Performance
Score Breakdown
Miami
Alabaster
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Alabaster is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
0% higher compared to Miami.
| Metric | Miami | Alabaster | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,247 | $0 | 0% |
| Groceries | $765 | $0 | 0% |
| Utilities | $378 | $0 | 0% |
| Transport | $368 | $0 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $128 | $0 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $3,886 | $0 | 0% |
| Cost Index | 120 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Miami offers similar average salaries.
| Metric | Miami | Alabaster |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $60,900 | $0 |
| Salary Needed | $87,156 | $0 |
| Household Income | $62,462 | $91,357 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Miami | Alabaster |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 75.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Miami has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,000 minutes (33 hours) per year compared to Alabaster.
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 | Miami | Alabaster |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 27 min | 31 min |
| Transit Score | 65.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Walkability | 77.0/10 | 10.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 60.00 | |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Miami is the larger city
— approximately 14x the population of Alabaster.
From a growth perspective, Miami is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Alabaster has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Miami | Alabaster |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 489,812 | 35,014 |
| Pop. Growth | 2.07% | 0.77% |
| Median Age | 39.3 | 39.6 |
| Unemployment | 2.80% | 2.50% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
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.
Alabaster
Advantages
Alabaster boasts exceptionally low violent crime rates, significantly below the national average, contributing to a strong sense of safety.
The overall cost of living in Alabaster is lower than the national average.
The median household income in Alabaster ($91,357 in 2024) is higher than both the state and national averages.
Alabaster's public schools are highly rated, making it an attractive place for families.
The city has a thriving and diverse economy with a 2.5% employment growth rate from 2023 to 2024.
Drawbacks
Alabaster has a low walkability score, meaning most errands require a car.
Public transportation is not readily available in Alabaster.
The average commute time of 30-32 minutes is longer than the national average.
A majority of amenities are not ideally situated within a reasonable walking distance.
Limited nightlife and dining options compared to larger metropolitan areas.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Miami
#4Florida, 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
Alabaster
#6Alabama, USA
75.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$0
Avg Salary
$0
Cost Index
Commute
31 min
Transit Score
0.0/10
Walkability
10.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.77%
Unemployment
2.50%
Livability
75
Business
0
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