Factors that influence moving costs from Los Angeles to Miami
What to know before moving from Los Angeles to Miami
Moving from Los Angeles to Miami means adjusting to a different pace of life โ and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Los Angeles than in Miami, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Los Angeles compares to Miami so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Los Angeles | Miami | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $2,960 | $2,990 |
Average home value | $2,368,088 | $579,925 |
Average income (per capita) | $74,993 | $54,858 |
Cost of living (single person) | $3,922 | $3,103 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $9,213 | $7,450 |
Unemployment rate | 10.6% | 8.3% |
Sales tax | 9.5% | 7.0% |
State income tax | 13.3% | 0.0% |
- Rent prices in Miami are 1% higher than in Los Angeles, which means youโll have less money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Miami.
Home prices in Miami are 75.5% lower than in Los Angeles. - Income in Miami is 26.8% lower than in Los Angeles, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Miami include Royal Bank of Canada, Navarro Discount Pharmacy, and Royal Caribbean Cruises.
- The cost of living for a single person in Miami is 20.9% lower than in Los Angeles. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Miami is 19.1% lower than in Los Angeles.
- The unemployment rate in Miami is 21.70% lower than in Los Angeles.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Miami, since the cityโs sales taxes in Miami are 26.32% lower than in Los Angeles.
- One perk of moving to Miami is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Los Angeles.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,373.53 in Miami to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Los Angeles.
How life is different in Los Angeles vs. Miami
Miami | Los Angeles | |
---|---|---|
Population | 442,241 | 3,820,914 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 8 | 8 |
Walkability score | 77 | 69 |
Bike friendliness score | 64 | 59 |
Crime Index | 52.54 | 53.81 |
Safety Index | 47.46 | 46.19 |
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
- Miami's population is about 88% less than Los Angeles.
- Miami's public transportation has a similar score to Los Angeles.
- Miami is more walkable than Los Angeles with a score of 77 out of 100 vs Los Angeles's 69 out of 100.
- With a score of 64 out of 100, Miami is more bike-friendly than Los Angeles, which has a score of 59 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Miami and Los Angeles have a similar crime rate.
- Miami and Los Angeles are considered to be equally safe.
- Air quality in Miami is good, and in Los Angeles it's moderate.
Other things to consider for your Los Angeles vs. Miami move
- Weather: There are two basic seasons in Miami, a hot and wet season from May through October, and a warm and dry season from November through April. During the hot and wet season, daily thundershowers occur in the humid unstable air masses. Hurricane season officially runs from June 1 through November 30, although hurricanes can develop beyond those dates. Be sure to check your weather app, especially during June through November to avoid hurricanes.
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- State licensing: Individuals and companies engaging in for-profit local and intrastate moving within the Sunshine State must register each year with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services โ Division of Consumer Services. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a Florida moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: Florida does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Miami. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.Released Value Protection stands out as a cost-effective choice, provided by movers at no extra expense, although it comes with limited coverage. In this option, the mover's liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. To ensure comprehensive coverage matching the full value of your items, consult with your chosen moving company about alternative options or explore third-party insurance providers. Secure the best protection for your belongings during the move with these tailored coverage choices.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.
Where to live in Miami
Now that you've decided to make the move to "305", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Miami.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Coral Gables
- Brickell
- Little Havana
- Wynwood
Best neighborhoods for families
- Coconut Grove
- Coral Gables
- Kendall
- Key Biscayne
- Pinecrest
Things to do in Miami
Once youโre settled into your new home in Florida, itโs time to get out and discover what Miami has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโs something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: Miami features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Wynwood Walls, Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, Miami Design District, Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, and Miami Children's Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Bayfront Park, Tropical Park, Matheson Hammock Park, and Domino Park โ among other spots โ perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Miami Dolphins (NFL), Inter Miami CF (MLS), Miami Marlins (MLB), or Florida Panthers (NHL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Los Angeles to Miami?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Los Angeles to Miami. Youโll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Los Angeles.
When is the cheapest time to move from Los Angeles to Miami?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Los Angeles to Miami, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Los Angeles to Miami take?
The 2,732-mile journey from Los Angeles, CA to Miami, FL typically takes seven to 21 days. Some movers in Los Angeles offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Miami.