Life in Orlando vs Miami isn’t all about parties and vacation. Being Florida’s two most popular cities, each city offers a unique lifestyle and characteristics. The fantastic theme park experience in Orlando is a great attraction for families with kids. If you are enjoying your life at the beaches and nightclubs, perhaps Miami will suit you better. No matter where you decide to go, both these cities promise you perfect time spending.
Miami is expensive but cosmopolitan which is also called an elite global destination. You won’t feel bored in Miami with its nightlife, fashion, shopping and culture, of course. Orlando is an excellent choice if you are planning to move to Florida. Orlando, known as “the theme park capital of the world”, is home to Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort. Stepping outside your door will make you feel like you are on a permanent tropical vacation. The cost of living in Orlando is about 3% lower than the average Florida cost of living.
C. Nicole, 36
I prefer Orlando.
Miami is much more cosmopolitan and has a big city feel. But it is also more prone to hurricanes, the cost of living is higher (housing is about 40 percent more), unemployment is higher, median income is a bit lower, and if you cannot fluently speak Spanish, finding entry level or public facing jobs can be a challenge (but definitely not impossible). Its also far from the rest of the country so driving trips to other states are a major undertaking.
Orlando is bigger and less densely populated (about 2.5k people per square mile vs. 12k for Miami). Within a 5 minute drive from where I live, I can spot birds of all types, cows, horses, pigs, peacocks, armadillos, gators, and more. Yet, within a 15 minute radius I have access to at least 10 or 15 grocery stores, a mall and many many many stores, lots of places to eat, exercise … there are several theaters/playhouses, many parks, and lots more. There are a number of beaches that are about 45 minutes to an hour away. Tampa is an hour away, Melbourne is an hour away, Clearwater is an hour and a half away. Miami is 3.5 hours away, with Ft Lauderdale being a bit closer. I can get to Georgia in about 4 hours, and Atlanta in 6. Or drive south and be in the Keys (or north and hit the beautiful gulf beaches) in 6 hours.
I know my neighbors, the neighborhood is safe, overall it is a great place to live.
In Orlando, we get hurricanes much less frequently, the unemployment rate is lower, and Spanish is not a requirement for most jobs (though it is almost always welcome and you can learn for free at the library which is a plus). Good housing in nice neighborhoods is much much cheaper. I think the tech sector is better here though it’s a bit of a small pond compared to some other places. This is also a great place for artists; there’s lots of steady work for creative types and the town is arts-friendly.
BearBrawl, 33
I moved from Miami to Orlando 8 months ago. The change from peoples personality and lifestyle are drastically different in my opinion. If you’re single its easier to find someone of your age in Miami. The only thing is that you are going to spend more money in that aspect. People are not as nice and its really a you should get your shit together and do your own thing mentality. If you were able to do New York that’s the same kind of thing you should expect in South Florida. Also know the weather is always hot and humid there. The pros in Miami are that you can network endlessly. There’s also so much to do and visit its awesome. You can’t beat the food because of so many cultures that reside there so you know you’ll find something you like no matter what. I think the traffic is worse here in Orlando.
Amber Boone, 31
I’ve lived in both Orlando and Tampa and traveled to Miami to visit friends who live there (a lot). Let’s start with Orlando: land-locked but lots of lakes and rivers. The closer you get to Disney the more “suburban-hell” it becomes. Think chain restaurants and strip malls. Orlando proper has a beautiful downtown area, the nightlife scene has cycled through boom and bust but it seems to be getting much better again. Cost of living is decent and the chance that you’ll befriend someone working at a theme park is pretty high- so you can score tickets. It’s a 1.5 hour drive to either coast and easy access to anywhere due to 1 busy airport with lots of direct flights. The different areas were way more segregated- they still are but getting less so slowly. Miami is The South’s NYC. It’s got everything and everyone. It’s big- it’s got neighborhoods dedicated to all types of immigrants and it’s so much fun to explore and experience. But you do need to be careful because outsiders can become targets. The nightlife could take a whole paragraph or 5. The food? Same. The Atlantic Ocean is rougher so you get the smell of salt when you’re on the beaches (unlike the west coast). The cost of living is higher. Plenty of small schools, medium schools, and the University of Miami in the area. I’ve never visited it’s campus so I can’t describe it but the graduates I’ve met LOVE that school! It’s always warmer in winter and summer than the other 2 cities being further south. It’s got a huge airport with even more international flights than Orlando- but it’s also not as easy to navigate.
So, now that you know what to expect from both cities, will your new home be in Orlando vs Miami? Miami attracts young people due to its amazing energy and atmosphere. Orlando is for the cost of living. In both areas you have lots of wonderful cultural diversity, and tons of things to do. So whatever the reason for your moving to Miami or Orlando may be, choosing the right company to relocate can make your life easier. If you have already made your choice our team of professionals is ready to provide all the necessary services your unique relocation requires. Let us be the mediators that can help you to coordinate your fast and easy move to a new life. Get a free moving quote, use our moving cost calculator or contact us to know all the details.
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