Cost of Living: Miami, FL vs West Palm Beach, FL (2026)

Miami

Florida
129
VS

West Palm Beach

Florida
119

Miami is 8% more expensive than West Palm Beach.

$1,657/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↑ 3%
$59,390/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$69,261/yr ↑ 17%
$475,200 ↑ 29%
Home Value
$369,800 ↓ 22%
$1,666/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,667/mo ≈ Same
446,663
Population
119,508

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

33.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
29.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Miami, FL and West Palm Beach, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 129 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $52/month cheaper in Miami, saving renters about $624/year.

Median household income is $9,871/year higher in West Palm Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Miami is $475,200 compared to $369,800 in West Palm Beach.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Florida.

Frequently Asked Questions

Miami vs West Palm Beach — common questions

Is Miami or West Palm Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, West Palm Beach is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 129 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Miami and West Palm Beach?
Median rent in Miami is $1,657/month and in West Palm Beach it's $1,709/month — a difference of $52/month.
Which city has higher income, Miami or West Palm Beach?
Median household income is $59,390 in Miami and $69,261 in West Palm Beach. Median household income is $9,871/year higher in West Palm Beach.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Florida?
Both cities are in Florida and share the same state tax rates: 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Miami or West Palm Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Miami has a cost index of 129 with median rent of $1,657/mo, while West Palm Beach has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,709/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Miami details → View West Palm Beach details →

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