Rents in Miami-Dade County are going through the roof lately. As of early 2025, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment has jumped to about $2,300 a month—up 15% from last year. Two-bedroom spots are pushing $3,000, and it’s putting a serious strain on folks trying to keep up.
Why Are Rents Going Up So Much?
There’s a bunch of reasons rents are climbing. First off, tons of people are moving to Miami-Dade from places like New York and California, especially remote workers and high earners. They’re driving up demand and making it harder for locals to find affordable places.
Then there’s the housing shortage. Sure, new buildings are
On top of that, property values are way up, which means higher mortgage payments and property taxes. Landlords are just passing those costs on to renters. And with inflation making construction materials and labor more expensive—and interest rates spiking—rent prices are getting hit from all sides.
How It’s Hitting Locals and Businesses
going up, but it’s not happening fast enough to keep pace with the growing population. Plus, zoning laws and permit hassles are slowing things down even more.
It’s no secret that rising rents are making life tough. Long-time locals are being priced out of neighborhoods they’ve known for years, forced to move way out where it’s cheaper. Families that used to spend around 30% of their income on housing are now dropping closer to 50%, which means less money for everything else.
Local businesses aren’t catching a break either. With people spending more on rent, they’re cutting back on dining out, shopping, and other extras. Small businesses are seeing fewer customers and tighter budgets. Plus, service industry workers are getting pushed out of central areas, making it harder for businesses to keep staff close to work.
Rent Comparisons: Kendall vs. South Miami, Coral Gables, and Palmetto Bay
Let’s break down the rent differences between Kendall, South Miami, Coral Gables, and Palmetto Bay to get a better sense of the local market.
Kendall, FL:
Apartments: 1-bedroom averages around $2,550 per month, while 2-bedrooms hit about $2,917. For a 3-bedroom, expect to pay roughly $3,172.
Condos: 1-bedroom units generally rent for $2,400 per month.
Houses: A 3-bedroom house goes for around $3,200, while a 4-bedroom can reach $5,283 per month.
South Miami, FL:
Apartments: 1-bedroom units rent for around $2,073, with 2-bedrooms at $2,943 and 3-bedrooms soaring to $5,194 per month.
Houses: A 3-bedroom house averages about $5,050, and a 4-bedroom can reach an eye-popping $11,990 per month.
Coral Gables, FL:
Apartments: Studio averages $2,393, 1-bedroom at $2,504, 2-bedrooms around $3,757, and 3-bedrooms about $6,305 per month.
Overall Median Rent: Around $3,700, nearly double the national average.
Palmetto Bay, FL:
Apartments: Studio averages $2,102, 1-bedroom at $2,311, 2-bedrooms around $2,896, and 3-bedrooms about $3,709 per month.
Overall Median Rent: About $4,900, 158% higher than the national average.
These numbers highlight how Coral Gables and Palmetto Bay command higher rents compared to Kendall and South Miami, particularly for larger units and houses. Renters looking for more affordable options might still find Kendall to be more budget-friendly, while South Miami remains on the pricier side.
Let’s break down the rent differences between Kendall and South Miami to get a better sense of the local market.
Kendall, FL:
Apartments: 1-bedroom averages around $2,550 per month, while 2-bedrooms hit about $2,917. For a 3-bedroom, expect to pay roughly $3,172.
Condos: 1-bedroom units generally rent for $2,400 per month.
Houses: A 3-bedroom house goes for around $3,200, while a 4-bedroom can reach $5,283 per month.
South Miami, FL:
Apartments: 1-bedroom units rent for around $2,073, with 2-bedrooms at $2,943 and 3-bedrooms soaring to $5,194 per month.
Houses: A 3-bedroom house averages about $5,050, and a 4-bedroom can reach an eye-popping $11,990 per month.
These numbers highlight how Kendall tends to offer slightly more affordable options compared to South Miami, especially when it comes to larger houses. Still, both areas are seeing significant rent hikes, making it tough for renters to find affordable places without sacrificing location or space.
It’s no secret that rising rents are making life tough. Long-time locals are being priced out of neighborhoods they’ve known for years, forced to move way out where it’s cheaper. Families that used to spend around 30% of their income on housing are now dropping closer to 50%, which means less money for everything else.
Higher Residential Rents Affect Local Business
aren’t catching a break either. With people spending more on rent, they’re cutting back on dining out, shopping, and other extras. Small businesses are seeing fewer customers and tighter budgets. Plus, service industry workers are getting pushed out of central areas, making it harder for businesses to keep staff close to work.
What’s Being Done About It
The county’s trying to help by building more affordable housing and offering rental assistance to low-income families. But critics say it’s not enough to make a real dent in the problem.
Community groups and nonprofits are stepping in too, offering legal help to tenants dealing with eviction and pushing for rent control. But getting substantial changes past developers and property owners isn’t easy.
What’s Next?
Experts say the rent situation probably isn’t going to get much better anytime soon. Unless there’s a big boost in affordable housing and some limits on rent increases, it’s going to stay rough. For now, a lot of folks are stuck choosing between paying way too much or moving somewhere far away from their jobs and friends.
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