Miami, Florida is a bustling metropolis boasting a robust economy, rich cultural diversity, and plush coastal charm, setting it apart from many other cities in Florida. South Westside, located in the Gainesville area, offers a small-town atmosphere with a lower cost of living, less congestion, and easy access to various amenities. The following comparison aims to help those considering either city for relocation or a visiting destination to make a well-informed decision. The aspects covered include crime, weather, cost of living, health care, taxation, and more.
Miami sees a higher level of crime compared to South Westside, both property and violent crime. However, Miami's crime rates have been decreasing over the years. Private security services, surveillance systems, and neighborhood watch programs are common in many Miami neighborhoods. South Westside, being smaller, has lower crime rates. It offers a relatively safer environment with limited petty crimes. However, both cities urge residents and tourists to stay vigilant.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Miami is considerably higher than South Westside, reflecting in higher housing costs, groceries, and other expenses. This is partly due to Miami's status as a global city with massive cultural, economic, and touristic appeal. Conversely, South Westside offers a lower cost of living, with less expensive housing and overall expenditure, making it attractive for retirees and families.
Income Tax
Florida has no state income tax, benefiting residents of both Miami and South Westside. This policy makes the Sunshine State particularly attractive for those considering relocation.
Property Tax
Property tax rates are slightly higher in Miami compared to South Westside, generally hovering between 1-2%. The exact rate will depend on the specific location and market value of the property.
Sales Tax
Both Miami and South Westside share Florida's combined sales tax rate of 7%. This combines the statewide tax rate of 6% and a county tax rate of 1%.
Income
Type
Miami
South Westside
Estimated median household income
$48,789
$72,658
Estimated per capita income
$37,223
$32,011
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
110.1
116.6
If you make $50,000 in Miami, you will have to make $52,952 in South Westside to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Miami is a low-lying coastal city with stunning beaches, which also makes it prone to hurricanes and sea-level rise. South Westside is inland, surrounded by beautiful landscapes featuring lakes, forests, and wetlands, and does not face coastal challenges.
Geographical information
Type
Miami
South Westside
Land area
35.7 sq. miles
14 sq. miles
Population density
12,331 people per sq. mile
7,115.8 people per sq. mile
Relative area comparison
Miami, FL South Westside, FL
Education
Miami has more educational opportunities, hosting reputable institutions like the University of Miami and Miami Dade College. It also offers an array of public, private, and charter schools. South Westside, although smaller, takes pride in its strong, quality public school system. Gainesville is home to the University of Florida, giving South Westside access to higher learning opportunities.
Miami serves as a major hub for finance, commerce, culture, and international trade, employing many in various sectors. South Westside primarily has an economy intertwined with Gainesville, focused on education, healthcare, and retail trade. Unemployment rates in Miami trend slightly higher than in South Westside.
Biggest Employers
Miami's biggest employers are public entities such as Miami-Dade County Public Schools and Jackson Health System, followed by private corporations like Baptist Health South Florida. In South Westside, the University of Florida and Shands HealthCare are the largest employers.
Weather
Miami enjoys a tropical monsoon climate, characterized by hot, humid summers, and warm, dry winters. It offers ample sunshine year-round, making it a favorite for sun-lovers. South Westside, in contrast, experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot, wet summers, and mild winters. It is typically less humid and slightly cooler compared to Miami.
Weather and climate
Type
Miami
South Westside
Temperature - Average
77.3°F
76.9°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
77.3%
77.3%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
31%
31%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
86%
86%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
55%
55%
Precipitation - Yearly average
60 in
60.9 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
12.3%
12.3%
Sunshine amount - Average
76.8%
76.8%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
16%
16%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
79%
79%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
63%
63%
Wind speed - Average
9.1 mph
9.1 mph
Average climate in Miami, Florida
Average climate in South Westside, Florida
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Miami
South Westside
Miami
South Westside
Miami
South Westside
Miami
South Westside
Miami
South Westside
Miami
South Westside
Miami
South Westside
2018
72
76
0.24
0.14
2.7
2.7
31.8
29.4
15.5
15.5
8.6
8.3
0.3
0.3
2017
80
82
0.27
0.16
3.0
3.0
30.9
28.9
N/A
N/A
8.5
8.4
0.4
0.3
2016
68
79
0.30
0.20
2.9
2.9
32.6
30.6
N/A
N/A
7.2
8.4
0.0
0.0
2015
62
65
0.23
0.20
2.4
2.4
29.0
27.5
N/A
N/A
8.2
8.2
0.0
0.0
2014
