A culturally diverse mecca of white-sand beaches, lush coastal mangroves, perennial sunshine, and an unrivaled entertainment scene, it’s no wonderMiami is known as “The Magic City.” If moving to Miami sounds…well, magical to you, join the club! This oceanfront paradise ranks among the top three relocation destinations in the world, and the metro area is projected to reach nearly 6.4 million residents by 2025, making it one of the largest cities in the U.S.
Miami (not to be confused with Miami Beach, about 30 minutes away) is nestled on Florida’s southeastern coast along the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay. This subtropical location makes it a hub for those seeking balmy weather and beachy attractions all year long, but it especially attracts New Yorkers who want to escape cold winters and high income taxes.
Of course, before you start loading up that truck, there are some factors to think about — like the cost of living in Miami, its climate, the current job market, housing, other pros and cons. Here’s what to know about moving to Miami as well as some of the best places to call home in this vibrant and diverse city.
Miami Quick Facts
Population: 6,372,000 (.87% increase from 2024)
Climate: Subtropical with long, humid summers and short, mild winters
Cost of Living: 19% higher than the national average
Home Value: $584,467 (5.5% increase from 2023)
Cost of Rent: $2,645 per month for a 1-bedroom apartment
Job Market: 6.4/10 on the national index (slightly above other U.S. cities)
8 Things to Know Before Moving to Miami
Living in Miami will place you just minutes away from world-class restaurants, sporting events, arts and culture, live music and nightlife, outdoor recreation, and other thrilling entertainment options. But as with any new destination, you’ll want to have realistic expectations before you back up your bags and make the big move.
Below are some considerations worth taking into account if you plan on moving to Miami in the near future.
1) The cost of living in Miami is above the national average
All those Magic City perks don’t come cheap — the cost of living in Miami is 19 percent higher than the national average. In this economy, a single person needs to earn an annual salary of $100,922 to live comfortably in Miami, while a family of four needs $215,904.
But while it’s expensive to live in Miami, transplants relocating from other major U.S. cities might find Miami’s cost of living more affordable than what they’re used to. For instance, someone moving here from New York City will spend $8,300 on monthly expenses in Miami, compared to the $11,700 they spent each month in Manhattan.
2) Brace yourself for Miami’s intense climate and weather
Miami’s subtropical climate is characterized by 248 days of sunshine … with about 60 inches of annual rainfall. In the summer, temperatures can reach 90 degrees with extreme humidity levels, while the mild winter months hover around 70 to 80 degrees. The occasional winter cold front will cause temperatures to drop between 40 to 50 degrees.
Due to its low elevation and close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, Miami is also vulnerable to hurricanes. From June to November, it’s critical to take the right safety precautions against these intense tropical storms — especially for those who live near the beach or in a flood zone. But despite this city’s extreme climate and weather patterns, a year-round breeze from the ocean delivers a soothing respite from all that heat.
3) Attention, beach bums: Miami has over a dozen beaches to choose from
We can’t talk about life in Miami without mentioning all the spectacular beaches. The shores of this coastal oasis are known for their brilliant white sands, clear turquoise surf, miles of lavish resorts, and oceanfront boardwalks thumping with entertainment. Miami’s metro area boasts more than a dozen beaches, all with their own unique vibe.
Whether you’re drawn to the neon Art Deco strip and flashy nightlife scene of South Beach, or you prefer the family-oriented ambiance and picturesque nature trails of Crandon Park Beach, there’s something for everyone here. Dog owners can even spoil their furry companions with an afternoon in the sun at canine-friendly Hobie Beach.
The Magic City’s top-rated beach? Travel + Leisure awards that honor to Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park. Nestled on the tip of Key Biscayne, about 15 minutes from downtown Miami, this pristine stretch of shoreline features lush mangroves, translucent water, numerous recreational activities, and an 1820s-era lighthouse on the National Register of Historic Places. No move to Miami is complete without visiting this tranquil paradise.
