Cost of Living: Los Angeles, CA vs Miami, FL (2026)

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Miami

Florida
129

Los Angeles is 45% more expensive than Miami.

$1,879/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$1,657/mo ↓ 12%
$80,366/yr ↑ 35%
Median Income
$59,390/yr ↓ 26%
$879,500 ↑ 85%
Home Value
$475,200 ↓ 46%
$2,055/mo ↑ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,666/mo ↓ 19%
3,857,897
Population
446,663

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
33.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Miami, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 129 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $222/month cheaper in Miami, saving renters about $2,664/year.

Median household income is $20,976/year higher in Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $475,200 in Miami.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Miami residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Miami — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Miami cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Miami is cheaper to live in with an index of 129 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Miami?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Miami it's $1,657/month — a difference of $222/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Miami?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $59,390 in Miami. Median household income is $20,976/year higher in Los Angeles.
How do taxes compare between California and Florida?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Los Angeles or Miami?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/mo, while Miami has a cost index of 129 with rent of $1,657/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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More Comparisons

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