Moving from Pennsylvania to Florida: Movers and Cost
The Census Bureau notes that movers have been flocking to southern states from other parts of the country, and Florida has been a leading favorite for many. It is therefore not a stretch to assume that a few thousand people have been leaving Pennsylvania for the Sunshine State.
You, too, can relocate from PA to FL and enjoy what the thousands of people that have made this trip before you came for. Read on to see how you can make this long-distance move, how much it might cost you, the best interstate movers in PA, some of the best places to move to in Florida, and more!
Here are some other articles that might help you plan your move:
- Best Pennsylvania to Florida movers: The long-distance moving industry is full of scammy movers, and when all of your belongings are at stake, don’t take chances.
- How much will your move cost?: This cost calculator will provide an immediate calculation of what your move should cost. Just plug in your moving dates, the size of your move, where you’re moving to/from and let the calculator do the rest.
- Consider moving containers: Need a more budget-friendly option? With these companies, you load, and they drive! These are the best moving container companies.
- Best car shippers: Moving your car? Use a company that prioritizes professionalism, cares for your vehicle and is experienced.
How much does it cost to move from Pennsylvania to Florida?
The average cost of moving a 2-3 bedroom house from Pennsylvania to Florida during the peak summer season is about $1,107 to $7,250 depending on which method of moving you choose.
Check out more moving options and costs in the table below:
| Home Size | Moving Company | Moving Container | Freight Company | Truck Rental |
| Studio / 1 Bedroom | $2,525 – $5,800 | $1,799 – $2,273 | $1,235 – $2,025 | $1,056 – $1,459 |
| 2 – 3 Bedroom | $3,020 – $7,250 | $2,286 – 3,410 | $1,663 – $2,633 | $1,107 – $1,706 |
| 4+ Bedroom | $4,950 – $9,500 | $3,054 – $4,265 | $2,043 – $2,835 | $1,386 – $2,036 |
Source: Our moving cost calculator.
NB: These estimates do not cover everything. Other costs such as moving insurance, packing supplies, food, etc., may apply.
What are the best Pennsylvania to Florida movers?
| Company | Price | Vendor Type | Quoting options | Storage | Minimum Move Size |
| Proud American Van Lines | $$ | Broker | Phone/virtual estimate | Yes, free 30 days | 1 bedroom |
| Safeway Moving | $$ | Carrier/Broker | Phone/virtual estimate | Yes, free 30 days | 1 bedroom |
| JK Moving Services | $$$$ | Carrier | Phone/virtual estimate | Yes | 2 bedroom |
Why do moving costs vary so much?
The table above shows different price ranges for various moving options. Now you might be wondering, why isn’t there just one fixed figure, why the range?
The prices range because, even with a fixed moving distance, other factors such as the total weight of your goods will come into play. Remember that even two different 3 – bedroomed houses have different contents that will weigh different. Another reason is that different moving companies will charge different rates based on their market, operation costs, experience, etc.
Other reasons why moving costs range:
So what if you lock in a particular mover and your house contents remain the same, will you still have to deal with a price range? Yes, you will. And here is why:
Inbound versus outbound moves
The moving trends in each state affect moving costs due to supply and demand factors. In PA, more people are moving out than moving in, so you will pay a little higher than if you were moving into the state. In FL, there are more people inbound than outbound. So once again, you will pay slightly more due to high demand and lower supply.
Peak moving seasons
Most people move during the summer holiday because the kids are on a long break; the weather is great, and there is enough time to move in and settle into their new homes. As a result, long-distance moving companies are usually quite busy during this time. For that reason, moves during summer cost more while moves during other seasons cost less.
Weekends & holidays
Weekends and holidays are almost as bad as the summer season. There are lots of people on the road so moving is usually a tad more tedious compared to weekdays. But more importantly, most people prefer to select a moving date that falls on a weekend or a holiday because they won’t be at work and will have all the time. As a result, weekend moves cost more compared to weekday moves.
Weather
Weather affects moving costs, too. Because most people opt to move during summer, early spring, or early fall, the moving costs around those dates are likely to be in high demand. And so are the costs. Bad weather is just as bad (if not worse) because most movers will be reluctant to haul furniture during a storm or a blizzard. So moves during such times can be very costly.
Pennsylvania holidays and events that may affect your summer move:
- Philadelphia Flower Show – Mid June
- Pride Day – June
- Gettysburg Reenactment – July
- Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix – July
Florida holidays and events that may affect your summer move:
- Rolling Loud – June
- Pensacola Beach Air Show – July
Get your personalized moving estimate here:
Tired of guessing how much your actual moving cost might be? Our FREE moving cost calculator will give you a good idea of how much you will pay depending on where you’re moving from, where you’re going when you’re moving, and what size of property you’re living in. Use it now and see what moving budget you ought to plan for!
