Living in Miami

Known as “Magic City” and “The Gateway to the Americas,” Miami is flanked by beautiful sandy beaches and turquoise waves. Residents living here enjoy a balmy climate and days soaked in sunshine. Around 5.5 million people call Miami home, making it the seventh most populous urban area in the entire country.

Thinking of moving to Miami, and wondering what it will be like, or trying to decide whether the city is a good site for your next real estate construction project? Let’s delve into data on the cost of living, transportation, taxes and more.



Cost of Living in Miami

Miami Cost of Living

According to Sperling’s Best Places, the cost of living in Miami is a bit higher than it is on average for the US as a whole, but not by a whole lot. Sperling’s index places the nationwide average at 100, and rates Miami’s cost of living by comparison at 122.80. For reference, you can contrast this with some other coastal cities such as San Diego, which rates 166.00, and Los Angeles, which comes in at 166.20.

What’s the breakdown? Most costs in Miami are only marginally more expensive than the nationwide average. These include groceries, healthcare expenses, transportation, and miscellaneous expenses. Housing comes in at 157 (again versus an average nationwide index of 100), so that is where most of the added expense comes in. Utilities on the other hand are actually slightly less expensive in Miami.

Taxes in Miami

Taxes in Miami

You will save money on sales taxes while living in Miami. Florida’s sales tax rate is only 6%, which is lower than the US average. There is more good news as well; Florida is one of seven states which has no income tax. This helps to offset the cost of living nicely.

Employment Market in Miami

Miami Employment Market

The US Census provides estimates for median household income, per capita income and poverty levels. According to the latest data, the average household brings in $44,224 per year, with median per capita income at $24,515. 18.2% of Miami-Dade residents are estimated to live in impoverished conditions. So the job market here can be tough.

If you have a job waiting for you, you should be able to earn a good living working in Miami. With the low taxes, there is a real opportunity to save money and secure your financial future if you are wise with budgeting decisions.

Average Home Prices in Miami

Average Home Prices in Miami

The Census lists the median value of housing units at $221,100 for the years 2012-2016, with monthly mortgage costs around $1,685. Zillow lists the current home value index for Miami at $326,369. Home values are projected to continue rising, so this is a good time to invest in some of the city’s beautiful real estate.

School District in Miami FL

Miami School Districts

While there are several school districts in the Miami area, the largest and best-known is Miami-Dade County Public Schools. This public district is not only the largest in the state of Florida, but the fourth largest nationwide. There are 467 schools in the district in total. You can also choose from a variety of private schools in Miami.

Some of the top rated schools in the city include the International Studies Charter Middle School, the Aventura City of Excellence School, and the School for Advanced Studies.

Getting Around in Miami

Getting Around in Miami

According to data 2016, the mean commute time for residents of Miami-Dade county was just over half an hour. This is specifically the “travel time to work,” so the average round trip would be closer to an hour.

If you do not wish to drive in Miami, you can avail yourself of the Metrorail, usually referred to simply as the “Metro.” Consisting of the Orange Line and the Green line, the Metro provides 23 stops for your convenience. There are also Metrobuses you can use if you do not want to park at the station.

Amusement Place in Miami

Leisure and Entertainment in Miami

On the weekends, you will find lots of fun activities to fill your time in Miami. Downtown attractions include Wynwood Walls, Jungle Island, Freedom Tower, the Miami Seaquarium, Crandon Park, among many more. You are also right near the Everglades, so if you are a nature lover, one of the world’s most unique and diverse landscapes awaits you. Go hiking, kayaking, bird watching, and camping any time you want to get away from the city crowds.

Lending Bankers Mortgage Can Connect You With Residential and Commercial Loans in Miami, FL

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See What Our Clients Are Saying About Us!

