This comprehensive guide provides detailed insight into the differences between living in Washington, DC and Miami, FL. Each city boasts unique features, from state and local taxes to sports teams, industries, education systems, and healthcare facilities. It will delve into factors such as crime, weather, cost of living, work, and economy amongst others which could be valuable for people considering relocating to either of these cities or simply visiting as tourists.
Distance between
Washington, DC and
Miami, FL : 925.8 miles
Washington's population is larger by 52%. Its population has grown by 97,991 people (17.1%) since 2000. The population of Miami has grown by 77,420 people (21.4%) during that time.
Living in Washington, DC, you'll find the crime rate is higher than the national average, with varying crime rates across neighborhoods. However, the city's law enforcement is actively working to improve safety. On the other hand, Miami also has a higher than average crime rate, but much like DC, the rate changes dramatically from neighborhood to neighborhood.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 1,058 registered sex offenders living in Washington and 1,365 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Washington is 644 to 1; the ratio in Miami is 332 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a smaller in Washington than in Miami.
Cost of Living
The cost of living is high in both cities, but it is generally more expensive in Washington, DC including housing and some services. Miami's cost of living is also above the U.S. average, but overall, it is less expensive than Washington, DC.
Income Tax
Washington, DC imposes a progressive income tax system ranging from 4% to 8.95%. Florida, however, does not have a state income tax, making Miami attractive to those with high income.
Property Tax
Property taxes are relatively high in both Washington, DC and Miami, but Miami homeowners typically experience slightly higher rates due to high real estate values.
Sales Tax
Sales tax in Washington, DC is 5.75%, though some items are taxed at different rates. Miami, a part of Florida, doesn't have a state sales tax, but Miami-Dade County imposes a sales tax of 7%.
Income
Type
Washington
Miami
Estimated median household income
$90,088
$48,789
Estimated per capita income
$65,808
$37,223
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
124.2
110.1
If you make $50,000 in Miami, you will have to make $56,403 in Washington to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Miami is characterized by its coastal location and is flat with a high water table, making it prone to flooding. Washington, DC, while also located along a river, is less prone to severe natural disasters. DC is mostly flat but does have some rolling hills.
Both cities have strong education systems. Washington, DC houses renowned universities like Georgetown and George Washington University. In Miami, institutions such as the University of Miami and Miami-Dade College are well-regarded. Both cities have numerous public and private primary and secondary schools.
Washington, DC is heavily influenced by the government sector, while also featuring prominent education, health, and tourism sectors. Miami's economy leans heavily on tourism, international trade, and finance sectors. Unemployment rates in both regions are comparable to the national average.
Biggest Employers
The Federal government is by far the largest employer in Washington, DC. Meanwhile, in Miami, large employers include the University of Miami, American Airlines, and Carnival Cruises.
There were 376 building permits issued in Washington in 2012 (149 more than in 2011) compared to 102 building permits issued in Miami in 2012 (81 more than in 2011).
In Washington (District of Columbia), 90.9% voted for Democrats and 7.3% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Miami (Miami-Dade County), 61.8% voted for Democrats and 38.0% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Washington
Miami
Washington
Miami
Washington
Miami
2020
92.6%
53.5%
5.4%
46.2%
2.0%
0.3%
2016
90.9%
63.4%
4.1%
33.9%
5.0%
2.7%
2012
90.9%
61.8%
7.3%
38.0%
1.8%
0.3%
2008
92.5%
58.1%
6.5%
41.9%
1.0%
0.0%
2004
89.6%
53.0%
9.4%
46.7%
1.0%
0.3%
2000
85.2%
52.7%
9.0%
46.4%
5.9%
0.9%
1996
85.2%
57.3%
9.3%
37.9%
5.5%
4.8%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Washington
Miami
Washington
Miami
CATHOLIC CHURCH
12.6%
21.8%
7.4%
4.5%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
6.2%
0.0%
10.3%
0.2%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
4.4%
3.2%
10.3%
21.8%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
3.1%
0.5%
5.3%
2.1%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.9%
1.1%
1.8%
4.3%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.7%
0.9%
1.1%
1.0%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.5%
0.2%
2.1%
1.3%
Weather
Weather is a major difference between these cities. Washington, DC experiences a hot-summer humid continental climate, meaning hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. Snowfall is common in winter. Miami, however, has a tropical monsoon climate, with hot, humid summers and warm winters. Furthermore, Miami faces hurricane threats.
