Membrane bioreactor (MBR) and moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR) compact wastewater treatment technologies are objectively compared for a hypothetical project on the basis of performance, construction, and life-cycle cost. Comparisons are based on process simulation models and parametric cost estimation for a greenfield site and hypothetical wastewater characteristics typical of municipal wastewaters in Florida, USA. System sizing was based on achieving the Florida Department of Environmental Protection definition of advanced wastewater treatment (i.e., BOD 5 < 5, TSS < 5, TN < 3, and TP < 1 on an annual average basis) in addition to reuse quality effluent as defined in Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.) 62-610 Part III for reclaimed water. This paper includes case studies for two Florida utilities that each selected one of the two technologies (to meet reuse quality requirements only), as well as the rationale that supports their selection and observations and conclusions regarding the two technologies.