Performance
Score Breakdown
Miami
Los Angeles
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Miami is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
37% lower compared to Los Angeles.
| Metric | Miami | Los Angeles | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,460 | $2,656 | -7% |
| Groceries | $0 | $550 | -100% |
| Utilities | $0 | $320 | -100% |
| Transport | $0 | $150 | -100% |
| Healthcare | $0 | $200 | -100% |
| Monthly Total | $2,460 | $3,876 | -37% |
| Cost Index | 127 | 152 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Los Angeles offers 17% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Los Angeles delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
| Metric | Miami | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $62,462 | $75,000 |
| Salary Needed | $0 | $100,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 49,183 idx | 49,342 idx |
| Household Income | $62,462 | $90,757 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Miami | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 71.00% | 69.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Miami has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,500 minutes (42 hours) per year compared to Los Angeles.
Miami scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Miami leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Miami | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 27 min | 32 min |
| Transit Score | 64.0/10 | 50.0/10 |
| Walkability | 77.0/10 | 68.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 75.00 | |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Los Angeles is the larger city
— approximately 0.1x the population of Miami.
From a growth perspective, Miami is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Miami has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Miami | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 487,014 | 3,869,089 |
| Pop. Growth | 3.50% | % |
| Median Age | 39.3 | 37.0 |
| Unemployment | 4.20% | 5.60% |
| GDP | $260.8B | $760.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Miami
Advantages
Vibrant multicultural environment and strong Latin American influence.
Thriving job market with growth in finance, tech, and healthcare sectors.
Beautiful beaches and abundant outdoor recreational opportunities.
High walkability scores in many neighborhoods, reducing car dependency.
Dynamic cultural scene with diverse dining, arts, and entertainment options.
Drawbacks
High cost of living, particularly housing expenses.
Traffic congestion can be a significant issue.
Crime rates can be higher than the national average in certain areas.
High humidity and frequent rainfall during certain months.
Vulnerability to hurricanes and tropical storms.
Los Angeles
Advantages
Los Angeles boasts a diverse and robust economy, with strong sectors in healthcare, trade, and entertainment.
The city offers a vibrant cultural scene, including world-class museums, theaters, and a diverse culinary landscape.
Residents enjoy a Mediterranean climate with abundant sunshine and mild winters, ideal for outdoor activities.
Los Angeles is a global hub for innovation and technology, attracting talent and fostering new businesses.
The metropolitan area provides access to numerous educational institutions, from community colleges to top-tier universities.
Drawbacks
The cost of living in Los Angeles is significantly higher than the national average, primarily driven by expensive housing.
Los Angeles experiences considerable traffic congestion, leading to long commute times and high car dependency.
Housing affordability remains a major challenge, with median home prices exceeding $1.0 million as of April 2026.
The city has experienced population decline in recent years, with Los Angeles County losing over 53,000 residents between July 2024 and July 2025.
The unemployment rate in Los Angeles County, at 5.6% in December 2025, is higher than the national average.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Miami
#19Florida, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,460
Avg Salary
$62,462
Cost Index
127
Commute
27 min
Transit Score
64.0/10
Walkability
77.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
3.50%
Unemployment
4.20%
Livability
74
Business
68
Los Angeles
#8California, USA
78.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,656
Avg Salary
$75,000
Cost Index
152
Commute
32 min
Transit Score
50.0/10
Walkability
68.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
5.60%
Livability
80
Business
75
Calculate Your Cost Impact
Estimate the salary you'd need when moving between Miami and Los Angeles.
Open Cost Calculator