Miami, the vivacious cultural melting pot, and North Westside, the peaceful countryside locale, present a mixed bag of experiences for those looking to relocate or just visit. From crime rates to cost of living, geographical conditions, and healthcare, there are distinctive differences between both locations. This comparison explores what sets them apart, making it easier for you to make your decision.
Miami, being a bustling international city, comes with a higher crime rate compared to the quieter North Westside. While areas closer to the city center might experience more crime incidents in Miami, many gated communities in the city offer a safer environment. In contrast, North Westside, with its rural backdrop, presents a lower crime rate and more tight-knit communities.
Cost of Living
Living in Miami can be expensive, with housing, dining, and entertainment always on the upscale. Although you can find affordable spots, it generally has a higher cost of living compared to North Westside, which due to its unassuming nature and rural ambiance, offers a more down to earth and wallet-friendly lifestyle.
Income Tax
Florida doesn't have a state income tax, which is beneficial for residents of both Miami and North Westside. This leads to higher disposable income compared to those living in other states with income tax.
Property Tax
Despite being in the same state, Miami generally has higher property taxes due to its higher property values, but this depends on the precise location and house value. North Westside generally has lower property taxes, reflecting the rural nature and lower home prices.
Sales Tax
Both Miami and North Westside have the same state regulated sales tax of 6%, with Miami-Dade County imposing an additional local surtax. Other smaller taxes might vary depending on the nature of goods or services.
Income
Type
Miami
North Westside
Estimated median household income
$48,789
$60,781
Estimated per capita income
$37,223
$29,746
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
110.1
111.8
If you make $50,000 in Miami, you will have to make $50,772 in North Westside to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Miami is flat with a coastal setting, prestigious for its gorgeous beaches. It is less than 6ft above sea level, making it vulnerable to sea-level rise. North Westside, while mostly flat, has more rural and woodland areas, offering a countryside experience.
Geographical information
Type
Miami
North Westside
Land area
35.7 sq. miles
32.6 sq. miles
Population density
12,331 people per sq. mile
3,370.8 people per sq. mile
Relative area comparison
Miami, FL North Westside, FL
Education
Miami boats high-quality public and private schools, and is home to several colleges and universities including the University of Miami and Florida International University. North Westside has decent public schools, though fewer higher education choices, with the nearest major university being the University of Florida in Gainesville.
Miami's economy is diverse, driven by industries such as tourism, finance, international trade, and media. There are more work opportunities with higher wages compared to North Westside, which has a smaller, mostly local economy, centered around agriculture, manufacturing, retail trade, and healthcare.
Biggest Employers
Miami's biggest employers span multiple sectors like healthcare (Baptist Health South Florida), education (Miami-Dade County Public Schools), and airlines (American Airlines). North Westside's employment scene is largely dominated by agriculture, small businesses, and the local school district.
Weather
Miami is known for its tropical monsoon climate, with hot and humid summers swallowed by brief, but thunder-filled rains, and warm and dry winters. North Westside, generally has a hotter, humid climate, but unlike Miami, it gets frost during winter periods, a rarity across most of Florida.
Weather and climate
Type
Miami
North Westside
Temperature - Average
77.3°F
77.3°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 North Westside, Florida
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Miami
North Westside
Miami
North Westside
Miami
North Westside
Miami
North Westside
Miami
North Westside
Miami
North Westside
Miami
North Westside
2018
72
76
0.24
0.15
2.7
3.3
31.8
28.6
15.5
15.5
8.6
8.2
0.3
0.3
2017
80
82
0.27
0.17
3.0
3.7
30.9
28.2
N/A
N/A
8.5
8.3
0.4
0.3
2016
68
79
0.30
0.21
2.9
3.3
32.6
29.9
N/A
N/A
7.2
7.8
0.0
0.0
2015
62
65
0.23
0.21
2.4
2.9
29.0
26.9
N/A
N/A
8.2
8.0
0.0
0.0
2014
71
79
0.21
0.24
3.8
4.4
30.7
28.4
N/A
N/A
8.0
8.3
0.0
0.0
2013
64
68
0.22
0.18
3.1
3.3
30.8
28.1
N/A
N/A
7.9
8.0
0.0
0.0
2012
71
76
0.19
0.19
2.9
3.3
32.1
29.4
N/A
N/A
8.7
8.9
0.0
0.0
2011
72
76
0.16
0.12
3.0
3.5
32.3
29.3
N/A
N/A
8.7
8.9
0.0
0.0
2010
77
81
0.31
0.35
4.2
4.8
32.3
30.1
N/A
N/A
9.1
9.2
0.0
0.0
2009
67
70
0.53
0.52
3.3
3.9
31.9
29.6
N/A
N/A
9.1
9.1
0.0
0.0
2008
95
102
0.55
0.59
3.8
4.0
31.0
31.0
18.0
18.0
10.5
10.4
0.0
0.0
2007
94
94
0.59
0.66
5.0
5.3
33.5
33.5
21.9
21.9
10.5
10.5
0.0
0.0
2006
87
91
0.48
0.56
5.8
6.2
34.6
34.6
22.3
22.3
10.2
10.6
0.0
0.0
2005
75
78
0.55
0.54
6.0
6.4
31.8
31.8
18.8
18.8
8.7
9.4
0.0
0.0
2004
69
79
1.02
1.07
5.9
6.3
31.3
31.3
19.5
19.5
8.5
9.5
0.3
0.3
2003
70
70
0.99
1.11
6.5
7.0
29.5
29.5
N/A
N/A
8.4
8.4
0.4
0.4
2002
75
75
0.71
0.73
6.3
6.4
30.2
30.2
N/A
N/A
8.4
8.4
2.1
2.1
2001
84
84
0.80
0.76
5.9
6.5
30.2
30.2
N/A
N/A
9.1
9.1
1.5
1.5
2000
66
66
0.89
0.85
6.7
7.2
31.1
31.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.3
1.3
Natural disasters
Type
Miami
North Westside
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
63%
64.3%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
1.1%
1.1%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
10%
10%
Transportation
Miami has a robust public transit system, including Metrorail, Metrobus, and the free Metromover. Commute times can be long due to traffic. North Westside has limited public transit options and most residents rely on cars.
