Moving from St. Louis, MO to Miami Gardens, FL
The drive from St. Louis, MO to Miami Gardens, FL runs 1205 mi β about 22h 2m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
1205 mi Β· 22h 2m by car Β· MO β IL β KY β TN β GA β FL
Distance & route
| Route through | MO β IL β KY β TN β GA β FL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 75, I 24, GA 540 |
| Major cities en route | Clarksville, Murfreesboro, Chattanooga, Sandy Springs, Atlanta |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| St. Louis | Miami Gardens | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 95.088 | 114.155 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 69.921 | 97.235 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.996 | 103.556 | 100.0 |
| Services | 79.024 | 155.551 | 100.0 |
You are looking at a 20.1% pricier overall price level β 95.088 β 114.155 on the latest BEA Regional Price Parities.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
YoY change: St. Louis β, Miami Gardens -2.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | St. Louis | Miami Gardens |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 58Β°F | 76Β°F |
| January avg low | 25Β°F | 59Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 43.9" | 68.3" |
NOAA normals show Miami Gardens running 18.0Β°F above St. Louis on the annual mean.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ST LOUIS SCI CTR, MO US, N MIAMI BEACH #2, FL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | St. Louis | Miami Gardens |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 293,109 | 111,264 |
| Median household income | $55,279 | $60,979 |
| Median age | 36.6 | 38.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22% | 11.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.03 | 3.22 |
Income steps up 20.1%: $55,279 in St. Louis 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.
Moving between Missouri and Florida
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Florida's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
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.
Winter driving along this route
- I-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
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.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (18.0Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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.
- Register to vote in Florida after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from St. Louis 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 1205 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 St. Louis vs Miami Gardens?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $60,979 in Miami Gardens vs $55,279 in St. Louis β a 10.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Miami Gardens more expensive than St. Louis?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Miami Gardens is 20.1% higher than St. Louis (114.155 vs 95.088, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Miami Gardens, FL from St. Louis, MO?
The driving distance is 1205 mi and the route typically takes 22h 2m via I 75 and I 24. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Miami Gardens compare to St. Louis?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,510 in the Miami Gardens MSA vs $47,490 in the St. Louis MSA, on total employment of 2,721,490 and 1,325,480 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 St. Louis.
City profiles: St. Louis, MO Β· Miami Gardens, FL.