 0.0% lower home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Fort Lauderdale -4.9%, Miami Gardens -2.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Fort Lauderdale | Miami Gardens |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 77Β°F | 76Β°F |
| January avg low | 60Β°F | 59Β°F |
| July avg high | 91Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 64.3" | 68.3" |
Annual average temperatures in Fort Lauderdale (76.9Β°F) and Miami Gardens (76.0Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: FT LAUDERDALE BEACH, FL US, N MIAMI BEACH #2, FL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Fort Lauderdale | Miami Gardens |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 183,032 | 111,264 |
| Median household income | $79,935 | $60,979 |
| Median age | 42.9 | 38.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 23.8% | 11.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.27 | 3.22 |
Expect median household income to fall 0.0% β $79,935 β $60,979 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
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 much do homes cost in Miami Gardens compared to Fort Lauderdale?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $469,434 in Miami Gardens vs $508,474 in Fort Lauderdale β a 7.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Fort Lauderdale 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 20 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Fort Lauderdale vs Miami Gardens?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $60,979 in Miami Gardens vs $79,935 in Fort Lauderdale β a 23.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Miami Gardens, FL from Fort Lauderdale, FL?
The driving distance is 20 mi and the route typically takes 30 min via I 95 and SR 838. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Miami Gardens compare to Fort Lauderdale?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,510 in the Miami Gardens MSA vs $46,510 in the Fort Lauderdale MSA, on total employment of 2,721,490 and 2,721,490 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 Fort Lauderdale.
City profiles: Fort Lauderdale, FL Β· Miami Gardens, FL.