Performance
Score Breakdown
Amherst
Miami
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Amherst is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
46% lower compared to Miami.
Housing costs are a major driver: Amherst's average rent is
53% lower than Miami's.
| Metric | Amherst | Miami | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,050 | $2,247 | -53% |
| Groceries | $344 | $765 | -55% |
| Utilities | $118 | $378 | -69% |
| Transport | $491 | $368 | +33% |
| Healthcare | $88 | $128 | -31% |
| Monthly Total | $2,091 | $3,886 | -46% |
| Cost Index | 70 | 120 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Miami offers 53% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Miami delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Amherst is estimated at
$35,000 vs $87,156 in Miami.
| Metric | Amherst | Miami |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $28,448 | $60,900 |
| Salary Needed | $35,000 | $87,156 |
| Purchasing Power | 40,640 idx | 50,750 idx |
| Household Income | $38,920 | $62,462 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Amherst | Miami |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | % | 75.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Amherst has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
6,000 minutes (100 hours) per year compared to Miami.
Miami scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Miami leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Amherst | Miami |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 15 min | 27 min |
| Transit Score | 0.0/10 | 65.0/10 |
| Walkability | 34.0/10 | 77.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 20.00 | 60.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Miami is the larger city
.
From a growth perspective, Miami is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Miami has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Amherst | Miami |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 10,072 | 489,812 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.80% | 2.07% |
| Median Age | 46.2 | 39.3 |
| Unemployment | 6.30% | 2.80% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Amherst
Advantages
The cost of living in Amherst is 6% lower than the national average, making it a highly affordable place to reside.
Amherst serves as a strategic gateway community into Nova Scotia, offering excellent transportation links and proximity to New Brunswick.
Residents have access to comprehensive healthcare services at the 24/7 Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre, which provides a wide range of specialties.
The town is considered a 'very walkable community' with various outdoor and indoor walking options available to residents.
Amherst has experienced a positive population growth rate of 1.8% year-over-year as of 2024, indicating a growing community.
Drawbacks
Amherst's crime rates are significantly higher, reported to be 154% above the Nova Scotia average.
Public transportation options are minimal, with only 0.4% of commuters using it, leading to a high reliance on personal vehicles.
The median household income in Amherst is $38,920 USD, which is lower than the Nova Scotia median household income of $49,950 USD.
With a median age of 46.2 years, the town has an older demographic profile, which may appeal less to younger populations seeking a vibrant youth culture.
Job growth in Nova Scotia, while positive, has slowed to 0.4% in 2025, potentially impacting local employment opportunities.
Miami
Advantages
Miami was ranked the second-most walkable city in the U.S. in 2025, with a walkability score of 77 out of 100.
The city boasts a diverse and growing economy, with strong sectors in technology, healthcare, and international trade.
Florida has no state income tax, which can be a significant financial advantage for residents and businesses.
Miami offers a vibrant cultural scene, influenced by its rich Latin American heritage, with diverse dining, music, and entertainment options.
The presence of highly-ranked hospitals like Baptist Health Baptist Hospital and Jackson Memorial Hospital ensures access to quality healthcare.
Drawbacks
The cost of living in Miami is significantly higher than the national average, with housing expenses being 57% more expensive.
Average rent in Miami is 35% higher than the national average, making it one of the most expensive rental markets in the U.S..
While improving, traffic congestion can be a challenge, and car dependency remains a factor for many residents outside highly walkable areas.
The median household income in Miami ($62,462 in 2024) is lower than the national average, potentially impacting affordability for some residents.
Summers in Miami are hot and humid, with a high likelihood of rainfall and tropical weather events.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Amherst
#2Nova Scotia, Canada
68.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,050
Avg Salary
$28,448
Cost Index
70
Commute
15 min
Transit Score
0.0/10
Walkability
34.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.80%
Unemployment
6.30%
Livability
65
Business
60
Miami
#3Florida, USA
78.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,247
Avg Salary
$60,900
Cost Index
120
Commute
27 min
Transit Score
65.0/10
Walkability
77.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
2.07%
Unemployment
2.80%
Livability
82
Business
80
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