Why are people moving from Pennsylvania to Florida?
As we mentioned earlier, thousands of people leave PA and head down to FL each year. Let’s try and find out why this is so.
Why people are moving from Pennsylvania
Migration trends in PA have been more or less the same in the last decade or so. Every year the state sees a few thousand people move out and some move in.
- Some of the reasons why people leave Pennsylvania include:
- Scarce jobs and limited career prospects.
- Cold winters, especially in the north.
- High taxes (property tax – 1.58%, sales tax – 6%, income tax – 3.07%, inheritance tax – 4.5% to 15%).
- A dull recreational scene in terms of food, entertainment, and nightlife.
- Limited cultural diversity.
Why people are moving to Florida
Florida has been leading of late in terms of domestic migration at a regional level. Most of the people flowing into FL come from NY, CA, and TX. In 2018 alone, FL received about 566,476 people from other parts of the country. The year before that, FL added 328, 000 people.
Here are some of the top reasons why people move to Florida:
- Great weather all year round.
- Lots of jobs and career opportunities.
- A huge entertainment, food, and nightlife scene.
- Lots of beautiful sandy beaches.
- Lower taxes (zero income tax, 0.98% property tax, zero gift tax).
Why people are moving from Pennsylvania to Florida
According to a 2018 population survey, the Census Bureau notes that the south drew about 412K people from the northeast. A good chunk of that number represents people moving from Pennsylvania to Florida.
Here are the top reasons people move from PA to FL:
- Jobs and career growth.
- Retirement.
- Lower taxes.
- Great weather and beautiful sandy beaches.
- A diverse multicultural society.
- Roaring entertainment, food, and nightlife scenes.
What are some of the best places to move to in Florida?
One of the best things about moving to Florida from Pennsylvania (or any other place) is that there are so many wonderful locations you could settle in. Florida is a beautiful state and no matter where you are, you are guaranteed that restaurants, nightclubs, museums, shopping stores, beautiful sights, and white beaches are all around you.
Some of the best places to consider include:
Tampa
Tampa scores well in many areas. It has good public schools and lots of parks. That helps to make it a great place for raising a family. The city also boasts lots of entertainment, food, and shopping venues. The nightlife and general culture are also quite diverse here.
Median house price: $302,000
Median rent: $1,650
Population: 400K and 2.M for the metro area
Gainesville
Gainesville is another Florida city that ranks very well for raising a family. This city has good public schools and is great for jobs. Gainesville has a good entertainment and nightlife scene though not as ‘hot’ if compared to South Florida. Gainesville also has no beach (about 50 miles away on either side). Crime can also be an issue in some areas.
Median house price: $210,000
Median rent: $1,400
Population: 140K
St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg, FL, is located between Tampa and Sarasota which are both on this list. It is a great city for retirement as well as raising a family. The area is surrounded by beaches on all sides. It also has vibrant food, nightlife, and entertainment scenes.
Median house price: $302,500
Median rent: $1,700
Population: 270K
Naples
Located in the southwest part of the state, Naples is a smaller city with lovely sandy beaches, great weather, and lots to do all year round. It’s one of the favorites for retirees. Here there are lots of shopping options, dining outlets, and entertainment spots.
Median house price: $400,500
Median rent: $2,000
Population: 22K
Sarasota
Located just south of Tampa, Sarasota is another great city for retirees and regular folk as well. The city has lovely weather, lots of shopping outlets, and beautiful beaches with clear white sand. Sarasota is also loved for its good schools and healthcare. If you’re looking for some fun, you’ll find lots of bars and places to eat here.
Median house price: $387,000
Median rent: $1,600
Population: 58K
Jacksonville
Jacksonville is located to the northeast of Florida and is one of the largest cities in the state. Most people living here do so because the city offers lots of employment opportunities, thanks to the strong economy and thriving businesses. Jacksonville is also loved for its great beaches and lower housing costs. There is, however, a notable level of crime in some areas.
Median house price: $303,700
Median rent: $1,300
Population: 935K
Honorable Mentions:
- Fort Myers
- Cape Coral
- Orlando
- Melbourne
- Pensacola
- Palm Bay
- Port St. Lucie
Move from Pennsylvania to Florida and enjoy better employment prospects, warm weather all year long, lower taxes, a thriving food and entertainment scene, and of course – white sandy beaches!
Would you like to see how much your PA to FL move might cost? Use our moving cost calculator to find out. And how about you compare the best interstate movers in Pennsylvania?