Moving to Miami in 2024?
Complete Moving Guide

Planning to move to Miami?

Miami is a vibrant city with rich history, beautiful beaches, diverse culture and a great destination for tourists. If you are planning to move here, then you should know a few things about the city like the cost of living, climate and food scene. The cost of living in Miami is higher than the national average. The city has a subtropical climate throughout the year with high humidity and hot weather. The city has a perfect blend of different cultures like Hispanic and Caribbean populations. You can be a part of various festivals and events throughout the year. Miami has a diverse economy and multiple flourishing industries. The city is prone to hurricanes, so if you move here you have to be prepared for the worst scenarios. All these are pointers about Miami but you need detailed information about the city.

Van Lines Move has prepared a city guide to help you plan your move by learning everything before moving there-

• Quick Facts of Miami
• Top reasons to move to Miami
• Pros & Cons of Living in Miami
• Best Neighborhoods in the Miami
• Cost of living in Miami
• Miami job market
• Major industries in Miami
• Top Career Options in Miami
• Best things to do in Miami
• Education System in Miami
• Type of insurance required in Miami
• Taxes in Miami

Quick Facts of Miami

Let’s explore Miami through its unique features and facts-

Top reasons to move to Miami

When you plan to move to a new city, you must have some strong reasons to move there-

Pros & Cons of Living in Miami

Each city offers something to everyone, but there are a few features of the city that make living difficult. So, it is better if you are prepared for all types of situations. Here, we have listed the pros and cons of living in Miami-

Best Neighborhoods in the Miami

Moving to a new city can be challenging especially emotionally as you have to move away from your family and friends. It is better to find a neighborhood where you can find peace and not feel homesick. Here, we have listed the best neighborhoods in Miami-

Cost of living in Miami

The cost of living in any city is determined by the cost of the basic expenses in the city. Before moving to a new city, you must know about the cost of living as it will help you set your moving budget as well as help you determine the money you might need in a new city.

The cost of living in Miami is higher than the national average. It is 18.7% higher than the national average which means all the expenses are more expensive than the other parts of the country.

Source: Council for Community and Economic Research

Housing Market in Miami 

The housing market in Miami is considered as the seller’s market and inventory is low in the city. The median sale price of homes in Miami has been on a steady rise which is expected to be increasing in coming years. The median sale price for a home in Miami in October 2023 was $699,000. There are several reasons for the strong demand for housing in Miami including low interest rates, strong economy and limited supply.

Average rental cost in Miami

The average rent for a house in Miami is $3,200 per month and it shows a decline in the rent. The average rental price depends on several factors like size of the house, the location of the house, and demand.

Miami job market

The job market in Miami is strong and growing and there are several Fortune 500 companies are there in the city.

Several industries in Miami are flourishing and employing the residents of the city. The unemployment rate in Miami is below the national average.

Top Career Options in Miami

Miami is home to many Fortune 500 companies and other employers, and these companies offer employment in different positions. So, before moving to Miami check out the top career options available for you-

Median Salary in Miami

The median salary in Miami is $47,860 and the median salary depends on the following factors- education, occupation and experience.

Major industries in Miami

Miami has several companies that work as top employers in the city. So, we have listed the major industries in the city-

Best things to do in Miami

The best way to settle in a new city is to explore it with family and friends. You can enjoy a lot in Miami-

Education System in Miami

Find the best school for your kid when you move to Miami before moving to the city. Van Lines Move has listed top schools, colleges and universities in the city-

Transportation & Navigation in Miami

Miami has a mix of public and private transportation systems and you can pick the option that suits you best-

Public Transportation- The city has Miami-Dade Transit which operates a comprehensive bus system, the Metrorail rapid system and the Metromover streetcar system. There are more than 100 routes for the bus system while the Metrorail system has only two lines.

Public Bikeshare- The city has Citi Bike Miami Beach which is a public bikeshare system that has more than 3,000 bikes available at over 60 stations throughout Miami Beach. You can rent the bike for the day or the month.

