Performance
Score Breakdown
Homewood
Miami
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Homewood is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
27% lower compared to Miami.
Housing costs are a major driver: Homewood's average rent is
38% lower than Miami's.
| Metric | Homewood | Miami | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,400 | $2,247 | -38% |
| Groceries | $440 | $765 | -42% |
| Utilities | $275 | $378 | -27% |
| Transport | $80 | $368 | -78% |
| Healthcare | $625 | $128 | +388% |
| Monthly Total | $2,820 | $3,886 | -27% |
| Cost Index | 92 | 120 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Homewood offers 8% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Homewood delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Homewood is estimated at
$55,000 vs $87,156 in Miami.
| Metric | Homewood | Miami |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $65,695 | $60,900 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $87,156 |
| Purchasing Power | 71,408 idx | 50,750 idx |
| Household Income | $94,485 | $62,462 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Homewood | Miami |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 72.00% | 75.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Homewood has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
5,000 minutes (83 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 | Homewood | Miami |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 17 min | 27 min |
| Transit Score | 30.0/10 | 65.0/10 |
| Walkability | 65.0/10 | 77.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 70.00 | 60.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Miami is the larger city
— approximately 0.1x the population of Homewood.
From a growth perspective, Miami is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Homewood has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Homewood | Miami |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 28,830 | 489,812 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.80% | 2.07% |
| Median Age | 29.0 | 39.3 |
| Unemployment | 2.10% | 2.80% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Homewood
Advantages
Homewood offers a high quality of life with a strong community feel and excellent local amenities.
The city boasts a low unemployment rate of 2.1% as of April 2026, indicating a robust job market.
Homewood provides convenient access to major employment centers and top-tier healthcare facilities in downtown Birmingham.
The overall cost of living is lower than the national average, despite higher housing costs compared to the broader metro area.
Homewood is noted for its walkability, allowing residents to access many local amenities on foot.
Drawbacks
Housing costs in Homewood are significantly higher than in other parts of the Birmingham metropolitan area.
The city exhibits high car dependency, with 82% of residents using personal vehicles for commuting.
Public transportation options are limited, with only 1% of residents relying on public transit.
Major traffic congestion can be an issue on key routes like US-280, impacting commute times.
The median household income saw a 12.8% decline in 2024, despite a high average household income.
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.
Homewood
#3Alabama, USA
78.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,400
Avg Salary
$65,695
Cost Index
92
Commute
17 min
Transit Score
30.0/10
Walkability
65.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.80%
Unemployment
2.10%
Livability
82
Business
75
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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