Seattle vs. Miami – How do food and dining costs compare?

Seattle vs. Miami – How do food and dining costs compare?.jpeg

Considering a move or even just a vacation, the cost of food and dining weighs much in the balance. Seattle and Miami are two cosmopolitan cities living life to the full, each with its own culture and its own character. Each serves a different culinary experience. But each experience has its price. So let's look at detailed comparisons of food and dining costs in Seattle versus Miami to help you in your decision.

Overall Cost of Living and Dining

Miami is on average 6.6% cheaper than Seattle. But, considering restaurants and accommodation, Miami is more expensive. If not considering the rent, Seattle is 10.9% more expensive compared to Miami in terms of living cost, says Numbeo. However, including the rent factor, Seattle costs 0.6% less than Miami in terms of cost of living. This means that housing costs are a significant component of the cost of living in both cities.

Restaurant Prices

Eating out is a regular affair, and restaurants are quite expensive in one city compared to another. As stated by mylifeelsewhere.com, you will have to shell out 6.6% more for restaurants in Miami. But Numbeo claims that the restaurant prices in Seattle are 0.1% less than in Miami. The cost of a meal at an inexpensive restaurant is $28.09 in Miami and is $22.50 in Seattle. Other comparisons are as follows:

  • Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant: Miami $25.00, Seattle $24.00

  • Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course: Miami $100.00, Seattle $100.00

  • McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal): Miami $12.00, Seattle $14.00

Grocery Prices

Groceries, whether at home or eaten out, contribute to everyone's expense. In Seattle, you will most likely spend 7.9% less on groceries. However, according to Numbeo, grocery items cost 22.5% more in Seattle than they do in Miami. Here's a brief comparison of grocery item prices:

  • Milk (1 gallon): Seattle $4.59, Miami $4.40

  • Eggs (1 dozen): Seattle $4.56, Miami $4.14

  • Boneless chicken breast (1 lb): Seattle $6.40, Miami $5.42

Other Food-Related Expenses

Besides restaurants and groceries, the general cost of food and dining is affected by markets, bakeries, and specialty food stores. Although Miami has been seen to improve in its food culture, it currently lags behind cities such as Seattle in regards to markets and bakeries.

Other Costs to Take into Account

In an evaluation of cost of living, it is natural to look for food and accommodation. However, utilities, transport, and other personal services play a huge role in your wallet.

Utilities and internet in Seattle average at around $200 plus $60 a month. Miami boasts lower utility bills, averaging $120 a month. Moving into a new place, be it in Miami or Seattle, one of the first things that might pop up in your head is to get it cleaned. Services like Sparkly Maid Miami will ensure your new apartment is clean and welcoming for you to focus on settling into and exploring the new city. Similar to that, when you're shifting to the Emerald City, you may require Apartment Cleaning Seattle to get your apartment in top shape.

The Verdict

It is dependent on your lifestyle and preferences to determine whether Seattle or Miami is cheaper for food and dining. If you dine out a lot, Miami is a little pricier. If you cook at home, then groceries are less expensive in Miami. But beyond the cost of food, other things such as income and general cost of living are considered in a decision.


Ultimately, the final decision between Seattle and Miami depends on what matters most to you. Both cities have different culinary experiences, but knowing their differences in terms of costs will help you make an effective decision. And remember, whether you choose the Pacific Northwest or the sunny shores of Florida, services like Apartment Cleaning Seattle and Sparkly Maid Miami are there to help you settle in and maintain a comfortable living space, leaving you more time to savor the local flavors.

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