Taxis and Shared Rides- Taxis are easily available in Miami. Apart from these, there are various ride-sharing services in the city like Uber, Lyft, etc. However, these are more expensive than public transportation.

Parking- It is difficult to find a parking spot in Miami, especially in downtown and tourist spots. There are metered parking and parking garages available at different rates.

Navigation- The city is easy to navigate because it has a well-developed network of roads in the city. You can get around the city via highways and toll roads. Traffic can be a trouble during rush hours.

Type of insurance required in Miami

Any insurance acts as a financial support in the worst-case scenario and you can stay calm through the period.

Homeowner’s Insurance- This type of insurance will protect your home and household belongings from any damage or loss caused by fire, theft or vandalism. If someone gets injured on your property, then you will also get liability coverage.

Automobile Insurance- This type of insurance is required by law in Florida. This will protect you from financial liability in case you get involved in an accident or someone gets injured by your vehicle.

Life Insurance- This type of insurance is not required by law but is highly recommended as it will financially support your family in the event of your death.

Health Insurance- This type of insurance helps pay medical expenses like doctor visits, prescription medication, and hospital stays. There are several health insurance plans available and it is required by law for most Americans.

Flood Insurance- This type of insurance is not required by law in Florida but is highly recommended as the city is at risk of flood. The flood insurance will protect your home and household belongings from the damage caused by floods.

Business Insurance- This type of insurance protects businesses from financial liability in case of any loss or damage caused due to theft, lawsuit or other events.

Taxes in Miami

Taxes are a major part of the cost of living, and when you move to a new city you have to know about all the taxes applicable in the city-

Income tax- This tax applies to all individuals and businesses with income. There is state income tax in Florida but residents have to pay federal income tax.

Sales Tax- The tax is applicable on the purchase of goods and services. There is a 7% sales tax rate in Miami.

Property Tax- The property tax is a tax on the assessed value of real estate. The rate of property tax varies according to the location and value of the property.

Hotel Tax- There is a tax on the cost of the hotel rooms and it is 7% in Miami.

Gas Tax- Gas tax is applicable on the purchase of gasoline and it is 29.3 cents per gallon in Florida.

Alcohol Tax- In Florida, there is a tax on the purchase of alcohol and the tax rates vary according to the type of alcohol.

Source: Florida Department of Revenue and the Miami-Dade County Department of Finance and Administrative Services

FAQs

• 1. What is included in a moving checklist for Miami?

  Ans: Preparing for a move to Miami can be efficient with a moving checklist-

  Pre-Move Preparations:

  Research Moving Companies: Look for reliable movers specializing in Miami-bound relocations.

  Budgeting: Estimate your moving costs, including packing supplies and potential storage needs.

  Declutter: Sort through your belongings and decide what to keep, donate, or discard.

  Buy Packing Supplies: Boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and markers are a must.

  Pack one room at a time: Start packing non-essential items weeks in advance.

  Label Boxes: Clearly mark each box with its contents and destination room.

  Paperwork

  Update your Address: Notify the post office, banks, and other key institutions.

  Transfer Utilities: Plan to disconnect services at your old home and connect them at your new Miami residence.

  Final Preparations

  Pack a bag of essentials: Add toiletries, a change of clothes, and important documents.

  Confirm Details: Double-check dates and times with your moving company.

• 2. Do you need parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks in Miami?

  Ans: While Miami doesn't have a specific permit for moving trucks, some companies offer services to obtain temporary "No Parking" signs for your moving day. In Miami-Dade County Residential areas, large vehicles exceeding 20 feet or over 8 feet (including moving trucks) are generally prohibited.

  In the City of Miami, Freight Loading Zones (FLZ) Commercial vehicles over 10,000 lbs Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) might need a permit for FLZ parking.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this guide is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. It is recommended to conduct thorough research and consult relevant experts before making any decisions related to relocation.