Davis v. Miami
One of the most common questions I get about Miami from my non-Miami friends is “Is Miami expensive?”
Yes and no.
It’s a huge metropolitan area, so it really depends on where you are.
Since leaving my parents’ nest at 18, I have lived in Irvine, New York and Davis before making it to Miami. So how does Miami compare?
Miami v. Irvine
Apartment complexes in Miami’s suburbs are cheaper than in Irvine’s were in 2002. There are college dives near UM that are also pretty comparable to Irvine’s eats. Proximity to the beach is comparable, but Miami wins in the city department (because it’s actually a city city).
Miami v. NYC
You get way more bang for your buck in Miami real estate compared to NYC, and the condos and buildings are generally newer here. Miami weather is awesome, but New York’s amazing subway system, walkable grid and abundance of cheap good eats beats Miami’s any day.
Miami v. Davis
Davis is by far the cheapest place I’ve ever lived, in terms of housing, food and gas. It is also the most inconveniently located, except in its proximity to outlet malls. Two (pretty good) outlet malls within 45 minutes is pretty cool, but the 2 hour drive to the closest cold windy beach? Not so much.
Miamians—how does Miami compare to your past experiences? Non-Miamians—are you ready to move to Miami yet?
