Moving from Texas to Florida: Cost and Tips

How much your move from Texas to Florida costs can vary by thousands of dollars! Understand the factors that affect the price to save lots of money on your next move.

Sergio Ocampo

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

Apr 15, 2020 · < 1

Moving from Texas to Florida is actually one of the most popular moves in the country.

Wondering how much it will cost?

Quick Answer: The average cost to move from Texas to Florida will range from $2,100-$4,100 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.

That’s not all.

From the actual distance of the move, the timing, and the type of move you decide to do will affect the price of your move from TX to FL.

We will explain each of these as well as give you a good idea of how much the move will cost. Although to be frank, each move will be different.

For a much better idea of what to expect to pay, get a personalized free quote using our moving cost calculator.

That being said, let’s get into it.

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

	Professional Moving Company	Moving Container Company	Freight Trailer Company	Truck Rental Company*
Studio/One Bedroom	$1,680-$1,890	$1,799-$2,273	$1,520-$1,920	$1,056-$1,426
2-3 Bedrooms	$2,970-$4,632	$2,700-$3,410	$2,518-$3,180	$1,264-$1,706
4+ Bedrooms	$3,923-$7,340	$3,376-$4,265	$3,325-$4,200	$1,508-$2,036

*Estimate includes fuel cost but no other costs associated such as 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 a state, the move may cost you more.

Florida continues to have a high inbound demand which may mean higher costs.

Texas is only now experiencing outbound population loss, though its outbound migration is not as dramatic as other states.

By moving within the same region (southern states) you reduce the distance of the move, which will save you money.

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 (late spring and summer) to an offseason move (fall or winter).

November 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.

Why Are People Moving from Texas to Florida?

While both Texas and Florida have climate appeal, Texas may be losing out to Florida due to the overall state of the economy. Texas was the go-to state for jobs. Now that the unemployment rate has dropped in neighboring states like Florida, people are looking for a state with a lower cost of living within the same region.

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 compared to Texas. Economic powerhouses like Disney offer a stable job market for hospitality professionals in Florida.

Although Texas also has no state income taxes, many Texans would be unhappy to arrive at a state that does have income taxes that they’re not used to paying. This is a good driver of Texans moving to the Sunshine State.

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.

The city and its surrounding areas has a lot to offer, from West Palm Beach to Fort Lauderdale to South Beach.

Check out our Moving to Miami Guide for more tips and information.

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 is 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.

Check out our Moving to Tampa Guide for more tips and information.

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.

Check out our Moving to Jacksonville Guide for more tips and information.

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.