Performance
Score Breakdown
Miami
Madison
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Miami is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
23% lower compared to Madison.
Housing costs are a major driver: Miami's average rent is
40% higher than Madison's.
| Metric | Miami | Madison | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,460 | $1,760 | +40% |
| Groceries | $0 | $550 | -100% |
| Utilities | $0 | $245 | -100% |
| Transport | $0 | $195 | -100% |
| Healthcare | $0 | $440 | -100% |
| Monthly Total | $2,460 | $3,190 | -23% |
| Cost Index | 127 | 103 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Madison offers 30% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Madison delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
| Metric | Miami | Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $62,462 | $89,500 |
| Salary Needed | $0 | $73,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 49,183 idx | 86,893 idx |
| Household Income | $62,462 | $89,100 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Madison runs warmer on average — a 62.9°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Madison comes out ahead with 214 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Madison sees 1.8 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Miami | Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | 62.90°F |
| Summer High | °F | 89.00°F |
| Winter Low | °F | 33.00°F |
| Rainfall | in | 55.00 in |
| Snowfall | in | 1.80 in |
| Sunny Days | 214 | |
| Humidity | 71.00% | 66.00% |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Miami is the larger city
— approximately 8x the population of Madison.
From a growth perspective, Miami is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Madison has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Miami | Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 487,014 | 61,000 |
| Pop. Growth | 3.50% | 2.40% |
| Median Age | 39.3 | 35.2 |
| Unemployment | 4.20% | 2.40% |
| GDP | $260.8B | $9.8B |
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.
Madison
Advantages
High incomes and safety
Drawbacks
Housing costs rising
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
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
3.50%
Unemployment
4.20%
Livability
74
Business
68
Madison
#1Alabama, USA
91.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,760
Avg Salary
$89,500
Cost Index
103
Sunny Days
214/yr
Avg Temp
62.90°F
Pop. Growth
2.40%
Unemployment
2.40%
Livability
92
Business
89
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