Moving From New York to Florida: Cost and Tips

Why are New Yorkers making Florida their new home? Well, we’ll get into that in this article.

How much will this move cost? We’ll also answer that in the article but here’s a quick answer.

Quick Answer: The average cost to move from New York to Florida will range from $1,700-$3,000. depending on the size, route, distance, 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.

Expect more detail and other moving insights that will be super useful to anyone thinking about making this long-distance move.

Before going much further, I have to say.

Moving from New York to Florida will be different for everyone. To get the best idea of what it will cost you, get a free price quote using our moving cost calculator. This quote is instant and 100% personalized to your particular move!

*Estimate includes fuel cost but no other costs associated such as lodging, tolls, or parking.

Why Do the Prices Vary So Much?

How much you make the move DIY can save you money. But the more you conduct the move yourself, the more stress and intensive labor will be involved.

If you choose to leave the move to the professionals, your investment in your well-being will pay off. Especially for moves of 3+ bedrooms. Get at least three estimates from each professional option and understand the following factors to get the lowest quotes.

Inbound vs. Outbound Demand

Florida continues to have a high inbound demand which may mean higher costs. While the migration from New York also continues to grow. New York is one of only 10 states to see their population go down between 2018 and 2019.

While these numbers hint at a costlier move, the outbound demand may mean cost-savings if you choose a shared freight company option. Essentially if others are moving from New York to Florida, a shared freight cost could be cheaper.

Offseason vs Peak moving season

Timing matters for your move. Most everyone moves in the summer, which can mean a higher cost. If you can manage a move during offseason such as fall or early spring, you can save.

Note that if you must move during the summer months, you are moving during Florida’s hurricane season. That means unexpected delays if your moving truck gets stuck waiting for a storm to pass.

Know your costs with a summer move. For example, an early June move is at the peak of moving season and can cost you as much as $8000 for professional movers to go from New York to Florida.

Use the moving cost calculator to get a customized estimate based on your moving dates.

How to Ship Your Car From New York to Florida

The route between New York and Florida is one of the country’s busiest moving lanes.

Those moving south are often retirees interested in trading small apartments, harsh winters and high taxes for glistening Atlantic Ocean beaches, balmy weather and afternoon happy hours.

Depending on your origin and destination cities, the distance between the two states typically ranges from 1,100 to 1,300 miles.

In other words, it’s drivable, especially in the summer when inclement weather isn’t an issue.

That said, hiring a professional auto shipping service is almost always the best way to get your car moved.

And here’s the really good news…

We’ve already cross-referenced customer reviews, license, insurance, and federal complaint data from dozens of auto transport services and compiled a list of the 5 Best Car Shipping Companies 2021

Driving Your Car from New York to Florida vs. Shipping It

Due to high year-round demand, shipping rates for car shippers New York to Florida are relatively stable and affordable.

Though you’ll need to get quotes based on your particular situation, expect to pay between $700 and $1,400.

Of course, during the peak season from May until September you’ll pay more, and availability may become an issue as car haulers reach capacity.

To avoid seasonal price hikes and full trucks, book your car move weeks or a month in advance.

Also consider the following –

• Snow and ice are common along the Interstate-95 corridor for much of the winter, even as far south as Georgia
• I-95 is a major drug trafficking route and has its fair share of crime
• Many car transport companies and brokers located in New York and Florida have less than stellar reputations and safety records
• For young drivers the trip can be made in a few days, for elderly travelers it may take three or four
• Gas, food and lodging along I-95 can be very expensive
• Even during peak timeframes, delivery windows may be just a few days to a week
• Using a car shipping service to ship any type of vehicle is almost always safer and will give you more peace of mind than driving it

Things to See and Do

If you’re not pressed for time, consider checking out the following points of interest between New York and Florida –

• Fort McHenry in Baltimore, Maryland – Home of the ‘Star Spangled Banner’ (2 miles from I-95)
• South of the Border Mexican-themed resort, restaurant and travel plaza in Hamer, South Carolina (less than 1 mile from I-95)
• Savannah, Georgia – known for its historic district, ghost tours, museums and fresh seafood (3 miles from I-95)

