Miami is a city of sun-soaked beaches, nonstop nightlife, and pastel-colored art deco buildings—but it’s also a city where the cost of living can feel like a permanent heatwave on your bank account. Fortunately, there are some affordable Miami suburbs that offer a high quality of life without sacrificing convenience, entertainment, or access to nature. Whether you’re looking for a quieter lifestyle or simply trying to stretch your rental budget a bit farther, here’s a look at a handful of Miami’s most affordable suburbs.
Miami’s housing market at a glance
Miami’s housing costs can be high, but several nearby suburbs provide more affordable options. These areas offer a mix of coastal charm, suburban convenience, and easy access to the city. Before we dive into the best budget-friendly suburbs, here’s a quick look at Miami’s current housing market.
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$660,000 |
1. Miami Gardens
Miami Gardens is the kind of place where big events and everyday life collide in the best way possible.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,705
- Distance from Miami: 16 miles north
- Drive time to Miami: About 25 minutes
With an average 1-bedroom apartment rent of $1,700, Miami Gardens is one of the more affordable options for those who still want to stay close to the action. Hard Rock Stadium looms large here, hosting everything from Miami Dolphins games to world-class concerts and major sporting events. Calder Casino adds another layer of excitement, offering gaming, dining, and live entertainment. But Miami Gardens isn’t just about flashing lights and big crowds—there are plenty of quiet residential pockets that make it an attractive place to call home.
2. Kendall
Kendall is where Miami’s energy starts to mellow, trading high-rises for palm-lined streets.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,750
- Distance from Miami: 15 miles southwest
- Drive time to Miami: About 25 minutes
At $1,750 for a one-bedroom, Kendall offers a balanced mix of affordability and accessibility. Dadeland Mall is the retail heart of the area, a massive shopping center where you can find everything from designer brands to local boutiques. For outdoorsy types, Kendall Indian Hammocks Park provides a peaceful escape with shaded trails and disc golf courses. Kendall is the kind of place where you can enjoy the best of Miami without constantly feeling like you’re in the middle of the chaos.
3. Hollywood
Hollywood manages to capture the magic of Miami Beach without the sky-high rents.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,750
- Distance from Miami: 20 miles north
- Drive time to Miami: About 30 minutes
With an average 1-bedroom rent of $1,750, Hollywood gives you beachfront living at a fraction of the cost. The Hollywood Beach Boardwalk is the town’s crown jewel, a scenic stretch of waterfront lined with restaurants, ice cream stands, and live music. The Anne Kolb Nature Center offers a different kind of water experience, with waterways winding through mangroves and wetlands. Hollywood feels like a relaxed alternative to Miami, where you can swap neon lights for cool ocean breezes.
4. Hallandale Beach
Hallandale Beach is a blend of laid-back coastal living and high-energy entertainment.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,800
- Distance from Miami: 20 miles northeast
- Drive time to Miami: About 30 minutes
At $1,800 per month for a 1-bedroom, renting here gets you close to both the ocean and some of South Florida’s most famous attractions. Gulfstream Park is a major draw, hosting thoroughbred horse racing alongside a lively shopping and dining complex. The town’s namesake beach is a quieter, less touristy alternative to South Beach, with golden sand and clear blue waters. Hallandale Beach is for those who want to enjoy the Miami lifestyle without the constant hustle.
5. Davie
Davie has a personality all its own, blending suburban convenience with a surprising nod to cowboy culture.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,906
- Distance from Miami: 26 miles north
- Drive time to Miami: About 40 minutes
With an average 1-bedroom rent of $1,906, Davie delivers something different. Flamingo Gardens is a lush, tropical retreat filled with native wildlife and botanical gardens, perfect for an afternoon escape. Bergeron Rodeo Grounds keeps the town’s western roots alive with rodeos, horse shows, and country-themed events throughout the year. Davie is where you can live a little outside the norm while still staying close to Miami’s modern amenities.
6. Coral Springs
Coral Springs is a suburb that values green space and the arts in equal measure.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,967
- Distance from Miami: 34 miles north
- Drive time to Miami: About 50 minutes
At $1,967 for a 1-bedroom apartment, Coral Springs is on the higher end, but it makes up for it with its well-planned neighborhoods and top-tier attractions. The Tall Cypress Natural Area is a peaceful preserve filled with boardwalk trails that let you experience Florida’s natural beauty up close. The Coral Springs Center for the Arts keeps the town’s creative energy alive with live performances, art exhibits, and community events. Coral Springs isn’t flashy, but it’s a place that provides space, serenity, and a touch of sophistication.
7. Pompano Beach
Pompano Beach is where the oceanfront lifestyle feels a little less hectic—and a lot more affordable.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,973
- Distance from Miami: 36 miles north
- Drive time to Miami: About 50 minutes
With an average rent of $1,973, Pompano Beach is a coastal gem that hasn’t been fully discovered. The Pompano Beach Pier is a picturesque spot for fishing, strolling, or simply taking in the views of the Atlantic. Butterfly World adds a touch of whimsy, with thousands of butterflies fluttering through lush tropical gardens. Pompano Beach feels like a vacation town, except you actually get to live here.
8. Miramar
Miramar is one of the fastest-growing suburbs near Miami, and for good reason.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $2,100
- Distance from Miami: 20 miles northwest
- Drive time to Miami: About 35 minutes
With the average 1-bedroom apartment renting for $2,100, Miramar is not the cheapest suburb on the list, but it’s packed with perks. The Miramar Cultural Center is a hub for live performances, art exhibits, and community events that keep the town lively. Snake Warrior Island is a lesser-known but fascinating historical site with walking trails through old Everglades land. Miramar is for those who want a well-rounded suburban experience with something for everyone.
9. Pembroke Pines
Pembroke Pines offers a little bit of everything—shopping, nature, and a strong sense of community.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $2,111
- Distance from Miami: 23 miles northwest
- Drive time to Miami: About 40 minutes
With an average rent of $2,111 for a 1-bedroom, it’s an investment in convenience. C.B. Smith Park is one of the town’s best assets, with water slides, a golf course, and plenty of green space to enjoy. Pembroke Lakes Mall ensures that retail therapy is never far away. Pembroke Pines is a suburb that doesn’t try too hard—it just quietly delivers on everything you need.
10. Weston
Weston is one of the most well-manicured and thoughtfully designed suburbs near Miami.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $2,204
- Distance from Miami: 32 miles northwest
- Drive time to Miami: About 50 minutes
At $2,204 for a 1-bedroom apartment, Weston is on the higher end, but it offers a level of refinement that’s hard to match. Weston Town Center is a charming gathering place filled with boutiques, and cafés, like the beloved Watts & Coffee. Peace Mound Park is a scenic retreat, offering winding walking paths and lake views. Weston is a suburb for those who want tranquility with a touch of upscale living.
Find the best Miami burb for you
The most affordable Miami suburbs offer a range of lifestyles, from beachside retreats to artsy enclaves. Whether you’re drawn to Hollywood’s laid-back waterfront, Kendall’s suburban ease, or Weston’s polished charm, there’s an affordable Miami suburb that fits your budget and your style. The hardest part isn’t finding an affordable suburb—it’s deciding which one feels like home.
Affordability is based on whether a suburb’s one-bedroom rent was less than Miami’s average rent and under 40 miles from downtown Miami. Average rental data from Miami rental market trends in January, 2025. Population data sourced from the United States Census Bureau.