Weather and climate
Type
Washington
Miami
Temperature - Average
56.4°F
77.3°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
68.8%
77.3%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
33%
31%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
81%
86%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
48%
55%
Precipitation - Yearly average
42.7 in
60 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
32.4 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
15.9%
12.3%
Sunshine amount - Average
61.5%
76.8%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
21%
16%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
66%
79%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
45%
63%
Wind speed - Average
9.7 mph
9.1 mph
Average climate in Washington, District of Columbia
Average climate in Miami, Florida
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Washington
Miami
Washington
Miami
Washington
Miami
Washington
Miami
Washington
Washington
Miami
Washington
Miami
Washington
Miami
2018
88
72
0.32
0.24
11.6
2.7
23.2
31.8
N/A
N/A
16.4
15.5
8.8
8.6
0.8
0.3
2017
84
80
0.32
0.27
12.3
3.0
24.9
30.9
N/A
N/A
16.5
N/A
9.8
8.5
1.0
0.4
2016
98
68
0.43
0.30
14.7
2.9
24.6
32.6
0.002
N/A
17.2
N/A
9.5
7.2
1.0
0.0
2015
91
62
0.34
0.23
14.8
2.4
26.2
29.0
0.002
N/A
17.0
N/A
10.4
8.2
1.3
0.0
2014
85
71
0.33
0.21
11.6
3.8
25.9
30.7
0.002
N/A
17.1
N/A
10.0
8.0
1.0
0.0
2013
88
64
0.34
0.22
11.7
3.1
25.6
30.8
0.002
N/A
17.3
N/A
11.6
7.9
1.0
0.0
2012
103
71
0.58
0.19
15.2
2.9
27.6
32.1
0.002
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.2
8.7
1.6
0.0
2011
105
72
0.67
0.16
15.4
3.0
27.7
32.3
0.002
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.4
8.7
3.1
0.0
2010
114
77
0.88
0.31
15.9
4.2
29.3
32.3
0.003
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.3
9.1
3.4
0.0
2009
90
67
0.86
0.53
16.2
3.3
24.4
31.9
0.002
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.6
9.1
4.6
0.0
2008
103
95
1.23
0.55
16.2
3.8
25.3
31.0
0.003
N/A
N/A
18.0
8.5
10.5
5.6
0.0
2007
113
94
1.17
0.59
16.8
5.0
27.1
33.5
0.004
N/A
N/A
21.9
10.4
10.5
5.1
0.0
2006
114
87
1.11
0.48
17.2
5.8
25.5
34.6
0.004
N/A
N/A
22.3
10.9
10.2
4.5
0.0
2005
105
75
0.86
0.55
20.5
6.0
22.7
31.8
0.006
N/A
N/A
18.8
11.7
8.7
4.5
0.0
2004
113
69
0.62
1.02
21.3
5.9
20.6
31.3
0.004
N/A
N/A
19.5
11.3
8.5
6.5
0.3
2003
108
70
0.90
0.99
23.6
6.5
20.8
29.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.2
8.4
8.3
0.4
2002
125
75
1.16
0.71
23.7
6.3
25.0
30.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.4
6.7
2.1
2001
113
84
1.07
0.80
23.9
5.9
22.0
30.2
0.017
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.1
6.7
1.5
2000
115
66
1.17
0.89
20.2
6.7
19.1
31.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.2
1.3
Natural disasters
Type
Washington
Miami
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
110.6%
63%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
42.9%
1.1%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
19%
10%
Transportation
Washington, DC boasts a wide-ranging public transit system, including the Metrorail and Metrobus. Miami also has various public transit options, such as the Metrorail and Metrobus, but its public transit is not as heavily used as in DC.
Transport
Type
Washington
Miami
Amtrak stations
1
2
Amtrak stations nearby
3
3
FAA registered aircraft
456
1
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
3
159
Means of transportation to work
Type
Washington
Miami
Bicycle
2%
0.8%
Bus
6.3%
3.8%
Carpooled
7.8%
8.5%
Car alone
62.5%
81.1%
Railroad
0.3%
0.2%
Streetcar
10.6%
0.5%
Subway
1.3%
0.3%
Taxicab
0.8%
0.2%
Walked
5.7%
2.6%
Average travel time to work
Type
Washington
Miami
Average
39.2 min
33.7 min
Other means
26 min
26.1 min
Public transportation
38.9 min
48.5 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Washington
Miami
Average
1.1
1.1
Drove alone
89.4%
89%
In 2 person carpool
9.7%
9.2%
In 3 person carpool
0.6%
0.9%
In 4 person carpool
0.4%
0.4%
In 5-6 person carpool
0%
0.3%
In 7+ person carpool
0%
0.2%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate is pricey in both cities, but particularly in Washington, DC. DC appeals more to those looking for urban-style living, while Miami provides a mix of city living and beachfront properties.
