Moving from Port St. Lucie, FL to Miami Gardens, FL
The 103 mi from Port St. Lucie to Miami Gardens translate to about 2h 1m 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.
103 mi Β· 2h 1m by car Β· FL
Distance & route
| Route through | FL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | SR 817 |
| Major cities en route | West Palm Beach, Pompano Beach, Coral Springs, Fort Lauderdale, Davie |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Port St. Lucie | Miami Gardens | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.228 | 114.155 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.031 | 97.235 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.24 | 103.556 | 100.0 |
| Services | 113.642 | 155.551 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Miami Gardens is 13.9% higher than Port St. Lucie, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
YoY change: Port St. Lucie β, Miami Gardens -2.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Port St. Lucie | Miami Gardens |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 75Β°F | 76Β°F |
| January avg low | 57Β°F | 59Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 58.9" | 68.3" |
Annual average temperatures in Port St. Lucie (75.2Β°F) and Miami Gardens (76.0Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: NETTLES IS, FL US, N MIAMI BEACH #2, FL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Port St. Lucie | Miami Gardens |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 220,453 | 111,264 |
| Median household income | $78,137 | $60,979 |
| Median age | 43.7 | 38.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.7% | 11.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.78 | 3.22 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 13.9% between Port St. Lucie and Miami Gardens (ACS 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 does the job market in Miami Gardens compare to Port St. Lucie?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,510 in the Miami Gardens MSA vs $40,900 in the Port St. Lucie MSA, on total employment of 2,721,490 and 163,210 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Miami Gardens more expensive than Port St. Lucie?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Miami Gardens is 13.9% higher than Port St. Lucie (114.155 vs 100.228, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Port St. Lucie vs Miami Gardens?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $60,979 in Miami Gardens vs $78,137 in Port St. Lucie β a 22.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Port St. Lucie 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 103 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Miami Gardens, FL from Port St. Lucie, FL?
The driving distance is 103 mi and the route typically takes 2h 1m via SR 817. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Port St. Lucie.
City profiles: Port St. Lucie, FL Β· Miami Gardens, FL.