Ultimate Guide for Moving From Los Angeles to Miami

June 23, 2022 / Posted in City Guides
Milly Andrews

Born and raised in Portland, Milly has had a lot of experience moving and writing about the relocation process.

If you’re looking for a city that offers a similar lifestyle but with evidently lower living expenses, moving from Los Angeles to Miami may be the right choice. Florida is one of the preferable countries for ex-Californians, with MIA being the most sought-after destination – and for a good reason. If you are considering it for your future home, let our comprehensive guide help compare these cities’ most important features.

Ariel view on Miami, Florida
Many Californians chose the Magic City for their new home

Is It Cheaper to Live in Miami or Los Angeles – Everything You Need to Know About Miami’s Cost of Living

Being such a famous city that offers countless benefits, it’s not unlikely to assume that Miami’s cost of living is significantly higher than the national average. However, that is not the case. According to PayScale, Mimi’s expenses are above the country’s average, but only by 17%. That is why many of those coming from an infamously costly LA (that holds almost 50% higher expenses) perceive MIA as quite an affordable metropolis – especially if you take into consideration that Florida doesn’t have an income tax policy.

However, as in any other place, a significant part of your income will go to housing. You’ll have to set aside between $1,850 and $3,100 for monthly rent on average, depending on the size and the location of the apartment you want. Keep in mind that apartment prices are pretty similar in LA, but it is significantly easier to become a homeowner in MIA, with a current median home price of around $555,000. On the other hand, in LA, you’ll need to set aside more than $900,000 on average to buy a house.

What about other expenses? When it comes to transportation, utilities, and insurance policies, including health insurance, their prices tend to be higher in MIA than in LA, but not by much. On the other hand, if you’re cross-country moving with kids, you’ll be happy to know that Miami’s school tuitions usually come with a lower cost.

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How Much Does It Cost to Move From LA to Miami?

This kind of move implies great distance since it’s a relocation from the East Coast to the West Coast, so you must be prepared for higher expenses. Keep in mind that the cost of an interstate move depends on several different factors, such as:

  • Do you plan on hiring movers, or do you want to try out a DIY approach?
  • Do you consider getting a professional packing service in order to pack efficiently? Do you want to contact an auto transport company to transport a car across the country?
  • Which packing supplies do you want to use?
  • How complex is your move?
  • How many items do you have on your inventory list, and what are they?
  • At which time of the year do you plan to move?

So, how much does it cost to move from California to Miami? Each of the factors mentioned impacts the final price of the move, which is why it can vary from $2,000 to even $10,000. However, if you wish to move safely, it’s always best to get long-distance moving services and relocate across the country smoothly and worry-free.

Miami’s the Heart of Florida’s Economy, so Finding a Job Won’t Be an Issue

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics states that the current unemployment rate in the county is 2.6%, which is lower than the national average of 3.6%, and LA’s current rate of 4.7%. It means that you shouldn’t meet any major difficulties in your job search after relocating to another state. Moreover, if you have your own company and decide to transfer your LLC to another state, you’ll meet plenty of benefits if you choose MIA for your new location. Besides not having to pay annual income tax as a worker, know that most of Florida’s companies are also excluded from it.

How Much Money Do You Need to Live Comfortably in Miami, and How Does It Compare to Los Angeles?

In order to live comfortably, you’ll need to earn close to $80,000 a year, which is similar to the situation in LA, but LA workers do have higher salaries. However, keep in mind that working in LA does imply significant competition, which can represent a problem when you wish to get or even keep the job. Add significantly higher expenses, and you’ll see that a slightly lower average salary isn’t that big of a problem.

As for the industries that hire the most, at the absolute top is tourism, which shouldn’t be a surprise, considering Miami’s beaches, weather, entertainment opportunities, and nightlife. However, you’ll manage to find plenty of job offers in finance, media, international trade, and agriculture, as well. After all, MIA is considered to be one of the leaders in the US regarding the finance sector.

Is Miami or LA More Popular for Career Chasers?

LA is home to 23 Forbes 500 companies, a Hollywood industry and is often considered a start-up and tech-industry heaven, so it’s often the first choice for those searching for career advancement. However, keep in mind that MIA also has a lot to offer.

Take a look at the table below to see the examples of workforce distribution per different industries – the bigger the percentage, the more sought-after a certain field is:

Sector Miami Los Angeles
Management, business, finance 14.1% 14.3%
IT and engineering 2.7% 4.2%
Sales and administrative support 23.6% 22.5%
Construction and maintenance 11.1% 7.5%
Arts, media, entertainment, sports 2.4% 6.6%

Does LA or Miami Have Better Weather?

LA and MIA both have similar weather, with many sunny days throughout the year. However, remember that Magic City is typically hotter and more humid than LA. Did you know that this city hasn’t seen a snowflake in over forty years? Florida has the mildest winters in the country – therefore, if you plan to move in winter in order to save on moving costs, there will be no winterization needed.

