23 Things to Know Before Moving to Miami, FL
Are you considering a move to the “Magic City”? Loved for its sunny beaches, diverse culture, and growing job market, Miami offers a vibrant lifestyle that's hard to resist. Whether you're drawn by the promise of year-round sunshine, the innovative arts and music scene, or the best Cubano sandwiches, this city has something for every renter.
If you’re planning on making Miami, FL your new home, you should know these unique attributes to help you get the most out of your experience – and find the best neighborhood that matches your energy.
1. What’s It Like Living in Miami?
Miami is a coastal metropolis that's home to 443,665 people. It’s the third-most populous metropolitan area on the East Coast.
The overall Miami-Dade county population spans 2.76 million and 74.3% speak a non-English language, including Spanish, Haitian, and some Portuguese. It’s easy to see why Miami is nicknamed the "Capital of Latin America," with over 72.7% of the population being of Hispanic and Latino descent.
The population matches its roots: In 1566, admiral Pedro Menéndez de Avilés claimed the land for Spain, but the Miami name came later from the Mayaimi tribe who lived in the region during the 1600s.
Miami is also the only major city to be “founded,” or developed largely by a woman, Julia Tuttle. She convinced oil tycoon Henry Flagler to extend his railroad from Central Florida to Miami.
Alongside its vibrant arts, music and food scene, Miami is known for its strong industries in finance, commerce, and international trade. It’s the largest urban economy in Florida and the 12th largest in the U.S., with a GDP of $344.9 billion. In 2020, it was classified as a Beta + level global city by the Globalization and World Cities Research Network (GaWC).
Beyond the growing economy, Miami is also a hotspot for foodies, dancing and nightclubbers, tourists, and outdoor enthusiasts.
2. Cost of Living in Miami
Miami is fairly affordable for a big city, at least when you compare it to somewhere like New York. However, the nightlife and food scene adds up fast. According to Payscale, the cost of living in Miami is 21% higher and housing is also 47% higher than the national average.
Here’s an idea of how much things cost when moving to Miami, as reported by Payscale:
- Energy bill: $188.14
- Loaf of bread: $4.66
- Doctor’s visit: $118.04
- Gallon of gas: $3.67
Recently, the average rent in Miami rose slightly to $1,622 for a one-bedroom apartment and $2,150 for a two-bedroom apartment. To live comfortably in a one-bedroom apartment in Miami, you need an income of at least $64,880 a year or $5,407 monthly. For a two-bedroom apartment, that raises to at least $85,640 a year.
The Census Bureau reported that the median income in Miami was $54,858 as of 2022. By comparison, the median income is $75,149 in the rest of the US.
Keep in mind that those figures are different from the basic living wage. Living above the poverty threshold in Miami requires $16.78 an hour for a full-time employed single individual. You'll need to aim higher to afford nightlife, vacations, and restaurants.
3. Who’s Moving to Miami?
According to our 2021 migration report, renters are moving to Miami from New York, Chicago, and Boston. Similarly, people in Miami are considering moving to Orlando and New York. These renters in Miami are also searching for apartments in Atlanta.
Learn more about how to move to a new state.
4. Personal Income Taxes Are Nonexistent
You’ll save some money on taxes when you live in Miami. Like the rest of Florida, residents in Miami don't pay personal income tax or sales income tax in Florida. There is a 6% Florida sales tax rate, and property taxes are higher than the national average, if you’re looking to move from renter to homeowner in the near future.
5. Transportation
Miami offers low-cost options to get around the streets of the city. Hop on the Metrorail, Metromover, and Metrobus. You'll end up avoiding parking fees and get to see some sites in the process. Fares on Miami's public transportation run as low as $.10 for a shuttle bus with fares typically reaching $2.50.
Transportation will impact your budget when you move to Miami. Expect to spend about $8,095 on transportation as a single adult. Families of two working adults and a child need at least $11,801.
6. What to Do in Miami
Miami may be known for its beaches, but there's so much more to do and see. Attend events and new showings at the gorgeous museums, like Pérez Art Museum, or the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. After dining in Little Havana, stop over to snap pics for social media when there’s a new mural at Wynwood Walls. Rollerblade along the iconic Lincoln Road Mall in South Beach or take a dip in the stunning (and public) Venetian Pool, if you’re trying to stay active but engaged. As a resident, if you become tired of the touristy areas, hit up the hundreds of small local galleries, Calle Ocho, and all the shopping you could ask for at Bayside Marketplace.
