In comparison to other major cities in the US such as New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles, the cost of living in Miami is significantly lower. That said, it's still a relatively expensive city when put into a global context, ranking 22nd out of 227 cities worldwide in Mercer's 2023 Cost of Living Survey.
The cost of living in Miami is significantly affected by lifestyle choices – there are just as many opportunities to save as there are to splurge. Accommodation and transport are likely to be one's biggest expenses.
Cost of accommodation in Miami
The cost of purchasing a home in Miami has been continuously climbing over the past few years and looks set to continue. While this is good news for those looking to invest in real estate, it does mean that rental prices are also on the rise.
When looking for accommodation in Miami, new arrivals may notice that there's plenty of availability in new and expensive developments, but there are far fewer options for people on a tight budget. It's worth noting, though, that outlying suburbs are generally cheaper than central inner-city areas, and adding a little extra to one's commute time can pay off when it comes to saving money on rent.
Cost of entertainment in Miami
Entertainment in Miami is often relatively expensive, especially in popular areas such as South Beach. There are, however, plenty of affordable things for expats to do in Miami, such as spending a day exploring the city's botanical gardens, hiking in the Everglades National Park or perfecting one's tan on the beach.
Cost of transport in Miami
The cost of public transport in Miami is reasonable, although most people from Miami tend to own a car for convenience. As such, those planning a move to the city would do well to budget for the cost of buying a vehicle.
Cost of education in Miami
Foreigners and US citizens alike can attend public schools free of charge, many of which offer a good standard of education. Parents who wish to send their children to a private or international school in the city should note that school fees can be high and there are often additional expenses for things like school uniforms, stationery, extracurriculars and textbooks.
Cost of living in Miami chart
Prices may vary depending on product and service provider. The list below shows average prices for February 2023.
Accommodation (monthly rent) |
|
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre |
USD 4,800 |
Three-bedroom apartment outside of city centre |
USD 3,200 |
One-bedroom apartment in city centre |
USD 2,700 |
One-bedroom apartment outside of city centre |
USD 1,900 |
Shopping |
|
Eggs (dozen) |
USD 4.72 |
Milk (1 litre) |
USD 1.15 |
Rice (1kg) |
USD 5.48 |
Loaf of white bread |
USD 3.12 |
Chicken breasts (1kg) |
USD 15.73 |
Pack of cigarettes (Marlboro) |
USD 8 |
Eating out |
|
Big Mac Meal |
USD 10 |
Coca-Cola (330ml) |
USD 2.22 |
Cappuccino |
USD 4.58 |
Local beer (500ml) |
USD 6 |
Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant |
USD 100 |
Utilities |
|
Mobile-to-mobile call rate (per minute) |
USD 0.17 |
Internet (uncapped ADSL or cable – average per month) |
USD 64 |
Basic utilities (per month for small apartment) |
USD 156 |
Transportation |
|
Taxi rate (per kilometre) |
USD 1.55 |
Bus/train fare in the city centre |
USD 2.50 |
Petrol/gasoline (per litre) |
USD 0.90 |
Further reading
► For tips on finding a job, see Working in Miami
Expat Interviews
"The cost of living in Miami has become higher as housing has become more expensive and wages have staggered. As a French citizen, I find education and childcare to be particularly expensive as well as grocery shopping and healthcare. Nothing appears to be really cheap here, but I guess it all depends where you come from." Read more of Emmanuelle's experiences in Miami.
Are you an expat living in Miami?
Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Miami. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute.
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