Cost of Living: Miami vs San Jose (2026)

San Jose is cheaper. A 1-bedroom apartment in city centre costs around $998/month there vs $3010/month in the other city (Numbeo data).

Miami is statistically safer based on UNODC homicide data. Miami has a rate of 6.10 per 100,000 and San Jose has 17.75 per 100,000.

San Jose scores 60 to Miami's 48 on livability — the gap is real. Miami has its charms, but the numbers favor San Jose. See the full comparison above for rent, safety, internet speed, climate, and democracy scores to decide which city fits your priorities.

Miami: no specific remote work visa. San Jose: Costa Rica Pensionado (easy to get, 2 years (renewable, PR after 3 years)). See each city's profile page for full requirements.

Miami is warmer in summer (90°F vs 77°F). San Jose has milder summers, which suits those who prefer cooler weather. Climate preference is personal — use the weather section above to compare seasons.

Miami is easier for street-level English (100/100) than San Jose (30/100). That's the score that matters for doctors, landlords, and bureaucracy. Office English can still run higher than street English in both cities.

A 1-bedroom in the centre: $998/month in San Jose, $3010/month in Miami (Numbeo). That's 67% cheaper rent in San Jose.

Miami scores higher on our composite healthcare index (79/100 vs 63/100 for San Jose). That score combines clinical outcomes (IHME), universal coverage (WHO), and resident perception (Numbeo) — not just whether hospitals exist but whether the system actually works for settlers.