7. Fitness Culture in Miami
They might not be able to bum at the beach all day every day, but Miami locals tend to be swimsuit ready. Miami is known for its obsessive fitness culture, so you’ll find plenty of state-of-the-art gyms alongside healthy smoothie and salad joints and health food stores.
8. Miami Is a Top Destination for Plastic Surgery
Maybe the fitness craze explains why Miami is a top city for plastic surgery. You can get world-class procedures done for a fairly affordable price thanks to the booming plastics business Miami offers. Whether you’re toning or touching up, Miami’s year-round warm weather, nightlife, and fashion scene makes many locals obsessed with looking their best.
9. Hurricane Weather Is an Issue
Miami's tropical weather makes it an appealing place to move to, but it comes at a cost. Muggy summers and hurricane weather are common in the city.
In fact, Miami’s currently ranked in the top five most vulnerable cities for hurricanes in the U.S. Researchers say the city has a 16% chance of experiencing hurricanes, or impact from hurricanes, during any given year.
10. Central AC Is Everywhere
Miamians love a well-chilled room. Dehumidifying AC units are everywhere, but that means you should also pack a light jacket or sweater. Any indoor shopping, dining or entertainment, like going to the movies, can get a bit frosty.
11. Miami Has Some Serious Traffic
Traffic swells when tourists flock to Miami year-round. Studies show the average commute is 56 minutes, making Miami one of the worst commute times in the country.
Plan accordingly or hop on public transportation to take the edge off and occupy yourself with your gadgets or work on the go.
12. Everything Is on Miami Time
Get used to the laid-back lifestyle when you live in Miami. It's always “Miami time” when you live in the city. That means your watch isn’t going to help much. It's common for Miamians to keep to relaxed schedules and run a little behind. The good news? As long as you show up fashionable in Miami, you never really show up late.
13. 3:05 p.m. Is Miami’s Coffee Break
About the only thing not on “Miami time” is its coffee breaks. In 2012, the City of Miami issued a proclamation that 3:05 pm is cafecito time. Set a Google alert and get ready to savor sweet Cuban coffee (hot or iced) for a serious jolt of caffeine.
14. Miami Nightlife and Party Scene
Miami earned its party reputation. The city holds a 24-hour liquor license that they put to good use at the clubs, bars, and restaurants. Unlike, say, the Midwest, where closing time is a sharp 2 a.m., you can stay out until 5 a.m. and dance the night away in Miami. Just don’t forget to pick up some breakfast burritos before going home to crash (or back to work).
15. Pucker Up
Sure you can shake hands in Miami, but the Spanish custom of kissing on the cheek is a common custom. And if someone is really happy to see you, they might even smooch you on both sides. Embrace the besos, friend.
16. Critters Are Common
If you can’t stomach bugs, Florida might not be right for you. Get ready for flying cockroaches, otherwise known as Palmetto bugs, swirling around your Miami apartment complex. You might also spot some spiders, snakes, and gators in the general area. Don’t worry too much about the gators, though, you can usually spot a Florida Man ready to wrangle them back to the swamp.
17. Miami Takes Its Events Seriously
Miami loves to celebrate its famed annual events, especially Calle Ocho/Carnaval. The colorful, spirited one-day festival takes place each year around Little Havana to honor Cuban-American culture. Make sure you take some time off to enjoy everything the festival has to offer – or buckle down inside to avoid the swell in traffic.
18. Brush Up on Your Spanish
Miami’s Spanish roots are what make the city so special, so knowing the language is a major bonus. Up to 30% of people in Miami only speak Spanish, while about 60% can speak at least some Spanish. You certainly don’t need it to get by, but it will make local life easier and more fun.
19. Free Things to Do in Miami
Miami doesn’t exactly have a reputation for cheap nightlife and entertainment, but you can still find free activities and fun around the city.
Look for art walks, free days at the Perez Art Museum, and free movies at the New World Symphony in Miami. That’ll help keep some of your entertainment budget in check, especially if you have kids in tow.
20. Dress for Success
Miami isn’t a casual kind of city unless you’re at the beach or hitting the gym. People don't dress down in sneakers and jeans to go out and about in Miami. Luxury athleisure wear, strappy sandals and all the bling are the norm for nights out on the town.
21. There’s a Difference Between Miami and Miami Beach
People often use the terms Miami and Miami Beach interchangeably. Hot tip: they’re actually two different places. Miami and Miami Beach are distinct municipalities that have separate governments and mayors. And when you become a local yourself, you’ll make sure to correct visitors real fast on the slip up.