71
79
0.21
0.24
3.8
3.8
30.7
29.1
N/A
N/A
8.0
8.5
0.0
0.0
2013
64
68
0.22
0.17
3.1
3.1
30.8
28.9
N/A
N/A
7.9
8.1
0.0
0.0
2012
71
76
0.19
0.18
2.9
2.9
32.1
30.2
N/A
N/A
8.7
9.0
0.0
0.0
2011
72
74
0.16
0.11
3.0
3.0
32.3
30.2
N/A
N/A
8.7
9.3
0.0
0.0
2010
77
80
0.31
0.38
4.2
4.2
32.3
30.7
N/A
N/A
9.1
9.3
0.0
0.0
2009
67
66
0.53
0.50
3.3
3.3
31.9
30.3
N/A
N/A
9.1
9.1
0.0
0.0
2008
95
92
0.55
0.55
3.8
3.8
31.0
31.0
18.0
18.0
10.5
10.2
0.0
0.0
2007
94
86
0.59
0.63
5.0
5.0
33.5
33.5
21.9
21.9
10.5
10.3
0.0
0.0
2006
87
89
0.48
0.56
5.8
5.8
34.6
34.6
22.3
22.3
10.2
10.9
0.0
0.0
2005
75
77
0.55
0.57
6.0
6.0
31.8
31.8
18.8
18.8
8.7
10.4
0.0
0.0
2004
69
77
1.02
0.99
5.9
5.9
31.3
31.3
19.5
19.5
8.5
11.0
0.3
0.3
2003
70
62
0.99
0.96
6.5
6.5
29.5
29.5
N/A
N/A
8.4
N/A
0.4
0.4
2002
75
55
0.71
0.71
6.3
6.3
30.2
30.2
N/A
N/A
8.4
N/A
2.1
2.1
2001
84
62
0.80
0.80
5.9
5.9
30.2
30.2
N/A
N/A
9.1
N/A
1.5
1.5
2000
66
66
0.89
0.87
6.7
6.7
31.1
31.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.3
1.3
Natural disasters
Type
Miami
South Westside
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
63%
61.4%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
1.1%
1.1%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
10%
10%
Transportation
Miami has a comprehensive public transport system comprising Metrorail, Metromover, and bus services. Traffic can be heavy during peak hours. South Westside relies on local bus services along with private cars. It's less congested, translating to shorter commute times.
Transport
Type
Miami
South Westside
Amtrak stations
2
0
Amtrak stations nearby
3
3
FAA registered aircraft
1
0
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
159
0
Means of transportation to work
Type
Miami
South Westside
Bicycle
0.8%
0.1%
Bus
3.8%
1.3%
Carpooled
8.5%
13.2%
Car alone
81.1%
80.2%
Railroad
0.2%
0%
Streetcar
0.5%
0%
Subway
0.3%
0.5%
Taxicab
0.2%
0.1%
Walked
2.6%
1.1%
Average travel time to work
Type
Miami
South Westside
Average
33.7 min
30.6 min
Real Estate
Miami's real estate market is much more expensive, with diverse offerings that include luxury ocean-side condos and single-family homes. In contrast, South Westside has a more affordable real estate market, offering suburban-style homes, apartments, and townhouses at lower prices.
Neighborhoods
Miami exhibits a variety of neighborhoods, each with distinct characteristics. Whether it's the glitzy Brickell, artsy Wynwood, or tranquil Coconut Grove, Miami delivers a fitting locale for different lifestyles. South Westside is more suburban, providing a quieter, family-oriented environment.
Houses and residents
Type
Miami
South Westside
Houses
219,775
29,814
Average household size (people)
2.5
3.1
Houses occupied
192,219 (87.5%)
29,054 (97.5%)
Houses occupied by owners
58,463 (30.4%)
21,244 (73.1%)
Houses occupied by renters
133,756 (69.6%)
7,810 (26.9%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$2,006
$1,901
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$1,201,540
$863,170
Estimated median house or condo value
$411,300
$474,002
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.4
5.7
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
5
5.6
Renting percentage
67.7%
27.6%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
6,160.8
2,124
Household income disparities
51.3%
40.5%
Housing units without a mortgage
686 (2.1%)
5,897 (30%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
1,692 (5.1%)
36 (0.2%)
Housing units with a mortgage
32,656 (97.9%)
13,786 (70%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
36 (0.1%)
1,475 (7.5%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
2,892 (8.7%)
1,823 (9.3%)
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.6%
0.6%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
26,340
3,137
State government workers
3,509
1,136
Unpaid family workers
695
135
Industries and Occupations
Miami is driven by diverse industries, including international trade, tourism, media, and entertainment, and finance. South Westside's economy leans towards sectors like education, healthcare, retail, and farming. The different industry concentration results in a variations in job opportunities between the two.
Health Care
Miami boasts several top-notch healthcare facilities, including Jackson Memorial Hospital and University of Miami Hospital. South Westside residents typically use the medical facilities in Gainesville, such as the highly-rated UF Health Shands Hospital.
Infrastructure
As a much larger city, Miami has more developed infrastructure – including a wide array of shopping centers, restaurants, sports venues, and cultural sites. Public spaces are well maintained, and the city is continually growing. South Westside has fewer amenities but provides a quieter, less congested living environment with quality public facilities.
Infrastructure
Type
Miami
South Westside
TV stations
26
26
Culture and Food
Miami is renowned for its vibrant food and culture scene, merging influences from Latin America and the Caribbean. It hosts numerous festivals and events. South Westside offers a more Southern culture and cuisine, with smaller scale events and homely eateries.
Sports Teams
Miami is home to various professional sports teams – the Miami Dolphins (NFL), Miami Heat (NBA), Miami Marlins (MLB), and Inter Miami CF (MLS). South Westside enjoys local college-level sports, with the University of Florida Gators dominating the scene.
Miami, FL
South Westside, FL
