Los Angeles vs Miami: Full Comparison
Updated November 2026 · Cost of living, safety, and climate data
Quick Answer
Los Angeles is 14% more expensive than Miami. Los Angeles is 26% safer. Los Angeles has more comfortable months (12 vs 7). Los Angeles population: 3,869,089. Miami population: 489,812.
Which city is better for you?
Based on cost of living indices, FBI crime data, and NOAA climate records.
Cost of Living: Los Angeles vs Miami
Miami is more affordable overall, with a cost of living index of 145 vs 165 (national average = 100). That's a difference of 20 index points.
| Category | Los Angeles | Miami |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Index | 165 | 145 |
| Housing | $4,806/moIndex: 270 | $4,094/moIndex: 230 |
| Groceries | $443/moIndex: 108 | $443/moIndex: 108 |
| Transportation | $420/moIndex: 120 | $385/moIndex: 110 |
| Healthcare | $346/moIndex: 108 | $346/moIndex: 108 |
| Utilities | $209/moIndex: 95 | $220/moIndex: 100 |
Index 100 = national average. Dollar amounts are estimated monthly costs. Sources: BEA Regional Price Parities, C2ER Cost of Living Index.
Safety: Los Angeles vs Miami
Los Angeles is 26% safer overall, with a crime rate of 32 per 1,000 residents vs Miami's 43.5. Los Angeles earns a C- safety grade compared to Miami's F. Based on 2023 FBI data.
Los Angeles
California
Miami
Florida
| Metric | Los Angeles | Miami |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Crime Rate | 32/1K | 43.5/1K |
| Violent Crime Rate | 700.0 | 550.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2500.0 | 3800.0 |
| Murder Rate | 10.2 | 6.9 |
| Assault Rate | 490.2 | 447.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 140.9 | 96.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 327.5 | 642.6 |
| Theft Rate | 1736.2 | 2529.9 |
| Vehicle Theft Rate | 273.1 | 558.7 |
Crime rates per 100,000 residents. 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report data. Lower rates are better (safer).
Victim Odds
In Los Angeles, you have a 1 in 31 chance of being a crime victim per year vs 1 in 23 in Miami.
Climate: Los Angeles vs Miami
Los Angeles Climate Overview
Miami Climate Overview
Monthly Temperature Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles | Miami |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual High | 75°F | 84.6°F |
| Avg Annual Low | 56.7°F | 71°F |
| Annual Rain | 14.7" | 61.7" |
| Annual Snow | None | None |
| Comfortable Months | 12 | 7 |
| Freezing Months | 0 | 0 |
Miami is 6°F warmer in summer than Los Angeles, but Los Angeles is 14°F colder in winter than Miami. Miami is wetter with 62" of annual rain compared to 15". Los Angeles has more comfortable weather months (12 vs 7).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Los Angeles cheaper than Miami?
Is Los Angeles safer than Miami?
Which city has better weather, Los Angeles or Miami?
Should I move to Los Angeles or Miami?
How big is Los Angeles compared to Miami?
Is housing cheaper in Los Angeles or Miami?
Learn More About Each City
Safety data: 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report. Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities and C2ER Cost of Living Index. Climate: NOAA 30-year normals. Not a substitute for local guidance.
Know before you go
CityCheck covers safety, cost of living, climate, and things to do for every US city.
Explore cities