Neighborhoods
Both cities offer a variety of neighborhoods catering to different demographics. In DC, you’ll find areas like Capitol Hill and Georgetown, which are historic and upscale. In Miami, neighborhoods like Miami Beach cater to the upscale, while Little Havana reflects the city’s diverse culture.
Houses and residents
Type
Washington
Miami
Houses
357,482
219,775
Average household size (people)
2.1
2.5
Median year apartment built
1965
1981
Median year house/condo built
1941
1968
Length of stay in the house since moving in
13.5 years
13.8 years
Houses occupied
319,565 (89.4%)
192,219 (87.5%)
Houses occupied by owners
132,936 (41.6%)
58,463 (30.4%)
Houses occupied by renters
186,629 (58.4%)
133,756 (69.6%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$2,791
$2,006
Median monthly housing costs
$1,817
$1,456
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$996,150
$1,201,540
Estimated median house or condo value
$669,900
$411,300
Median numbers of rooms
3.8
3.8
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.1
3.4
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6
5
Median house price - detached houses
Over $1,000,000
$499,839
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
Over $1,000,000
$427,603
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$471,443
$107,725
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$527,983
$570,126
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$817,288
$768,446
Median house price - All housing units
$790,542
$550,392
Median house age
65
43
Renting percentage
58%
67.7%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
5,821.9
6,160.8
House value disparities
26.7%
31.5%
Household income disparities
45.7%
51.3%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$163,111
$92,897
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$108,852
$52,201
Housing units without a mortgage
777 (0.8%)
686 (2.1%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
8,586 (8.5%)
1,692 (5.1%)
Housing units with a mortgage
100,122 (99.2%)
32,656 (97.9%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
1,057 (1%)
36 (0.1%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
12,793 (12.7%)
2,892 (8.7%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
10
10
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
2
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.5%
1.6%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.5%
0.8%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Washington
Miami
One, detached
11.2%
22.6%
One, attached
22.2%
9.7%
Two
2.7%
3.3%
3 or 4
6.8%
4.0%
5 to 9
7.3%
5.8%
10 to 19
8.5%
6.9%
20 to 49
7.6%
8.3%
50 or more
33.6%
39.2%
Mobile homes
0.2%
0.2%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
16,654
26,340
State government workers
6,699
3,509
Unpaid family workers
580
695
Industries and Occupations
Given its status as the capital, DC has many jobs in the political, educational, and federal sectors. Miami is known for its roles in entertainment, finance, commerce, and international trade. It's also a hub for Spanish-language media.
Both cities offer high-end healthcare facilities. DC is home to nationally ranked hospitals like MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. In Miami, Jackson Memorial Hospital and the University of Miami Health System are well-regarded.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Washington
Miami
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Both cities have well-developed infrastructure with international airports, hospitals, universities, parks, and recreation centers. However, Washington, DC's status as the nation's capital means it has many more monuments, museums, and governmental buildings.
Infrastructure
Type
Washington
Miami
Hospitals
114
47
TV stations
27
26
Arenas or stadiums
4
3
Bank branches located here
247
346
Bank institutions located here
34
53
Main business address for public companies
30
29
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
5
9
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Washington
Miami
1999
1,328
0
2000
1,438
1,368
2001
935
1,354
2002
886
1,274
2003
1,319
1,618
2004
2,281
2,862
2005
2,920
4,991
2006
3,362
7,400
2007
2,548
5,318
2008
1,095
3,212
2009
514
888
Culture and Food
Both cities have vibrant cultural scenes. Washington, DC blends Southern and Northern American cultures, creating a unique mix, and is known for its museums and festivals. Miami, with its substantial Latino population, has a rich cultural scene heavily influenced by Latin cultures, and offers a plethora of seafood and Cuban cuisines.
Sports Teams
Washington, DC houses teams from all major sports, including the Washington Nationals (MLB), Washington Football Team (NFL), and Washington Wizards (NBA). Miami is also well-represented with teams such as the Miami Marlins (MLB), Miami Dolphins (NFL), and Miami Heat (NBA).
Washington, DC
Miami, FL
