Moving to Florida
Moving to Miami for work: costs, taxes, and timeline
In Miami, the median one-bedroom rents for $2,600 a month, and typical fixed bills add $255 on top. A $120,000 salary leaves about $7,771 a month after tax, and roughly $4,366 free once rent, utilities, groceries, and transport are paid. Florida has no state income tax. Before your first paycheck, have $11,000–$15,500 in cash ready.
By the numbers
- Median 1BR rent
- $2,600/mo
- Zumper, Jul 2026
- Fixed monthly bills
- $255/mo
- utilities, internet, phone, renters insurance
- Sales tax
- 7%
- Florida has no state income tax
What each salary actually leaves you
Annual take-home is after federal tax, Social Security, Medicare, and state and local income tax. The monthly leftover then subtracts median rent, the fixed bills above, $400 of groceries, and $150 of transport — so it's what remains for savings, travel, dining out, and anything you send home.
| Salary | Take-home / yr | Per month | Left after rent & bills | Effective rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $80,000 | $65,110 | $5,426 | $2,021 | 18.6% |
| $100,000 | $79,180 | $6,598 | $3,193 | 20.8% |
| $120,000 | $93,250 | $7,771 | $4,366 | 22.3% |
| $150,000 | $113,791 | $9,483 | $6,078 | 24.1% |
Cash for your first 60 days
Before your first paycheck clears, Miami asks for money up front: first month plus deposit, a guarantor fee if you have no US credit history, temporary housing while you apartment-hunt, utility deposits, and a buffer. Plan on $11,000–$15,500 — the high end includes a car down payment.
23 dated tasks and 2 verified gotchas
Your roadmap puts each of these on a real date, counted back from your move day — including the traps that only bite if nobody warned you:
- If a building won't accept Nova Credit, a lease guarantor can unblock you
- No SSN yet? Utility and internet providers will ask for one anyway
- Confirm your visa strategy with your employer
- Map your visa process with your employer
One thing people get wrong here
Florida has no state income tax and doesn't tax unprepared groceries — but budget for hurricane season: many leases and insurance policies treat windstorm coverage separately.
Common questions
How much do you need to earn to live comfortably in Miami?
With the median one-bedroom rent ($2,600/mo) and typical fixed bills of $255/mo, a $80,000 salary (single filer) leaves roughly $2,021/mo free after taxes, rent, utilities, groceries, and transport. Below that the budget tightens quickly in Miami.
How much is rent in Miami?
The median one-bedroom apartment in Miami rents for about $2,600 per month (Zumper, Jul 2026). Budget for first month plus deposit up front as well, and a guarantor fee if you don't have US credit history yet.
What is take-home pay on $120,000 in Miami?
A $120,000 salary (single filer) leaves roughly $93,250 a year — about $7,771 a month — after federal tax, Social Security, Medicare, and state and local income tax. That's a 22.3% effective rate. Florida has no state income tax.
How much money should I have saved before moving to Miami?
Plan on $11,000–$15,500 in accessible cash for your first 60 days in Miami: first month plus deposit, a guarantor fee without US credit history, temporary housing while you search, utility setup, and a buffer. The high end includes a car down payment.
Does Florida have a state income tax?
Florida has no state income tax. Combined sales tax in Miami runs 7%.
What should I know about Miami that I wouldn't guess?
Florida has no state income tax and doesn't tax unprepared groceries — but budget for hurricane season: many leases and insurance policies treat windstorm coverage separately.
Run your own numbers
Every figure on this page comes from these free tools, and they all take your real salary:
Coming from a specific country?
Rent is the median one-bedroom from Zumper; tax math follows the 2026 IRS and state schedules; fixed bills are conservative national-typical figures. These are planning estimates, not tax or legal advice — your building, plan, and circumstances will differ.