There are so many reasons to move to Miami. This vibrant coastal city on southeastern Florida’s Atlantic Coast is a hotbed for outdoor fun, culture, food and endless good vibes. From white sandy beaches to incredible Cuban cuisine to the best late-night parties, this energetic, trendy city always has something new to offer. With so much to do, it’s one of the best places to live in the Sunshine State.
But as the second-most populous city in Florida and a major tourist destination, living here is pricey. Rent in particular is very high. As luck would have it, though, you can live close to Miami without paying Miami prices. These cheap cities near Miami allow you to live close by and take full advantage of the Miami lifestyle without paying through the roof for rent. The only thing going through the roof here are good times at those famous Miami parties.
The top cheap cities near Miami
The following list details the cheapest cities in the Miami metropolitan area by two-bedroom rent prices. Miami itself is even included in the top 10 cheapest cities. Kickstart your Florida life with an apartment in one of these cheap cities near Miami.
10. Miami, FL
- Average 2-BR rent: $3,620
- Rent change since 2021: +38.96%
Surprisingly, there are cities near Miami that are even more expensive than Miami itself. Both Miami Beach and Coral Gables are more expensive than Magic City. So, Miami makes the top 10 list for cheap cities near Miami. But it’s still expensive, costing over $3,500 per month for a two-bedroom apartment. Rent prices do vary by neighborhood, though.
Living in bustling, buzzy Miami, you’re quite literally at the center of the action. From fantastic nightlife to gorgeous sandy beaches, you get a lot of bang for your buck living here. There are tons of fun things to do. You can spend your days exploring the historic Art Deco district, visiting beautiful galleries and museums, diving into the multicultural dining scene or just chilling at the beach. If you need a break from the city, the famous Florida Everglades are just 20 minutes from town.
9. Fort Lauderdale, FL
- Average 2-BR rent: $3,387
- Rent change since 2021: +15.67%
In Fort Lauderdale, you can live in Venice without leaving the United States. Yes, really. Located half an hour north of Miami, this coastal city is known as the Venice of America thanks to its extensive system of canals. Running throughout the city, the canals cover over 300 miles in and around Fort Lauderdale connecting residential areas to commercial districts and the ocean. You can navigate them by boat or gondola and even take water taxis. If you’re lucky enough to live along a canal, you can even moor your boat out front.
Canals aside, Fort Lauderdale is known for its outdoor recreation like golf, pristine beaches, family-friendly attractions and vibrant arts and culture scene. Renting here is also significantly cheaper than in Miami, saving you over $200.
8. Doral, FL
- Average 2-BR rent: $3,065
- Rent change since 2021: +26.81%
Located roughly half an hour inland from central Miami, the city of Doral appeals to hip young people looking to live close to Miami but at a more affordable rate. Not only do residents here live near Miami, but Doral has plenty to keep locals happy. The massive Miami International Mall is a major retail center with over a hundred stores. Downtown Doral is a dynamic hub for entertainment, dining and shopping. The Everglades are practically right next door here, too, so it’s easy to get outdoors. If the Everglades are a bit too wild for you, golf is big here, too.
Just as Miami is known for its Cuban culture, Doral has a large Venezuelan population that brings Venezuelan food, culture and heritage to Doral. The city also offers a free trolley service, so it’s easy to get around and try everything Doral has to offer. And if you’re a frequent traveler, Doral should definitely be on your radar for cheap cities near Miami. The Miami International Airport is just one mile away.
7. Pembroke Pines, FL
- Average 2-BR rent: $2,830
- Rent change since 2021: +34.18%
For cozy, suburban-style living close to Miami, Pembroke Pines fits the bill. Sandwiched between the Everglades and the city of Hollywood, Pembroke Pines is about half an hour’s drive northwest of Miami. Rents here are more affordable for two-bedroom apartments, finally dropping into the $2,000 range. This affluent area is known for its great schools, community parks and amenities like shopping malls, dining and wholesome entertainment and activities suited for the whole family.
Renters are definitely taking notice of the quality of life in Pembroke Pines. Rent has increased more than 34 percent since last year.
6. Coral Springs, FL
- Average 2-BR rent: $2,398
- Rent change since 2021: +38.13%
When it comes to a great location near Miami, Coral Springs makes a strong case for being the best in the area. For one thing, Miami is about 45 minutes south. But it’s also close to ritzy Boca Raton, Pompano Beach and Fort Lauderdale. It’s even neighbors with the nearby Everglades and Francis S. Taylor Wildlife Management Area. Between these cities and the Everglades, Coral Springs residents have access to everything from beaches to wetlands to business to nightlife and much more.
