Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
23% cheaper
Miami is 23% more affordable than Oakland. A $75,000 salary in Oakland is equivalent to $57,727 in Miami.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Florida salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Miami has a housing index of 172 while Oakland sits at 264 (national average = 100). The median home in Miami costs $450,000 compared to $780,000 in Oakland, a difference of $330,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,200 in Miami versus $2,700 in Oakland.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Miami scores 108 while Oakland scores 109.
Healthcare costs in Miami (99) are lower than Oakland (113).
Median household income in Miami is $44,268 compared to $73,692 in Oakland. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Miami.
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