Moving To Miami Guide

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Why is Miami consistently one of the most searched for destinations in the US?

Few places have the vibrancy, the energy, or the feel-good factor that Miami does. Add in top schools, beautiful beaches, diverse and rich culture, and a robust job market, and it’s easy to see why Miami is a very desirable place to live.

So, in this week’s blog, we dive deeper into what makes Miami a dream new home destination for many.

You may also like to read: Moving to a New State. With checklists and tips for moving to a new state, this guide is invaluable.

Cost of Living Overview

Miami’s cost of living is roughly 23% above the U.S. average, especially driven by housing, healthcare, and transportation:

• Housing: 42.7% pricier than average
• Transportation: 44.5% above average
• Grocery & miscellaneous: Slightly above the national average

Rent:

• 1‑bedroom median: $1,590 per month
• 2‑bedroom median: $2,10 per month
• Miami rents are approximately 38.5% higher than national medians.

Buying a Home:

• The median home value is approximately $524,600.
• Typical mortgage expenses exceed $4,948 per month when you factor in taxes, insurance, utilities, and maintenance.
• Prices vary between $250,000 (smaller/older homes) to $800,000+ (larger/renovated homes), averaging around $510,000.

Brickell and Coral Gables command premium price ranges, while Kendall and Doral are more affordable.

While the cost of living and housing is well above national averages, with plenty of research, you can find the right neighborhood to fit into your budget and lifestyle.

To see the cost of various things when living in Miami and to compare the cost of living with your current city, check out www.numbeo.com

You may also like to read: The Pros and Cons of Moving to Florida. In this guide, we look at what’s great and not so great about living in Florida.

Renting vs. Buying: What’s Right for You?

Renting is ideal if:

• You’re new to the city and exploring different areas.
• You want flexibility and minimal upkeep.

Buying makes sense if:

• You’re ready to settle down and commit long-term.
• Your budget stretches to insurance hikes from hurricane risk, HOA fees, and high property taxes.

You may also like to read: How to Save Money Moving Home. There is no point in spending money that you don’t have to, so in this guide, we share ways to save money on your home move.

Best Neighborhoods to Live In

For Young Professionals & Urban Vibes

• Brickell – Miami’s financial heart: walkable, high-rise living, with great public transit.
• Edgewater – A highly rated district with Bayside views and easy access to Design District/Wynwood.
• Downtown Miami – Very Walkable, Top public school scores, though transport infrastructure is still improving.
• Wynwood – Vibrant art scene, great nightlife, a colorful and creative place to live.

For Families & Quality Education

• Pinecrest – Excellent public and private school district (Pinecrest Elementary, Gulliver Prep), family-oriented, in beautiful green surroundings.
• Coconut Grove – Strong family-friendly community, prestigious schools (St. Stephen’s, Carrollton, Ransom Everglades)
• Coral Gables – Safe, scenic, centrally located with both public and private school options (St. Philip’s, Riviera, Gulliver)
• Key Biscayne – Island living with excellent schools (Key Biscayne K‑8, Mast Academy), with something of a private-club vibe.
• South Miami & Palmetto Bay – More affordable, mix of A-rated public and private institutions, quieter family feel.

Also notable are Miami Lakes, Kendall, Aventura, and The Roads, depending on whether renting or buying.

You may also like to read: How to Choose the Best Neighborhood to Live. In this guide, we suggest things to take into consideration when choosing a new neighborhood.

Check out the top 25 neighborhoods in Miami at www.niche.com 

Top Schools in Miami

Miami provides a broad range of educational excellence:

Public:

• Pinecrest Elementary
• Coconut Grove Elementary
• Coral Gables Preparatory
• Key Biscayne K‑8
• Sunset Elementary in South Miami

Private:

• Gulliver Prep
• Ransom Everglades
• Carrollton
• Riviera School
• Palmer Trinity
• St. Thomas Episcopal
• St. Stephen’s

High-scoring school districts are located in Pinecrest, Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, and Key Biscayne.

You may also like to read: How to Choose a Good School. In this guide, we suggest what to look out for when choosing a new school when moving to a new area.

Compare school ratings within Miami at www.greatschools.org  

Career Opportunities & Job Market

Miami’s diverse economy includes:

• Finance & Banking
• Real Estate
• Law
• Healthcare, including doctors, nurses, and physical therapists
• Software engineers
• Skilled trades like electricians and HVAC techs.

Having no state income tax is an especially attractive benefit for high earners.

You may also like to read: Relocating for a Job. In this guide, we look at the pros and cons of moving for work.

Discover the best places to work in Miami at www.glassdoor.com  

Why Miami Is a Great Place to Live

• Sunshine & Outdoors: Over 248 sunny days per year, ideal for days at the beach and park.
• Cultural Diversity: A vibrant mix from Latin America and Europe creates exciting dining experiences, festivals, and arts scenes.
• No Income Tax: A serious financial perk compared to most U.S. cities.
• Urban Amenities and Nature: Walkable downtowns, water access, golf courses, green spaces like Fairchild and Vizcaya.
• Accessibility: Air and sea connections to Latin America, making it a hub for international business and travel.
• Health & Wellness: A thriving lifestyle centered on outdoor fitness, water sports, and healthy cuisine.
• Tax-Friendly: Beneficial to individuals and businesses thanks to low property taxes (0.83%) and no state income tax.

Pros & Cons of Moving to Miami

Pros      

• Sunny weather & beaches          
• Multicultural city life      
• No state income tax      
• Strong job market & networking

Cons

• High cost of living & housing
• Humidity, traffic, and hurricane risk
• Income disparity & crime in certain areas
• Insurance premiums are rising

You may also like to read: The Benefits of Moving to a New Place. In this guide, we look at 10 great reasons to move home.

Discover more about the delights of living in Miami at www.mpp.as.miami.edu 

Tips for Moving to Miami

• Explore before settling: Rent in different neighborhoods to discover which neighborhood suits you best.
• Budget wisely: Plan $1,600–2,100 per month for rent; expect to pay around $5,000+ per month for homeownership.
• Assess your commute: Average commute times are around 30 minutes. Most people (around 70%) commute by car, whilst only about 10% of residents use public transport.
• Consider the Pros and Cons: Consider long-term gains (no income tax, home equity) against upfront costs (insurance, HOA, purchases).
• Explore your moving options and costs by calling us at 800-989-8833
• Check out our home moving blog, which is packed with guides to make every aspect of your home move easier, cheaper, and safer.

Good luck with your move to Miami.