4) Miami has a higher crime rate than some other large cities
On average, a reported 1,743 violent crimes and 11,647 property crimes occur in Miami each year, which is higher than the majority of U.S. cities and other parts of Florida. However, most of the area’s criminal activity is concentrated in Miami Beach, about 12 miles offshore. As with any large metropolitan area, just be mindful of your surroundings.
Perhaps not surprisingly, the most secure pockets of Miami are also among the most affluent, including Bay Harbor, Key Biscayne, and Fisher Island. But less expensive areas such as Coconut Grove, Brickell, Coral Gables, Hialeah, and Pinecrest offer safety and peace of mind, too.
5) Miami’s housing and rental markets might cause sticker shock
A single-family home in Miami will set you back around $584,467, a 5.5 percent increase from the median sale price last year. Purchasing a home in Miami costs significantly more than the national average of $357,469—in fact, it’s one of the most inflated housing markets in the world right now. The Association of Miami Realtors projects that home values will continue to rise in 2025, but mortgage rates should start to decline.
If you’d rather move into an apartment, it will cost $2,645 per month to rent a one-bedroom unit. That’s more expensive than the national average of $1,748 per month, but rent can fluctuate based on which part of town you move to. For instance, neighborhoods like Palmer Lake or Mays Gardens cost $1,369 and $1,537, respectively, whereas more desirable locations such as Coconut Grove or Brickell cost $3,335 and $3,387, respectively.
6) There are many robust job opportunities available in Miami
If you’ll be moving to Miami without a job lined up, no need to sweat it — The Magic City has vibrant career opportunities waiting for you. Miami’s unemployment rate of 2.4 percent is lower than anywhere else in Florida (not to mention, lower than the national average of 4.2 percent).
In 2024, this metro area gained 24,800 new jobs across a variety of industries such as tourism, hospitality, real estate, healthcare, technology, creative arts, and entertainment. Miami has also emerged as a competitive tech hub in recent years with Microsoft, Amazon, Oracle, Comcast, Apple, and Cisco all running successful offices here.
The average salary is about $75,000 and the median hourly rate is close to $20 — just slightly below the national average of $21 per hour. Overall, life in Miami means access to a booming employment market and no shortage of careers to explore.
7) The best places to live in Miami all have a distinct character
With nearly 180 neighborhoods in Miami, it can be hard to choose the right one for you. From the peace and quiet of suburbia to the urban thrills of downtown, this city is full of desirable enclaves with a unique character to suit all preferences. But to help narrow down your search, below are three of the best places to live in Miami.
Coconut Grove: Ideal for raising a family
Coconut Grove offers charming tree-lined streets, tons of outdoor activities, and bustling retail districts, which make it the perfect neighborhood for families. This area also has excellent public schools and immersive recreation that children of all ages will love.
Play a game of basketball or ride bikes on the water at Peacock Park. Stroll through nine acres of lush exotic plants at The Kampong Botanical Gardens. Or grab a bite to eat before catching a movie at the open-air CocoWalk lifestyle center. Coconut Grove features a variety of housing options as well, from cozy bungalows and sleek condos to historic mansions.
Brickell: Miami’s dynamic business core
Brickell is an exciting hub of commerce and entertainment ideal for young professionals and singles who want an urban atmosphere. As the city's main business district, Brickell combines lucrative career opportunities with buzzing social activities like trendy fusion restaurants and chic rooftop bars with panoramic views of Biscayne Bay.
Indulge in rustic, flame-grilled Latin American fare on the breezy outdoor terrace at Quinto, then head over to Blackbird Ordinary for craft cocktails and an electric dancefloor. Or stop at the True Baristas coffee cart for an iced latte, then jump on the free Metromover monorail to scope out the premium boutiques at Brickell City Centre or the 10 miles of urban trails and art installations at The Underline. When it comes to choosing a home in Brickell, you’ll love the modern high-rise apartments overlooking the aquamarine ocean and Miami skyline.
