City Comparison
Port St. Lucie vs Miami
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Port St. Lucie scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Port St. Lucie
Miami
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Port St. Lucie is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
25% lower than in Miami.
Housing costs are a major driver: Port St. Lucie's average rent is
13% lower than Miami's.
| Metric | Port St. Lucie | Miami | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,950 | $2,247 | -13% |
| Groceries | $420 | $765 | -45% |
| Utilities | $175 | $378 | -54% |
| Transport | $135 | $368 | -63% |
| Healthcare | $240 | $128 | +88% |
| Monthly Total | $2,920 | $3,886 | -25% |
| Cost Index | 98 | 120 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Port St. Lucie offers 6% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Port St. Lucie delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Port St. Lucie is estimated at
$58,000 vs $87,156 in Miami.
| Metric | Port St. Lucie | Miami |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $64,500 | $60,900 |
| Salary Needed | $58,000 | $87,156 |
| Purchasing Power | 65,816 idx | 50,750 idx |
| Household Income | $74,500 | $62,462 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Port St. Lucie runs warmer on average — a 75.5°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Port St. Lucie comes out ahead with 207 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Port St. Lucie sees 0 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Port St. Lucie | Miami |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 75.50°F | °F |
| Summer High | 90.10°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 59.50°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 45.30 in | in |
| Snowfall | 0.00 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 207 | |
| Humidity | 72.00% | 75.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 1 minutes of each other.
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 | Port St. Lucie | Miami |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 28 min | 27 min |
| Transit Score | 42.0/100 | 65.0/100 |
| Walkability | 48.0/100 | 77.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 52.00 | 60.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Miami is the larger city
— approximately 0.5x the population of Port St. Lucie.
From a growth perspective, Port St. Lucie 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 | Port St. Lucie | Miami |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 238,124 | 489,812 |
| Pop. Growth | 2.40% | 2.07% |
| Median Age | 42.5 | 39.3 |
| Unemployment | 3.40% | 2.80% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Port St. Lucie
Advantages
Violent and property crime rates consistently rank significantly below both Florida and national averages per FBI crime data.
Master-planned communities like Tradition offer modern infrastructure, walkable town centers, and dedicated green spaces.
Housing remains notably more affordable than in nearby South Florida metropolitan areas like Miami and Fort Lauderdale.
Abundant outdoor recreational amenities including public golf courses, parks, and proximity to the Treasure Coast beaches.
Strong local job growth driven by healthcare expansions at Cleveland Clinic Tradition and HCA Florida Healthcare.
Drawbacks
High car dependency makes the city less viable for residents seeking comprehensive public transit or walk-everywhere urban living.
Rapid population growth has outpaced certain segments of road infrastructure, leading to peak-hour traffic congestion on arterial routes.
Home prices and rental rates have experienced sharp upward pressure since 2024, squeezing affordability for median-income workers.
Summer temperatures and high humidity levels limit comfortable outdoor activity during peak afternoon hours.
Vulnerability to seasonal tropical weather events and hurricanes requires continuous emergency preparedness.
Miami
Advantages
Miami was ranked the second-most walkable city in the U.S. in 2025, with a walkability score of 77 out of 100.
The city boasts a diverse and growing economy, with strong sectors in technology, healthcare, and international trade.
Florida has no state income tax, which can be a significant financial advantage for residents and businesses.
Miami offers a vibrant cultural scene, influenced by its rich Latin American heritage, with diverse dining, music, and entertainment options.
The presence of highly-ranked hospitals like Baptist Health Baptist Hospital and Jackson Memorial Hospital ensures access to quality healthcare.
Drawbacks
The cost of living in Miami is significantly higher than the national average, with housing expenses being 57% more expensive.
Average rent in Miami is 35% higher than the national average, making it one of the most expensive rental markets in the U.S..
While improving, traffic congestion can be a challenge, and car dependency remains a factor for many residents outside highly walkable areas.
The median household income in Miami ($62,462 in 2024) is lower than the national average, potentially impacting affordability for some residents.
Summers in Miami are hot and humid, with a high likelihood of rainfall and tropical weather events.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Port St. Lucie
#67Florida, USA
69.6 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,950
Avg Salary
$64,500
Cost Index
98
Commute
28 min
Transit Score
42.0/100
Walkability
48.0/100
Sunny Days
207/yr
Avg Temp
75.50°F
Pop. Growth
2.40%
Unemployment
3.40%
Livability
79
Business
71
Miami
#496Florida, USA
52.8 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,247
Avg Salary
$60,900
Cost Index
120
Commute
27 min
Transit Score
65.0/100
Walkability
77.0/100
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
2.07%
Unemployment
2.80%
Livability
82
Business
80
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