Once you move, you’ll be able to witness two basic seasons – one hot and humid that lasts between May and October and one dry and warm. If you’re one of those who can’t ever get hot enough, this city may be a perfect place for you.

However, while wildfires, earthquakes, and flooding are common natural disasters in LA, Miami’s known to have hurricane seasons that last between November and June. It’s the main reason Sunshine State has some of the most expensive homeowners insurance policies in the country.

People enjoying Miami's beach after cross-country moving
MIA has around 250 sunny days per year

MIA Makes It Easy to Get Around the City

Getting around MIA is pretty easy, even if you don’t own a car. Metromover, Metrorail, and Metrobus are all cost-efficient ways of traveling through the city. Moreover, if you’re looking for fun and unique ways of exploring the city, remember that you can do it also with the help of Miami’s trolley system.

Of course, if you like the convenience a car offers, don’t hesitate to get auto transport services before relocating to a new home. Although Miami’s considered one of the most congested cities, it’s much better compared to the LA traffic. Therefore, don’t hesitate to get help from a reliable car shipping company if traveling by car is your preferred way of transportation.

You Won’t Have to Change Your Lifestyle After Moving From Los Angeles to Miami, FL

Both MIA and LA are beach cities and famous metropolises, which means you’ll get to preserve a similar lifestyle after the move – you’ll just have to become better in Spanish. Although the official language is English, Spanish is spoken a lot in various parts of the city. It’s one of the essential things to consider when relocating to this part of the US.

Even though Magic City is best known for its nightlife scene and the scenic coast, it’s not all Miami’s about. It offers exquisite modern and Art Deco architecture, outstanding music, art, cultural scene, and breathtaking natural parks – all of that combined makes this place truly magical.

One thing is certain – you’ll never get bored here, even if you’re relocating to a new city alone. Take a look at the video below to find out some of the most exciting things to do after the move:

Is Moving to Miami From Los Angeles Safe?

If you’ve watched shows like Dexter or movies such as Scarface, you may be worried about your safety after relocating here. However, they don’t portray an accurate picture of MIA. Of course, as an international metropolis, it has areas that witness more crimes than others (like Liberty City and Overtown). That is why, when planning a move to another city, you should research the safest neighborhoods before hiring movers to help you relocate.

Best of Miami’s Neighborhoods – Places You Should Consider After Moving to This Part of the Sunshine State

After the move, you should find a place that fits your needs, possibilities, and preferences the most. In order to help you, we created a list of Miami’s most notable neighborhoods – choose the one that can provide you with the lifestyle you want.

Coconut Grove

If you’re looking for a place with breathtaking scenery, you’ll find it in Bohemian-influenced Coconut Grove. However, it’s also a perfect place to raise a family, with a high walkability score, excellent schools, many interesting festivals, and a good safety index.

Design District

Modern architecture, many galleries, daring art, luxury fashion boutiques, celebrity-chef restaurants, and trendy bars and cafes attract both hipsters and mainstreamers. If you want to find a place that offers plenty of entertainment, culinary, and art possibilities, Design District won’t disappoint.

Brickell

Brickell is considered the second largest financial district in the US, which is why it has earned the nickname Manhattan of the South. It’s known for the business atmosphere, but it offers plenty of dining, shopping, and entertainment possibilities.

South Beach

When mentioning MIA, the South Beach neighborhood is usually what everybody’s referring to. It’s home to an amazing shoreline that can provide you with many beach activities. However, South Beach has a lot more to offer – you can also enjoy an outstanding nightlife scene, amazing Art Deco architecture, and any number of fascinating museums.

Little Havana

Strong Cuban influence can be spotted in the entire city, but it’s evident the most in this neighborhood – hence its name. Amazing nightlife, art, music, and dance scenes are all inherent to this vibrant place. Moreover, here you can enjoy live music, food tasting, and art exhibits during the Viernes Culturales, an event that takes place every last Friday of the month.

Is It Worth It to Move to Miami?

Moving from LA to Miami is not an easy decision to make. Still, rich culture(s), relatively affordable living costs, scenic views, and endless entertainment possibilities can significantly ease the transition. There is no doubt that you can experience plenty of benefits after the move – if you’re willing to give the relocation a chance. Of course, Miami’s far away from a perfect city, but the breathtaking beaches and the vibrant atmosphere do a great job of making up for it.

People enjoying the view of Miami water and skyline after long-distance moving
Californians will love Miami's diverse culture and abundance of benefits

Once You Decide to Move, Make Sure You Hire the Best Long-Distance Movers

If you decide moving out of Los Angeles is the right thing to do, make sure you do it properly. Contact a top-tier long-distance moving company, book some services, and let the most skilled and experienced cross-country movers help you move efficiently and stress-free. Treat yourself to an enjoyable relocation experience that will represent a successful start to your new life, and begin experiencing all the things that make MIA one of the most famous cities in the world.

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