Performance
Score Breakdown
Burlington
Miami
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Burlington is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
43% lower compared to Miami.
Housing costs are a major driver: Burlington's average rent is
27% lower than Miami's.
| Metric | Burlington | Miami | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,635 | $2,247 | -27% |
| Groceries | $330 | $765 | -57% |
| Utilities | $111 | $378 | -71% |
| Transport | $72 | $368 | -80% |
| Healthcare | $70 | $128 | -45% |
| Monthly Total | $2,218 | $3,886 | -43% |
| Cost Index | 85 | 120 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Miami offers 18% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Burlington delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Burlington is estimated at
$58,490 vs $87,156 in Miami.
| Metric | Burlington | Miami |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $49,679 | $60,900 |
| Salary Needed | $58,490 | $87,156 |
| Purchasing Power | 58,446 idx | 50,750 idx |
| Household Income | $77,330 | $62,462 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Burlington | Miami |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 70.00% | 75.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Miami has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
1,500 minutes (25 hours) per year compared to Burlington.
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 | Burlington | Miami |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 30 min | 27 min |
| Transit Score | 50.0/10 | 65.0/10 |
| Walkability | 65.0/10 | 77.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 55.00 | 60.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Miami is the larger city
— approximately 0.4x the population of Burlington.
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 | Burlington | Miami |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 198,805 | 489,812 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.54% | 2.07% |
| Median Age | 44.4 | 39.3 |
| Unemployment | 6.91% | 2.80% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Burlington
Advantages
Consistently ranked as a top livable city in Canada, with 95% of residents rating their quality of life as 'Good' or 'Excellent'.
Strong and diversified economy with key industries including Advanced Manufacturing, Biomedical & Life Sciences, and IT Communications.
Strategic location within the Golden Horseshoe, offering excellent transportation links to major cities like Toronto.
Abundant natural attractions, including Lake Ontario waterfront, the Niagara Escarpment, and numerous parks and trails.
Access to high-quality healthcare services through Joseph Brant Hospital, a comprehensive community teaching hospital.
Drawbacks
Cost of living is higher than the Canadian national average, particularly for housing.
Average rent for apartments is relatively high, with a 1-bedroom averaging $1,406 USD and a 2-bedroom averaging $1,684 USD.
While generally safe, some residents in 2024 expressed concerns about a perceived decline in safety.
Car dependency is medium, and specific public transit and walkability scores are not widely published, suggesting reliance on personal vehicles for many areas.
Limited number of general hospitals, with Joseph Brant Hospital being the primary facility for the city.
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.
Burlington
#1Ontario, Canada
75.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,635
Avg Salary
$49,679
Cost Index
85
Commute
30 min
Transit Score
50.0/10
Walkability
65.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.54%
Unemployment
6.91%
Livability
78
Business
70
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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