Hialeah: Culturally vibrant and affordable
Hialeah is about 30 minutes north of Miami’s downtown core, which makes it a more affordable place to live. Known for its proud Latin American heritage and close-knit community vibes, this neighborhood will suit anyone looking for a safe, peaceful ambiance with family-owned small businesses, vibrant cultural attractions, and scenic green spaces.
Peruse the diverse street murals, galleries, food trucks, boutiques, and live music in the Leah Arts District. Explore the biking trails, watersports complex, urban farm village, and treehouse play area at Amelia Earhart Park. Or treat yourself to some Cuban-style gelato after a round of pickleball at The Yards. Since Hialeah is on the outskirts of Miami, you can find homes on a budget here, including apartments, townhouses, duplexes, and single-family homes.
8) Living in Miami means you’ll never run out of fun activities
Whether you’re a foodie who loves sampling the local restaurants, a sports fanatic who bleeds for your favorite team, an outdoor enthusiast who needs “vitamin sea,” or a culture buff who enjoys the arts and music scene, here are just a few of the many fun activities that make Miami a great place to live.
Dine on gourmet meals from globally-inspired eateries during Miami Spice Months.
Snag a ticket to the annual Miami International Film Festival and Miami Fashion Week.
Enjoy outdoor concerts, take a free yoga class, or stroll along the water at Bayfront Park.
Savor the authentic Cuban music, cuisine, and artisan shops in Little Havana.
Tour the quirky and colorful architecture in Miami Beach’s Art Deco Historic District.
Admire the art galleries, street murals, and graffiti exhibits of Wynwood Walls.
Head out on the town for carefree dancing at South Beach’s lively nightlife venues.
Take in a ballet, orchestra, or theatrical performance at the Adrienne Arsht Center.
Enjoy the sand, surf, and sunshine along the 17 miles of Miami-area beaches.
Cheer on Miami’s numerous professional sports teams, including the NBA Heat, NHL Panthers, NFL Dolphins, MLB Marlins, or MLS Inter Miami FC.
Moving to Miami from New York City
If you plan on moving to Miami from NYC, you’re not alone. In 2024, an estimated 6,285 New Yorkers left behind the towering skyscrapers of Manhattan and set out for the swaying palm trees of Miami.
While Miami has an expensive cost of living, it’s 27 percent lower than New York, which could result in major savings for those who can afford to relocate here. High earners, in particular, are reaping enormous benefits from relocating: A New York transplant who makes $650,000, for instance, could save $200,000 a year upon moving from NYC to Miami due to the robust job market and lower tax rates.
Of course, interstate moves tend to be pricey, and the long-distance trek from NYC to Miami is no different, costing anywhere from $849 to $5,193. But that initial expense can lead to long-term financial and lifestyle gains.
The Pros and Cons of Living in Miami
All cities come with their own pros and cons, and Miami is no exception. So, before you head South to this sun-kissed metropolis, first consider the benefits and potential drawbacks. Here are just a few pros and cons of living in Miami to help inform your decision.
Pros of Living in Miami
There’s no state income tax.
You can bask in warm, sunny weather all year-round.
You’ll have access to diverse culture and entertainment.
There’s a stunning beach in just about any direction you go.
You’ll have tons of job openings to choose from.
Cons of Living in Miami
The cost of living may be more expensive, depending on where you’re moving from.
You’ll encounter hot summers and long hurricane seasons.
You might move to an area with high crime rates.
You’ll have to contend with an inflated housing market.
Make Your Move to Miami
If a vibrant cultural backdrop, limitless entertainment options, and postcard-worthy beaches are your jam, then moving to Miami is definitely worth it, especially if you’re relocating from a city with colder temperatures or a steeper cost of living.
For a smooth transition, enlist Colonial Van Lines to help streamline your move to Miami. With over 50 years of experience, Colonial has fine-tuned each step of long-distance moving, from packing your old house to transporting, unloading, and unpacking those boxes in your new home. Contact us for a free quote today — the magic of Miami awaits!