Miami ranked third most expensive city in USA (insurance, house prices)

[sergio]

In this study from Forbes, Miami ranked 3rd behind only NY and LA.

I always thought cities like San Francisco, Houston or DC would be more expensive but Miami has surpassed them.

I can understand those other cities being expensive since they have plenty to offer.

But Miami?

No thanks! Warm weather and beaches aren't that attractive.

Enjoy!

In Depth: America's Most Expensive Cities - Forbes.com

[Edison Winter]

I think the city of Miami did not receive the memo because they don't pay there employees like NY or LA.

[bale002]

What is the criteria for the survey?

Indeed a key point is the amount of one's income and the source of it.

Compared to many northeastern states and California, house prices and taxes are still lower in Miami, insurance prices have come off and, if the structure is up to code, can be managed at reasonable levels.

If you have cash and/or a good source of income, not dependent on Miami's low average wages and salaries, then it still has advantages.

If, instead, you are dependent on employers' wages, then indeed the gap between income and expenses is probably greater in Miami than in most other US cities.

That's probably what this survey reflects.

[carbonblackcab]

The salaries and job opportunities in Miami are nothing comared to LA, NYC and other big cities. Miami is unique in that there are very few jobs that pay between 80-150K. Most of the jobs pay less than 80K and a few jobs pay 150K+. It is hard to have a decent middle class.

In the last 5 years the cost of livign here in miami has skyrocked and salaries have barely moved. It takes a while for these economic conditions to affect the population. There has been a constant outflow of people from south FL to GA, AL, NC, SC, etc. This flow will continue until the price of housing comes down and salaries go up.

[doggiebus]

This is not surprising! Sad to say. Thanks for the link.

[Cane Fan]

Originally Posted by sergio

In this study from Forbes, Miami ranked 3rd behind only NY and LA.

I always thought cities like San Francisco, Houston or DC would be more expensive but Miami has surpassed them.

I can understand those other cities being expensive since they have plenty to offer.

But Miami?

No thanks! Warm weather and beaches aren't that attractive.

Enjoy!

In Depth: America's Most Expensive Cities - Forbes.com

No way Miami is more expensive than San Francisco .. not sure what methodology is being used here , but no way . Also be careful with the criteria used here , I am originally from Houston and still visit there often and it is consistently ranked as one of the least expensive large cities to live in ... using only transportation costs as a gauge is not very accurate . I take all of these "lists " from CNN , Money Magazine , Forbes , Conde Nast Traveler all with a "grain of salt " ... no doubt Miami is expensive but more than SF , LA or Boston .... no way .

[JacobMAX]

Originally Posted by doggiebus

This is not surprising! Sad to say. Thanks for the link.

I agree...this is absolutely not surprising.

I prefer Broward ( especially SW Broward ) over Miami, is ( generally ) a little less expensive and the quality of life is a little better.

[socrates]

everything in texas is dirt cheap

[Cane Fan]

Originally Posted by socrates

everything in texas is dirt cheap

Housing and the cost of food are low in Texas ... but do not kid yourself .. property taxes are brutal much , much higher than in Florida .. utilities in Houston are high as well .

[Luiso]

When Florida oranges cost more in Miami to buy than in PA you know something is wrong lol