Iban Rodriguez
Iban Rodriguez
01:09 07 Mar 24
La experiencia que tuve con Juan Grieben fue sumamente positiva. Desde el inicio, se mostró notablemente atento, brindando información detallada en cada etapa del proceso. Su actitud proactiva y su enfoque informativo hicieron que la gestión del préstamo fuera fluida y clara. Definitivamente, lo recomendaría por su profesionalismo y compromiso en brindar un servicio de calidad.
Jerry Palermo
Jerry Palermo
17:58 07 Feb 24
I don’t know how else to put this… THESE people know ALL the moves. Over the many years I’ve been an accountant, I’ve worked with many mortgage brokers. This team is BY FAR, the BEST I’ve worked with.Bruce Davenport & David Otero really changed my outlook on what it is brokers do. I was able to get quick hard money for 2 projects in the same week. Phenomenal.
David Ouaknine
David Ouaknine
19:54 04 Feb 24
This was the best experience. Thank you for the excellent service!
Anthony Zammit
Anthony Zammit
12:01 08 Jan 24
Five Stars Miami Sunshine, All Thanks to Juan G. at Lending Bankers Mortgage!From pre-approval to closing day, Lending Bankers Mortgage was a dream come true, and the sunshine in that dream was Juan G.. This is not just a five-star review, it's a standing ovation for the exceptional service and guidance Juan provided throughout our entire home-buying journey.As foreign buyer, I was equal parts excited and terrified. Juan calmly and patiently walked me through every step, explaining complex terms in clear language and always taking the time to answer our endless questions. His knowledge of the mortgage landscape was impressive, and he offered tailored solutions that fit my unique needs and financial situation.Juan wasn't just a loan officer; he was our champion and cheerleader. He kept us informed every step of the way, celebrating our victories and reassuring me through any minor bumps. His proactive communication meant I never felt lost or in the dark, and he was always responsive and accessible, even after hours and on weekends.The entire Lending Bankers Mortgage team was fantastic, but Juan G. made the experience truly exceptional. He exceeded every expectation and turned the potentially stressful process of buying a home into a smooth, pleasant experience. We genuinely looked forward to each interaction with him, and his genuine enthusiasm for helping us achieve our dream was truly infectious.If you're looking for a mortgage lender who goes above and beyond, look no further than Lending Bankers Mortgage and ask for Juan G.. He's not just a mortgage expert; he's a home-buying hero!Thank you, Juan, for making dreams reality! You deserve all the stars in the sky and then some.Sincerely,A Happy customer (and lifelong friend of Juan G.!)P.S. If you're reading this David Otero, Lending Bankers Mortgage President, give Juan G. a raise! He's worth his weight in gold Thank you also David for supporting Juan G and getting this setup in good time for me!
Natalia Alzate
Natalia Alzate
23:52 03 Jan 24
I am so happy with the assistance I received from Pamela Borrero throughout my mortgage process. Her expertise and dedication made the entire experience smooth and stress-free. If you're looking for someone reliable and efficient in the mortgage journey, I highly recommend her. Thank you for your support!
tjpaulino
tjpaulino
17:41 29 Dec 23
I want to distinguish your agent Gabriel Corrientes, who deserve an A plus at your company. Gabriel was the pushing gas engine on my loan application and he made possible to close my case within the 14 days period. Thanks a lot Gabriel for all your assistance. Have a happy 2024.Also, my appreciation to Mr. David Otero, who from the beginning of negotiation, he and Mr. Gabriel introduce themselves and inspired me the trust to proceed with the loan.Yours,Tobias J. Paulino
Cristina Moreno
Cristina Moreno
01:13 20 Dec 23
David , Gabriel and Nathaly gave me the requirements to save time even before passing the offer. They made a pre qualification so i knew already my capacity to borrow a property, also they offered me different programs that lenders have on market , and they chose the one that fixs my needs.Once pre approved the process for preparation the closing last just a few. The closing was very smooth all the funds came on time right 24 hours before. I really felt confidente and the Team worked fast, coordinated and accurate. I full recommend them.
karolina m
karolina m
01:46 29 Nov 23
Lending Bankers Mortgage (Danny Perez and David Otero) was recommended by RPM Luxe Realty. From day one, Danny made me feel comfortable. I went through the pre-approval, approval, clearing to close, etc. processes with Danny figuratively holding my hand the entire time. There were times when I was literally crying because I was so frustrated and scared and Danny made me feel like everything would be okay. In general, I think RPM Luxe and Lending Bankers Mortgage make a great team. Danny is very relaxed and I’m not sure that he ever feels stressed, which is something unfamiliar to me. I think it’s because he has been doing this for quite some time.Additionally, Danny treats his clients like family. If anything is wrong, Danny takes it personally as though it was his own personal situation.If you are looking for 24/7 concierge service, Danny and David are your guys. After the Thanksgiving holiday, Danny was inflight and texting and emailing the entire time. I was grateful that American Airlines’ Wi-Fi was working so well.
jazmin campo
jazmin campo
17:18 23 Oct 23
Rodrigo y David nos ayudaron de principio a fin y se aseguraron de contestar todas las preguntas que teníamos. Los recomiendo de corazón y volveremos a trabajar con ellos en la próxima casa que compremos.
Paula Urruti
Paula Urruti
21:40 17 Oct 23
Gracias Juan G y David por su asesoramiento y ayuda para poder concretar la compra de mi unidad! Todo fue muy simple y claro desde el comienzo.
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