Moving from Miami to New York: Cost and Tips

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

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

Nov 2, 2020 · 6 min

How much will it cost to move from Miami to New York?

Quick Answer: The average cost to move from Miami to New York is $2,500-$4,200 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.

Get an even better idea of your particular moving cost using them moving cost estimator.

Ready to get a full grasp on the factors that affect the cost of your cross country move?

Let’s dive right in.

How Much Does it Cost to Move from Miami to New York?

	Moving Company	Moving Container	Freight Company	Truck Rental*
Studio/1 bedroom	$1,680 – $3,455	$1,900 – $2,401	$1,710 – $2,520	$1,149 – $1,486
2-3 Bedroom	$2,404 – $4,400	$2,491 – $3,797	$2,565 – $3,720	$1,200 – $1,733
4+ Bedroom	$4,490 – $8,930	$3,453 – $4,894	$3,420 – $4,920	$1,501 – $2,083

*Pricing above does not include lodging, gas, tolls, and other moving-related expenses.

Why Do The Moving Costs Vary So Much?

Many factors affect the cost of your move, including demand, the time of year, the day of the week you schedule, and how early you complete your booking.

Inbound vs. Outbound Demand

The price moving companies are willing to accept for moving you depends on the inbound and outbound demand. The inbound and outbound demand for your move from Miami to New York are both high.

There are many moving companies servicing both New York and Florida. That gives you more negotiating power, and it means you will likely pay less to move across the country than you would to move to a closer, less popular city.

Off vs. Peak Season Moving Expenses

The time of year that you move will also impact your expenses. More people move during the summer when kids are out of school. So, you should expect that the prices will be higher then.

Other peak moving times include federal and school holidays, like Spring and Winter Break. Choosing to move on a weekend will also be more costly.

Services That Make Your Move More Costly

Moving companies sell products and services to make your move more manageable, but they can add to your moving cost. Here are some of the things that add expense.

Professional packing
Packing materials
Moving boxes
Property protection insurance
Mattress covers
A storage unit
Dolly and tool rentals

Hiring Professional Movers

The most expensive way to move is to have professional movers do it all for you. Of course, there are situations when it is worth hiring a moving company to pack your breakables, disassemble items you need to breakdown to move, drive everything to your new home, and unpack everything.

If you need professional assistance but do not want to break your moving budget, packing yourself, providing your materials, and booking during a non-peak time will go a long way.

Additional Expenses to Consider

In addition to the cost of hiring movers or renting a truck, there are some other expenses you should include in your budget.

Although a truck rental has the lowest upfront cost, the true cost of renting a moving truck might make you think twice about choosing the option that means more work from you.

Travel Expenses

You will need to figure out how to get to your new home. Your move from Miami to New York will not be as costly as it would be if your destination were less popular. Your travel expenses are another story.

Even flights during non-peak times are costly to New York from nearly every state. When you are moving, you have less flexibility as far as flight times because you have to be there when the movers arrive.

If you decide to drive to New York, you will have to pay for gas, food, and lodging along the way, and you should make sure you leave in plenty of time to get there. So, you may need to travel on the weekend when hotel rates are higher.

Transporting Your Vehicles

If you decide to fly, you will need to transport your vehicles. There are full-service companies that do automotive shipping. If you choose to use a moving company, you may be able to negotiate a bundle discount.

Paying for Peace of Mind

A worthwhile moving expense that you should think about is personal property protection insurance. Everything you own will be in the moving truck, and even if you choose a reputable company, accidents can happen.

Ensuring your property is the best way for you to protect your valuables. However, it will cost you around one percent of the coverage value. So, if you own $100,000 worth of insurable property, it will cost you around $1,000.

Moving companies do offer basic protection, depending on state regulations. However, most states only require moving companies to provide 60 cents per pound for damaged or lost items. That will do little to help you replace an expensive piece of artwork or your laptop.

So, many movers choose to fill in the gap with a protection policy, and if you are going to move valuables, you should too.

See our guide to moving insurance.

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Why are people moving from Miami to New York?

Thousands of people move each year, but their reasons for moving from one location to another differ. Your motivation for moving may be different from others. So, here are the top reasons people are moving from Miami to New York.

Culture

Miami and New York are both international cities, meaning the residents are from very diverse backgrounds. That makes New York an ideal place for someone from Miami to move. There are also many different cuisines in ‘The Big Apple,’ and you can meet people from around the globe.

Weather

People often talk about how wonderful the weather is in Florida, but for some people, ‘The Sunshine State’ is a bit too sunny. New York weather is cold during winter, but during the warmer months in most states, New Yorkers enjoy cooler temperatures.

New York also has seasons with a real fall, winter, spring, and summer that Floridians cannot enjoy. So, for many people who have never had the opportunity to live in a location with leaves that change color as the weather cools, New York offers something different.

A Faster-Paced Lifestyle

While there is plenty to do in Miami, New York is ‘the city that never sleeps.’ There is always something going on, and many restaurants, bars, and other businesses are open much later. So, there is a lot of energy in the city.

Job Opportunities

One of the most significant reasons people move to New York is for work. Many international companies have offices in the city, and people in entertainment, communication, journalism, and finance dream of finding a job in New York. Landing a job in the city helps many people advance their careers in ways that would not otherwise be possible.

What Are Some of the Best Places to Move to in New York?

Five boroughs make up New York City. Some people choose to live in one of the outer boroughs while others prefer to live in Manhattan, where the rent is higher, but you have all the city offers at your door.

Figuring out which area is best for you may take a little time. If you have an opportunity, you need to visit each site before moving to see where you fit. Here is a list of the best places in the city; take a look at these when you visit NYC.

Manhattan

If you want to live the New York lifestyle, Manhattan is the place for you. It is busy and packed, but there are world-class shows and restaurants all around you. Plus, your commute will be a lot shorter if you are working downtown.

Another benefit of living in Manhattan is that you do not need your car. Most people who live in the city do not even own one, because paying for parking in the city is costly. So, most people rely on public transportation.

The Bronx

The Bronx is a densely populated area with fantastic attractions. It offers a more family-friendly living environment with the Bronx Zoo, New York Botanical Gardens, and Pelham Bay Park. So, you have plenty to do with family members of all ages.

Tribeca

Tribeca is an upscale borough located in lower Manhattan. It offers you all the convenience of downtown living without the high-key environment. If you want some late-night air, all you have to do is come down from your loft for a stroll along the beautiful Hudson River, which you are never far from in Tribeca.

Queens

Queens may be the right area for you if you can’t stand the thought of selling your car, you need a somewhat affordable place to live, and you enjoy going to the city without living in the middle of it. Some parts of queens offer budget-friendly housing options, and there are many students and young people who take advantage of that.

Many of the residents living in Queens are from other parts of the world. So, this borough is as diverse as they come. It has been named the most diverse city in the United States. Visiting Queens is like taking a trip around the world without having to visit each place.

Staten Island

The most residential borough is Staten Island. There you can find plenty of homes for sale or lease. You will also find houses with front and back yards, pools, and plenty of space for a large family. Housing is also a lot more affordable in Staten Island. Staten Island is the perfect place if you want to live in a home with a white picket fence and still have the attractions in Manhattan nearby.