Moving from Maine to Florida: Cost and Tips

Before you make your move from ME to FL, know the important factors that may affect the cost of your move.

Sergio Ocampo

Sergio Ocampo is a Chief Writer for moveBuddha keen to share his moving expertise.

Jun 16, 2020 · 5 min

Fun fact: Maine is closer to Greenland than to a handful of US states.

Florida, meanwhile, is only a few hundred miles from the Caribbean.

You may see why so many Mainers are heading to The Sunshine State.

Looking to head to the land of beautiful beaches before this winter?

You’ll wonder how much it costs.

Quick Answer: The average cost to move from Maine to Florida is $2,600-$5,750 depending on the size, route, and timing of the move. Hiring a professional moving company will be on the more expensive side. Renting a truck or using a moving container will save you money but also require a lot more work.

That being said, find out a more personalized idea of your interstate moving cost using the moving cost calculator.

Ready to explore all of the factors that affect your moving cost?

Let’s jump into it.

How Much Does It Cost to Move from Maine to Florida?

	Moving Company	Moving Container	Freight Company	Truck Rental*
Studio/1 bedroom	$1,790-$2,455	$1,923-$2,429	$1,710-$2,160	$1,118-$1,509
2-3 bedroom	$2,970-$4,632	$2,890-$3,650	$2,518-$3,180	$1,306-$1,763
4+ bedroom	$3,923-$7,340	$3,620-$4,573	$3,325-$4,200	$1,571-$2,121

*Estimates for truck rentals include fuel costs only. Other costs may include lodging, tolls, or parking.

Why Do the Prices Vary So Much?

The range of prices depends on how much of the move you complete yourself and how much is passed onto professional movers.

For example, moving containers and freight companies only move your stuff, you must complete the packing and unpacking.

If you rent a truck you are responsible for every step of the moving process, which can be both physically and mentally stressful. Professional movers on the other hand do all the heavy lifting, door to door, which costs more.

Inbound vs. Outbound State Demands Impacts Price

If more people are moving to your inbound state from your outbound state, you may save on costs. Moving companies, container companies, and freight companies can offer reduced rates for shared moves with other customers.

Florida continues to have a high inbound demand but from where people are moving matters. Maine is only now experiencing outbound population loss of mostly young people. While older inbound migrants are replacing them there is still a surge of residents leaving for sunnier places like Florida for retirement.

Offseason vs Peak Moving Season Impacts Price

When you move also affects your cost. If you move during moving season you will pay more. Offseason moves will save you a lot if you can choose your moving dates. Compare the costs of a moving season move (early summer) to an offseason move in March.

March 1: A five-bedroom house with professional movers: $3,923-$7,340
May 1: A five-bedroom house with professional movers: $7,137-$11,350

Use the moving cost calculator to get an estimate based on your moving dates and the size of your move.

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Why Are People Moving from Maine to Florida?

A lack of significant job growth drives many out of Maine. Low availability of cultural and social diversity leaves lots of young people yearning for richer experiences.

Tourism, hospitality, and retirement are the economic anchors for the state of Florida. Anyone in these fields will find more job opportunities in the state. Economic powerhouses like Disney offer a stable job market for hospitality professionals in Florida. Florida also offers more in terms of cultural diversity and things to do.

Best Places to Move in Florida

Miami

At the state’s southern tip, Miami continues to attract a wide range of migrates from retirees to single people looking to make a fresh start in a warm climate. A lively nightlife and diverse culture are major attractions.

Daytona Beach

Others are choosing the more reasonable cost of living in Daytona Beach. If you don’t need the party atmosphere of Miami, you can find more affordable housing and peaceful living in this community.

Port St. Lucie

South Florida’s Port St. Lucie gives you a blend of both quiet suburban living with easy access to metro areas. That might be the reason Port St. Lucie is experiencing a housing boom. Urban professionals are finding the reasonable cost of living perfect for raising families while commuting to urban West Palm for work.

Orlando

Everything in Orlando is a Disney focus. Disney World and Universal Studios provide year-round theme park entertainment for those who love the brand. Because of Disney’s economic equity, Orlando offers a robust job market.

Lakeland

Lakeland Florida ranks sixth out of 125 most populous metro Florida areas. While migration to the area is increasing, the city of Lakeland continues to be praised as a safe, low crime Florida location. Residents love the parks and lakes. And you save on cost of living as you are not located near the beach. The farther you get from the ocean in Florida
the less expensive life becomes.

While the job market isn’t as strong as neighboring Orlando, the peaceful and secure reputation of Lakeland is a draw for retirees.

Tampa

One of the strongest employment magnets in Florida in Tampa. The booming urban center near the Gulf of Mexico is experiencing considerable growth in population and economic development. The metro area includes three distinctively different regions that include Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater, all with something unique to offer residents.

Jacksonville

Families are moving to Florida and one attraction is a strong educational foundation to a destination community. Jacksonville may be that destination.

Ranked as having some of the best high schools in the nation, Jacksonville has received well-deserved praise for better preparing young people for college than many schools in the country. Georgia is just across the way, for those who want a quick road trip to new locales.

For most Jacksonville has everything for a good life including diverse neighborhoods, beaches, a thriving art scene, and natural settings for hiking and kayaking.

Pensacola

Tourism revenues help keep Pensacola, Florida an ideal destination for low cost of living. Locals spend just 23.79% of their income on housing. While Pensacola is far removed from the hustle of the urban centers in the state it offers all the perks that Florida has to offer. Beautiful weather, beaches and diverse neighborhoods abound.

Employment is also strong with growth in healthcare, manufacturing, and tourism driving the local economy.

Sarasota

Migrants with higher income may not need to worry so much about the cost and living. For those who want style over savings, Sarasota has a lot to offer. This growing community attracts both retirees and inbound families. A good job market and lots of local flair make Sarasota a go-to destination if you can afford it.