Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
30% cheaper
Miami is 30% more affordable than San Jose. A $75,000 salary in San Jose is equivalent to $52,335 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 San Jose sits at 308 (national average = 100). The median home in Miami costs $450,000 compared to $1,300,000 in San Jose, a difference of $850,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,200 in Miami versus $3,100 in San Jose.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Miami scores 108 while San Jose scores 110.
Healthcare costs in Miami (99) are lower than San Jose (112).
Median household income in Miami is $44,268 compared to $117,324 in San Jose. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Miami.
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