Moving From New York to Florida: Cost and Tips

Fun Fact. The number one interstate move Americans are making is from New York to Florida!

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 quote using our moving cost calculator.

*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.

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 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