22. Miami Is the Only City Surrounded by Two National Parks
Despite being a big city, you can still enjoy so much of the great outdoors in Miami.The city holds the unique distinction of being the only city with a national park on each side. Although there are over 800 parks in the city, Biscayne National Park and Everglades National Park are its crown jewels.
23. You Can Live a Glam Life in Miami
If you were destined to live the glam life, Miami is calling you. There are plenty of high-rise apartments, upscale boutiques, and nightlife to choose from. You’ll also find your share of celebrities, influencers, and fashion mavens to inspire you when they step out for Miami’s nightlife.
Finding Your Miami Apartment
Ready to move to Miami? Start apartment hunting with Apartment List to find your next apartment in your dream neighborhood!
If you're interested in other Florida cities, check out:
Orlando:
- Things to Know Before Moving to Orlando
- Best Neighborhoods in Orlando
- Average Rent in Orlando & Rental Price Trends
- Cost of Living in Orlando
Tampa:
Learn more about the best and the cheapest places to live in Florida as well as the cost of living in Florida.
FAQs: What to Know Before Moving to Miami
What's the weather in Miami?
Miami enjoys a tropical climate, making it appealing for spring breakers to snowbirds. Yet, there are downsides, like humid summers and hurricane threats. Miami is ranked in the top five most vulnerable cities for hurricanes. Researchers also determined Miami has a 16% chance of experiencing hurricane impact during any given year.
What's the timezone in Miami?
Miami is on Eastern Daylight Time. The city is in the same time zone as New York City.
What to do in Miami?
Miami may be known for sunshine and South Beach, but it also offers culture and nightlife. Residents enjoy local galleries, Calle Ocho, and shopping at colorful, upscale boutiques. Miami is also home to over 800 parks and is the only city with a national park on each side.
What county is Miami in?
Miami is situated in Miami-Dade County and is the most populous county in Florida. It's also the seventh-most populous county in the United States.
What are the benefits of moving to Miami?
Miami offers scores of benefits for newcomers from the tropical weather, nightlife, lack of income tax, and fun things to do, including parks and museums. The job market is robust but not nearly as competitive as areas like Los Angeles or New York City. Miami is also a melting pot of global cultures with a significant Latin American representation and diverse neighborhoods.
What are the pros and cons of living in Miami?
Miami boasts many pros and a few cons to consider before moving. Locals enjoy everything from entertainment to sunny beaches and nightlife. You can live on the beachfront and offset your costs with the lack of state income tax. However, traffic is a mess in Miami, and the humid summers and hurricane weather are significant downsides. The cost of living is also on the rise.
Where are the best places to live in Miami?
Miami offers colorful, diverse neighborhoods. For upscale living, Coral Gables is among the ritziest in Miami. Coconut Grove is more relaxed with chic shops and shopping. Locals enjoy high-rise views in Aventura, where you can shop till you drop. In South Beach, the glitz and glam club scene stays open until 5 am.
Read more about the best neighborhoods in Miami.
What's it like living in Miami?
Miami is home to miles of beachfront, a diverse population, culture, and nightlife. The area is desirable for newcomers and tourists looking for a tropical backdrop without compromising urban amenities. The city never seems to sleep, and you can find something to do until the wee hours of the night.
What are the taxes in Miami?
Florida residents enjoy a lack of state income tax, leaving more room in your budget. The county's sales and use tax rate is 7% when you live in Miami. This figure includes a state sales tax rate of 6% plus a 1% surtax.
What jobs are popular in Miami?
Miami is the world's cruise capital and home to hospitality industries, restaurants, international trade, and retail. Finance is also a popular sector for work. Miami boasts the largest concentration of international banks in the country. Miami's Civic Center has also transformed into a hub for research, medical centers, and biotechnology.
What universities are in Miami?
Miami isn't just a great place to work; it's also appealing to college students looking for year-round Florida living. The Miami metropolitan area is home to 59 colleges, universities, and technical schools. The biggest institutions in the city include Miami Dade College, Broward College, and Nova Southeastern.
What are things to do in Miami?
Miami is home to dozens of attractions and, of course, sprawling beaches. Locals and tourists make their way to Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, the outdoor Dolphin Mall, Zoo Miami, and the Miami Design District. You can also take in a concert or basketball game at American Airlines Arena. Or head to Everglades National Park, Biscayne National Park, and Big Cypress National Preserve to reconnect with nature.
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