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A new study from Chef's Pencil has quantified what many residents and visitors have already suspected: Miami is the most expensive city in the United States to eat out at a restaurant.
The so-called Magic City has surpassed iconic cities like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Seattle, becoming the least affordable place in the country for enjoying a culinary evening.
The report analyzed 177 cities worldwide, assessing food, coffee, and beer prices in relation to local wages. Miami ranked 72nd in the global list, behind any other U.S. city included on the list.
In contrast, Dallas, Denver, and Houston emerged as the most affordable options for dining out in the country.
According to the study, a three-course dinner at a mid-range restaurant in Miami costs about $60 per person, which represents 1.4% of the city’s average monthly salary, estimated at $4,230. This figure reflects the pressure diners feel in the face of such a vibrant yet expensive dining scene.
Not all news is bad: coffee in Miami remains relatively affordable, with an average cappuccino costing $1.90, while beer, priced at $8 per pint, places the city at 45th in terms of affordability worldwide.
In the international landscape, dining in Miami is as expensive as in European capitals such as Madrid, Vienna, or Copenhagen. However, experts agree that the rise in prices is due to local factors such as high rents, increasing wages in the hospitality sector, and the growing demand for culinary experiences.
In the end, paying European prices in Miami has its rewards: a blend of unique flavors that only this city can offer.
Dining in Miami, between luxury and survival
The high cost of dining out in Miami is not an isolated phenomenon. In recent years, CiberCuba has documented both the rise of exclusive restaurants and the struggles of Cubans and Latinos to manage the bill.
In 2023, the series “Me voy a comer USA” showcased how comedian Jamaliche explored the culinary culture of Miami from a humorous perspective, revealing the blend of Cuban tradition and culinary modernity that characterizes the city.
In December 2024, CiberCuba captured the testimony of a young Cuban who visited Lo D’ Alex, the restaurant in Miami owned by Alexander Delgado, a member of Gente de Zona, and shared on TikTok how much it cost to have dinner there. The prices, which ranged from affordable options to more expensive dishes, made it clear that dining out in the city can become a luxury depending on one's budget.
A similar situation has been observed with other celebrity venues, such as Bad Bunny's restaurant in Brickell, where the combination of fame and exclusivity also drives up the final bill.
The other side of the coin is also reflected in solidarity initiatives. In March 2025, a Cuban began distributing food in the streets of the city to those in need, reminding us that beyond the luxurious tables of South Beach, there is a Miami where access to a hot meal relies on community support.
These contrasts highlight that, although Miami shines on lists of the most exclusive gastronomic destinations, the dining experience here can vary significantly depending on one's budget.
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