The Verdict
Living in Los Angeles is 13% more expensive than Miami.
If you move from Los Angeles to Miami, you will pay less for housing and less for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a $75,000 salary in Los Angeles, you would need to earn about $63,529 in Miami.
of 6 categories
categories
of 6 categories
Category Breakdown
Compare costs across 6 key categories
City Profiles
What makes each city unique
Why people love Los Angeles:
Why people love Miami:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on NYC baseline prices
| Expense | Los Angeles | Miami | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city center) | $2,975 | $2,625 | $-350 |
| Monthly groceries | $428 | $414 | $-14 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | $315 | $308 | $-7 |
| Public transport pass | $137 | $137 | — |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | $180 | $190 | +$10 |
| Total Monthly | $4,034 | $3,674 | $-360 |
* Estimates based on NYC = 100 index. Actual costs vary by lifestyle and location within city.
Who Should Choose Which City?
Recommendations based on your priorities
- Prioritize safety (score: 65/100)
- Want higher earning potential ($4,800/mo avg)
- Want lower overall living costs (13% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
Quality of Life & Safety
Beyond just costs - what matters for daily life
Quality of Life Score
Quality of Life Score
Safety Score
Safety Score
Salary Equivalence
How much you'd need in Miami to match a Los Angeles salary
| Salary in Los Angeles | Equivalent in Miami | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $42,353 | $7,647 less |
| $75,000 | $63,529 | $11,471 less |
| $100,000 | $84,706 | $15,294 less |
| $125,000 | $105,882 | $19,118 less |
| $150,000 | $127,059 | $22,941 less |
| $200,000 | $169,412 | $30,588 less |
Los Angeles vs Miami: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 13%. Miami is the more affordable option.
Rent: Los Angeles has a rent index of 85, while Miami has 75.
Average Salaries: Los Angeles: $4,800/month vs Miami: $3,800/month (both in USD).
Out of 6 categories, Los Angeles wins 1, while Miami wins 4.
Compare more cities or calculate your US take-home pay.