Transport
Type
Miami
North 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
North Westside
Bicycle
0.8%
0.3%
Bus
3.8%
2.7%
Carpooled
8.5%
15.7%
Car alone
81.1%
76.3%
Railroad
0.2%
0.1%
Streetcar
0.5%
0%
Subway
0.3%
0%
Taxicab
0.2%
0%
Walked
2.6%
1.6%
Average travel time to work
Type
Miami
North Westside
Average
33.7 min
27.2 min
Real Estate
Real estate prices in Miami can be high, especially for waterfront properties or homes in upscale neighborhoods. However, it offers diverse housing options from condos to mansions. North Westside primarily consists of single-family homes, with considerably lower real estate prices.
Neighborhoods
Miami's neighborhoods offer something for everyone, from the vibrant nightlife of South Beach, the artistic charm of Wynwood, to the upscale Brickell. North Westside's neighborhoods are typically quieter, consisting mainly of residential and rural areas.
Houses and residents
Type
Miami
North Westside
Houses
219,775
37,588
Average household size (people)
2.5
2.9
Houses occupied
192,219 (87.5%)
34,823 (92.6%)
Houses occupied by owners
58,463 (30.4%)
17,917 (51.5%)
Houses occupied by renters
133,756 (69.6%)
16,906 (48.5%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$2,006
$1,906
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$1,201,540
$863,170
Estimated median house or condo value
$411,300
$323,063
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.4
3.8
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
5
4.5
Renting percentage
67.7%
46.4%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
6,160.8
1,151.6
Household income disparities
51.3%
44.9%
Housing units without a mortgage
686 (2.1%)
1,839 (19%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
1,692 (5.1%)
35 (0.4%)
Housing units with a mortgage
32,656 (97.9%)
7,824 (81%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
36 (0.1%)
596 (6.2%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
2,892 (8.7%)
835 (8.6%)
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.6%
0.8%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
26,340
2,013
State government workers
3,509
905
Unpaid family workers
695
247
Industries and Occupations
While Miami is primarily driven by service sectors, trade, real estate, manufacturing, and the creative industries, North Westside's economy relies mainly on agriculture, along with small businesses in the service and retail sector. Jobs in Miami tend to be more office-based, while North Westside offers more hands-on roles.
Health Care
Miami is home to world-class health facilities like the University of Miami Hospital and Miami Children’s Hospital. In contrast, healthcare in North Westside is less extensive but covers basic needs with local clinics and hospitals.
Infrastructure
Miami boasts an impressive infrastructure with international airports, sea ports, extensive highways, rail networks, and state-of-the-art medical facilities. North Westside offers less urban infrastructure but provides ample countryside appeal and rural facilities.
Infrastructure
Type
Miami
North Westside
TV stations
26
26
Culture and Food
Miami's rich cultural tapestry is reflected in its food scene, which boasts Cuban, Haitian, and other diverse cuisines. Art Basel, Calle Ocho, and Miami Film Festival highlight its cultural calendar. North Westside has a more traditional Southern U.S. lifestyle and cuisine, with local festivals and fairs celebrating this heritage.
Sports Teams
Miami is a hub for major sports, being home to the Miami Heat (NBA), Miami Dolphins (NFL), and Miami Marlins (MLB). North Westside doesn’t have any major sports teams and mostly roots for college games, with an affinity towards the University of Florida teams.
Miami, FL
North Westside, FL
Miami, FL and 
North Westside, FL : 7.5 miles
