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Miami vs Fort Lauderdale: Full Comparison

Updated November 2026 · Cost of living, safety, and climate data

Quick Answer

Miami is 12% more expensive than Fort Lauderdale. Fort Lauderdale is 45% safer. Miami population: 489,812. Fort Lauderdale population: 188,677.

Which city is better for you?

Cost of LivingFort Lauderdale
SafetyFort Lauderdale
HousingFort Lauderdale

Based on cost of living indices, FBI crime data, and NOAA climate records.

Cost of Living: Miami vs Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is more affordable overall, with a cost of living index of 130 vs 145 (national average = 100). That's a difference of 15 index points.

CategoryMiamiFort Lauderdale
Overall Index145130
Housing$4,094/moIndex: 230$3,471/moIndex: 195
Groceries$443/moIndex: 108$435/moIndex: 106
Transportation$385/moIndex: 110$368/moIndex: 105
Healthcare$346/moIndex: 108$336/moIndex: 105
Utilities$220/moIndex: 100$220/moIndex: 100

Index 100 = national average. Dollar amounts are estimated monthly costs. Sources: BEA Regional Price Parities, C2ER Cost of Living Index.

Safety: Miami vs Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is 45% safer overall, with a crime rate of 23.9 per 1,000 residents vs Miami's 43.5. Fort Lauderdale earns a C+ safety grade compared to Miami's F. Based on 2023 FBI data.

F

Miami

Florida

Overall GradeF
Violent CrimeC
Property CrimeF
Crime Rate43.5/1K
TrendImproving
C+

Fort Lauderdale

Florida

Overall GradeC+
Violent CrimeC+
Property CrimeC+
Crime Rate23.9/1K
TrendStable
MetricMiamiFort Lauderdale
Overall Crime Rate43.5/1K23.9/1K
Violent Crime Rate550.0352.3
Property Crime Rate3800.02033.2
Murder Rate6.95.9
Assault Rate447.8274.2
Robbery Rate96.044.1
Burglary Rate642.6278.0
Theft Rate2529.91577.3
Vehicle Theft Rate558.7273.3

Crime rates per 100,000 residents. 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report data. Lower rates are better (safer).

Victim Odds

In Miami, you have a 1 in 23 chance of being a crime victim per year vs 1 in 42 in Fort Lauderdale.

Climate Comparison

Climate data is only available for Miami. A full comparison requires both cities.

Miami Climate Overview

Annual High84.6°F
Annual Low71°F
Annual Rain61.7"
Annual SnowNone
Comfortable Months7
Best MonthJanuary
Worst MonthAugust
Monthly Temperature
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
ComfortableWarm

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Miami cheaper than Fort Lauderdale?
Fort Lauderdale is 12% more affordable than Miami, with a cost of living index of 130 vs 145 (100 = national average). Housing is the biggest difference, at $4,094/mo in Miami vs $3,471/mo in Fort Lauderdale.
Is Miami safer than Fort Lauderdale?
Fort Lauderdale is 45% safer overall, with a crime rate of 23.9 per 1,000 residents vs Miami's 43.5. Fort Lauderdale earns a C+ safety grade. Based on 2023 FBI data.
Should I move to Miami or Fort Lauderdale?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Lauderdale is safer (C+ grade). Fort Lauderdale is more affordable (index 130 vs 145). Miami has a population of 489,812 and Fort Lauderdale has 188,677. Consider job market, culture, and proximity to family alongside these data points.
How big is Miami compared to Fort Lauderdale?
Miami has a population of 489,812 and Fort Lauderdale has 188,677. Miami is 160% larger by population.
Is housing cheaper in Miami or Fort Lauderdale?
Housing is cheaper in Fort Lauderdale. Estimated monthly housing costs: Miami $4,094/mo vs Fort Lauderdale $3,471/mo. That's based on a housing index of 230 vs 195 (100 = national average of $1,780/mo).

Learn More About Each City

F
Miami Safety ReportFull crime breakdown and trends
C+
Fort Lauderdale Safety ReportFull crime breakdown and trends
Salary CalculatorClimate Compare ToolSafety Comparison Tool

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.

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