Is Los Angeles, CA cheaper than Miami, FL?

Based on cost of living data, Los Angeles, CA is 40.9% more expensive than Miami, FL. This translates to spending an extra $3067 per month.

What salary do I need in Los Angeles, CA to live like I do in Miami, FL?

If you earn $150,000 in Miami, FL, you'd need approximately $186,804.878 in Los Angeles, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Miami, FL and Los Angeles, CA?

Housing in Los Angeles, CA is 110.0% more expensive than in Miami, FL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,660/month in Los Angeles, CA compared to $2,660/month in Miami, FL.

How much can I save per month by moving from Miami, FL to Los Angeles, CA?

Living in Los Angeles, CA costs approximately $3067 more per month than Miami, FL, or $36805 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Miami, FL

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Los Angeles, CA

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Miami, FL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $3.1K/month more in Los Angeles, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $186.8K in Los Angeles, CA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach, FL area

Overall Cost

↑ 40.9%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,067

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$36.8K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Miami, FL

Population:442K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$510K

Los Angeles, CA

Population:3899K

Cost Index:141

Median Home:$885K

Miami, FL

The Sunshine State

442K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Tropical

Notable Facts

•Gateway to Latin America
•Major cruise port
•International business hub

Major Industries

International TradeTourismFinanceReal Estate

Los Angeles, CA

The Golden State

3.9M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Mediterranean

Notable Facts

•Entertainment capital of the world
•Major Pacific Rim trade center
•Diverse metropolitan area

Major Industries

EntertainmentTechnologyInternational TradeTourism

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Miami, FL vs Los Angeles, CA

Category	Miami, FL	Los Angeles, CA	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$3,690/mo	$7,749/mo	↑ $4,059more	110.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,462/mo	$2,158/mo	↑ $697more	47.7%
📦Other	$2,093/mo	$1,731/mo	↓ $362less	17.3%
🛒Groceries	$1,079/mo	$1,040/mo	↓ $38.97less	3.6%
⚡All Utilities	$519/mo	$557/mo	↑ $38.25more	7.4%
🏥Healthcare	$589/mo	$554/mo	↓ $34.70less	5.9%

🏠Housing

↑ 110.0%

Miami, FL

$3,690

Los Angeles, CA

$7,749

Difference

$4,059

🚗Transportation

↑ 47.7%

Miami, FL

$1,462

Los Angeles, CA

$2,158

Difference

$697

📦Other

↓ 17.3%

Miami, FL

$2,093

Los Angeles, CA

$1,731

Difference

$362

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 3.6%

Miami, FL

$1,079

Los Angeles, CA

$1,040

Difference

$38.97

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 7.4%

Miami, FL

$519

Los Angeles, CA

$557

Difference

$38.25

🏥Healthcare

↓ 5.9%

Miami, FL

$589

Los Angeles, CA

$554

Difference

$34.70

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,995

To$1,910

↓ $85.00

1 Bed

From$2,180

To$2,135

↓ $45.00

2 Bed

From$2,660

To$2,660

→ $0

3 Bed

From$3,415

To$3,370

↓ $45.00

Miami, FLZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,550–$2,990/mo

Los Angeles, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,630–$3,130/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$9,431

Monthly in Miami, FL

$13,790

Monthly in Los Angeles, CA

$4,359

Difference

Home Values

Miami

Los Angeles

$510K

Median Value

$885K

↓ -3.6%

YoY Change

↓ -3.4%

↑ +49.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +13.1%

$278K - $1.53M

Price Range

$531K - $3.01M

Homes in Los Angeles are 74% more expensive than Miami

Calculate payment - Miami Calculate payment - Los Angeles

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $10.6K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$886

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

7.1%

Rate difference

Miami, FL

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Florida State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Los Angeles, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

Additional Tax Information

Miami, FL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.2%

Property Tax:0.8%

Los Angeles, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.