Key factors that impact the cost of your Miami to New York City movetoggle

The cost of Miami movers will depend on:

  • Size of your move: The more items you have, the more your move will cost. A smaller move from Miami to New York City (like a one-bedroom) could be as low as $1,276, while larger moves may reach $8,583 for a four-bedroom home.
  • Seasonal demand: Moving in the summer? Expect to pay more โ€” itโ€™s the busiest time of year for movers in Miami.
  • DIY vs. hiring pros: You can cut costs by renting a truck (typically $922 to $2,432, but it requires more effort than hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Miami to New York City

Moving from Miami to New York City comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since New York City is generally more expensive than Miami, itโ€™s important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Miami New York City
Average rent cost $2,990 $4,340
Average home value $579,925 $752,778
Average income (per capita) $54,858 $78,058
Cost of living (single person) $3,103 $5,683
Cost of living (family of 4) $7,450 $15,081
Unemployment rate 8.3% 11.2%
Sales tax 7.0% 8.0%
State income tax 0.0% 10.9%
  • Rent prices in New York City are 45% higher than in Miami, which means youโ€™ll have less money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Miami.
    Home prices in New York City are 29.8% higher than in Miami.
  • Income in New York City is 42.3% higher than in Miami, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in New York City include IBM, PepsiCo, and J.P. Morgan Chase & Co..
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in New York City, since the cost of living for a single person in New York City is 83.1% higher than in Miami. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to New York City, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in New York City is 102.4% higher than in Miami.
  • The unemployment rate in New York City is 34.94% higher than in Miami.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in New York City, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in New York City are 14.29% higher than in Miami.
  • State income taxes in New York City are 10.90% higher than in Miami.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $5,494.36 in New York City to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Miami.

How life is different in Miami vs. New York City

New York City Miami
Population 8,258,035 442,241
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 10 8
Walkability score 88 77
Bike friendliness score 69 64
Crime Index 50.83 52.54
Safety Index 49.17 47.46
Air Quality Good Good
  • The population of New York City is about 1,767% greater than Miami, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
  • New York City offers better access to buses and trains than Miami, based on public transportation ratings. New York City has a transit score of 10 out of 10 compared to 8 in Miami. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
  • Living in New York City means youโ€™ll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Miami. New York City is considered more walkable than Miami, with a score of 88 out of 100 versus 77 out of 100 in Miami. A cityโ€™s walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
  • If cycling is your thing, New York City is considered more bike-friendly than Miami in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. New York City has a bike-friendliness score of 69 out of 100, while Miami is rated as 64 out of 100.
  • You can anticipate the same crime rate in New York City as Miami. With the crime index, lower scores are better because they indicate less crime. Cities with scores of 20 or below, for example, have much fewer instances of crime than those with scores of 80โ€“100.
  • New York City is generally as safe as Miami, according to their similar safety index ratings. The ratings are based on how comfortable residents feel about walking alone during the daytime and nighttime and the number of small crimes like theft and muggings.
  • The air quality in New York City and Miami is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.

Other things to consider for your Miami vs. New York City move

  • Weather: New York City tends to have chilly and damp winters and rather hot summers. New York City tends to have warm and humid summers with mixes of rain, and very cold, snowy, and windy winters. The city is generally cloudy year-round. Temperatures typically vary from 26ยฐF to 87ยฐF. Temps are rarely below 10ยฐF or above 95ยฐF.
  • 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: New York requires moving companies to have a license and obtain a New York Department of Transportation (NYDOT) number. A NYDOT license ensures your mover is in compliance with the state's safety, insurance, and operational regulations. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a New York moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: New York 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 New York City. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.Choose Released Value Protection for no-cost, minimal coverage from movers. They're responsible for a maximum of 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, discuss alternatives with your moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in New York City

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Big Apple", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in New York City.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Astoria, Queens
  • Lower East Side, Manhattan
  • Murray Hill, Manhattan
  • Upper East Side, Manhattan
  • Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Battery Park City, Manhattan
  • Forest Hills, Queens
  • Great Kills, Staten Island
  • Park Slope, Brooklyn
  • Riverdale, Bronx

Things to do in New York City

Once youโ€™re settled into your new home in New York, itโ€™s time to get out and discover what New York City has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโ€™s something for everyone here:

  • Arts and culture: New York City features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Met Cloisters, New York Public Library, and Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Central Park, The High Line, Bryant Park, and Washington Square 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 Brooklyn Nets (NBA), Long Island Nets (NBA G League), New York City FC (MLS), or New York Giants (NFL) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Miami to New York City?

The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Miami to New York City are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Miami are lower.

When is the cheapest time to move from Miami to New York City?

With many people choosing to move from Miami to New York City in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.

How long does a move from Miami to New York City take?

Moving from Miami, FL to New York City, NY covers 1,289 miles and usually takes three to eight days. Need to move faster? Some Miami movers offer expedited options. If youโ€™re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in New York City.

Helpful moving resources