While all that access is great, renters choose Coral Springs for its welcoming, family-oriented atmosphere. The city boasts of well-ranked schools, kid-friendly activities like Butterfly World, golf and safe, close-knit neighborhoods close to shopping and community centers. Affordability is another attractive component.
5. Plantation, FL
Source: Rent./Jacaranda Club
- Average 2-BR rent: $2,279
- Rent change since 2021: +30.22%
This prosperous suburban area is found 35 minutes almost directly north of Miami. From golf courses like the Jacaranda Golf Club to lush parks like the Plantation Heritage Park, Plantation is known for its green spaces. An abundance of parks and outdoor recreation areas allows Plantation’s 80,000+ residents to spend plenty of time outside in the Florida sun. The aptly-named Central Park is one such hub, with grassy fields, an aquatic complex, sports facilities and more places for the community to gather.
With other fun activities like farmers’ markets and museums, Plantation is a popular choice for families. Rent has gone up more than 30 percent in the past year, but it’s still one of the most affordable and cheap cities near Miami.
4. Pompano Beach, FL
- Average 2-BR rent: $1,950
- Rent change since 2021: +16.76%
Situated directly north of Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach is a breezy coastal city less than 40 minutes from Miami. Despite having a reputation as a very wealthy area, Pompano Beach is actually one of the more affordable and cheap cities in the Miami area. You can find two-bedroom apartments for less than $2,000 a month.
Compared to other hopping Gold Coast cities, Pompano Beach is known for being more laidback and relaxed. Residents can while away their time at the beach, shop at the Pompano Citi Centre or enjoy the more than 50 urban parks. But it’s not what’s on land that makes Pompano Beach so great. It’s what’s in the water. The area is famous for its offshore coral reef, which is a prime destination for snorkeling, scuba diving and boating. Elsewhere along the beach, fishing and other water sports are also available.
3. Hollywood, FL
- Average 2-BR rent: $1,937
- Rent change since 2021: +09.93%
With one of the lowest rent increases in the area from year to year, Hollywood is a reliable spot for renters near Miami. It’s located between Miami and Fort Lauderdale, with the center of the Magic City less than half an hour away. Fort Lauderdale is even closer at only 15 minutes, so residents of Hollywood can take advantage of both cities for work, play or both.
But Hollywood has plenty going on in its own right. This is a fun-loving city of all types, with tons of things to do. Strolling the two-and-a-half-mile palm-lined Hollywood Boardwalk with its ocean views and ample entertainment is a local favorite. You can also hang out in one of the 60+ parks around town, learn about the local environment at the Anne Kolb Nature Center or hang out at the beach. With a good mix of young and old residents, Hollywood, FL, can appeal to all ages.
2. Hialeah, FL
- Average 2-BR rent: $1,890
- Rent change since 2021: +00.15%
For cheap cities near Miami, it doesn’t get much better than Hialeah. A major city within the Miami metropolitan area, downtown Miami is roughly 20 minutes away. But Hialeah is far more affordable. Renters can find two-bedroom apartments close to the Miami buzz for less than $2,000 a month. Best of all, those rates have hardly changed over the past year. This bodes well for renting in the coming year, as well.
Along with low rents, Hialeah residents enjoy local attractions like the mural-covered Leah Arts District and parks like the Amelia Earhart Park. You can learn a lot about the city’s history and connection to the aviation industry around town. Hialeah is also known for reportedly having the highest population of Cubans and Cuban Americans outside Cuba. Yep, even more than Miami. So, if you’re looking to immerse yourself in Cuban and other Latin American cultures, this is the place.
1. Deerfield Beach, FL
- Average 2-BR rent: $1,770
- Rent change since 2021: +18.79%
Topping the list for the cheapest cities near Miami is Deerfield Beach, a beachside city roughly 45 minutes north of Miami. Along with attractively low rent, Deerfield Beach beckons to residents with its dedication to the environment, lack of tourist crowds, clean beaches and outdoor recreation opportunities. The city gets its name from the herds of deer seen here. While you may not see any suntanning deer now, you will see beautiful beaches and a healthy ocean. The Blue Wave beach has been officially commended for its cleanliness and conservation efforts. While the tourist crowds surge to more popular beaches elsewhere, you get blissfully empty beaches to enjoy.
From great parks and nature preserves to abundant shopping and dining, Deerfield has plenty to offer. Good schools and quiet neighborhoods also make it a popular choice for families. But one of its most unique claims to fame is that it’s one of the best places to try cable skiing. This epic sport is similar to waterskiing, with skiers being pulled on a cable while surfing along.
Find an apartment near Miami
As you can see, living near Florida’s hottest city doesn’t have to burn a hole in your wallet. You can find affordable suburbs and good quality of life throughout the Miami metro area. Spend less time worrying about money and more time relaxing on the beach or escaping the Florida heat in one of Miami’s world-class museums.