Factors to Consider When Shipping Your Car from New York to Florida

• Time of Year – Shipping your car during the fall and winter may be significantly cheaper than during the summer
• Open or Enclosed Auto Transport Carriers – You need to think about what kind of car carriers to use. Unless you’re shipping a classic collector’s car or an exotic sports car, you’ll probably want to ship it via open carrier vs enclosed carrier
• Size and Weight – Large heavy vehicles like pickup trucks and SUVs cost more to transport than small and midsize cars
• Delivery Requirements – Many auto transporters offer discounts to customers who are flexible with their delivery dates
• Pick up and Drop-Off Options – Instead of pricey door-to-door service, consider taking your vehicle to one of the company’s terminals at origin and having it delivered to one of their terminals at destination. This requires more work on your part, but it’s relatively easy if you’re moving between New York City and Jacksonville, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa or Miami.

Find a top-rated and BBB-approved auto shipping company, here. 

Certainly, the appeal of sun and beaches over a gray Manhattan skyline is one of the driving factors for New York to Florida moves.

As people get older, winter and fall months become less bearable and the idea of perpetual summer becomes more appealing – ergo, The Sunshine State.

For younger people as well, the lower cost of living and lower taxes of Florida offer reasonable living expenses along with great weather.

Tourism, hospitality and retirement are the economic anchors of Florida. Anyone in these fields will find ample opportunities in the state. Economic powerhouses like Disney offer a stable job market for hospitality professionals.

New York’s (especially NYC’s) higher cost of living combined with dreary winters makes a Florida move worthwhile for many.

Best Places to Move in Florida

Miami

At the state’s southern tip, Miami is a mecca for migration. A lively nightlife and diverse culture are major cities and attractions. Think of a big city that also has Miami Beach and West Palm Beach. Not bad at all. Check out our Miami relocation guide for more details and recommendations.

Daytona Beach

For a more reasonable cost of living Daytona Beach continues to rank as a favorite location in Florida. While there is less of an urban vibe, residents of Daytona Beach spend less on housing than Miami.

Port St. Lucie

The South Florida locale of Port St. Lucie offers a more relaxing atmosphere than its nearby urban meccas. Port St. Lucie is experiencing a housing boom, which may alter its reasonable cost of living in the near future.

For expat New Yorkers there is a positive note. The New York Mets conduct their spring training games here. A little bit of New York City in sunny Florida.

Orlando

Disney fans will probably want to come to Orlando. Disney World and Universal Studios provide year-round theme park entertainment. Orlando offers a robust job market, partly due to the Disney presence.

However, for many there is a compromise as it is not located near the beach. There is one incentive for Disney lovers. Disney World offers special pricing for local residents.

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. Ample parks and lakes add to appeal of this inland town.

While the job market isn’t as strong as neighboring Orlando, the peaceful and secure reputation of Lakeland may appeal to retirees.

Tampa

For many looking for strong employment opportunities, Tampa continues to be a draw. 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. For more information about moving to Tampa, see our “Moving to Tampa” guide.

Jacksonville

If you are looking for a Florida location that offers a strong educational foundation for your kids, then Jacksonville may be your destination. Ranked as having some of the best high schools in the nation, Jacksonville is praised for preparing young people for college.

The Georgia border town also offers diverse neighborhoods, beaches, a thriving art scene and natural settings for hiking and kayaking. ee our moving guide to Jacksonville for more information and tips.

Pensacola

For a lower cost of living, many are finding the tourist hub of Pensacola, Florida to be the ideal destination. Tourism revenue reduces cost of living for residents. Locals spend just 23.79% of their income on housing.

While Pensacola is far removed from the hustle of the urban centers of Florida, it offers all the amenities. Beautiful weather, beaches and diverse neighborhoods abound. Employment is also strong with growth in healthcare, manufacturing and tourism driving the local economy.

Sarasota

If you can afford a slightly higher cost of living, you may want to look into Sarasota. 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.

You May Be Interested In:

• 10 Most Popular Florida Cities to Relocate to
• 10 Most Popular Midsize Florida Cities to Relocate to
• 10 Most Popular Florida Towns to Relocate to
• Relocation Guide to Jacksonville, FL
• Relocation Guide to Miami, FL
• Relocation Guide to Tampa, FL
• Cost of Moving from California to Florida
• Cost of Moving from New York to California
• Cost of Moving from Florida to Texas
• Cost of Moving from California to Washington
• Cost of Moving from California to Texas
• Cost of Moving from Texas to Florida