Moving from St. Louis, MO to Miami, FL
Relocating 1219 mi from St. Louis to Miami is a 22h 22m drive through 6 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1219 mi Β· 22h 22m by car Β· FL β GA β TN β KY β IL β MO
Distance & route
| Route through | FL β GA β TN β KY β IL β MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 75, I 24, I 64 |
| Major cities en route | Hialeah, Pembroke Pines, Miramar, Miami Gardens, Fort Lauderdale |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| St. Louis | Miami | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 95.088 | 114.155 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 69.921 | 97.235 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.996 | 103.556 | 100.0 |
| Services | 79.024 | 155.551 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Miami is 20.1% above St. Louis β one of the larger spreads between U.S. metros.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
YoY change: St. Louis β, Miami -2.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | St. Louis | Miami |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 58Β°F | 76Β°F |
| January avg low | 25Β°F | 61Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 43.9" | 57.2" |
Annual average temperature gap of 18.1Β°F β a meaningful climate change across the move.
Effectively snow-free year in Miami β NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ST LOUIS SCI CTR, MO US, MIAMI BEACH, FL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | St. Louis | Miami |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 293,109 | 446,663 |
| Median household income | $55,279 | $59,390 |
| Median age | 36.6 | 39.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22% | 21.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.03 | 2.35 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 20.1% higher in Miami than St. Louis.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Miami MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 393,730 | $41,640 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 306,440 | $37,640 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 261,940 | $30,720 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 239,610 | $37,610 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 194,910 | $77,760 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Missouri and Florida
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Florida's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Pack rain gear on top: Miami averages 57.2 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (18.1Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Hurricane season runs June through November β stock a basic emergency kit (water, flashlight, battery radio) during unpack.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Florida after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in St. Louis vs Miami?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $59,390 in Miami vs $55,279 in St. Louis β a 7.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Miami, FL from St. Louis, MO?
The driving distance is 1219 mi and the route typically takes 22h 22m via I 75 and I 24. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Miami more expensive than St. Louis?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Miami is 20.1% higher than St. Louis (114.155 vs 95.088, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from St. Louis to Miami?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1219 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Miami compare to St. Louis?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,510 in the Miami MSA vs $47,490 in the St. Louis MSA, on total employment of 2,721,490 and 1,325,480 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from St. Louis.
City profiles: St. Louis, MO Β· Miami, FL.