Moving from Virginia to Florida: Cost and Tips

The Census Bureau estimates that over 30,000 people moved from Virginia to Florida in 2018.

That’s a lot!

If you’re looking to make the move as well, the first question you should ask is this:

How much will it cost to move from Virginia to Florida?

Quick Answer: The average cost to move from Virginia to Florida is $2,800-$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.

*Estimates for truck rentals include fuel costs only. Other costs may include lodging, tolls, or parking.
For more precise numbers customized to your move, use the moving cost calculator. Input specific outbound cities in Virginia and specific inbound cities in Florida to get the best estimate.

Why Do the Prices Vary So Much?

You have a range of options with moving which gives you a wide range of prices.

Professional movers. They do all the loading and unloading and all the driving from Virginia to Florida. A higher cost option with less stress.

Moving container companies. They leave the loading and unloading to you but do all the driving. A medium cost option.

Trunk rentals. You have to do everything from loading and unloading to driving the truck from Virginia to Florida. A lower-cost option but a lot more stress.

Inbound State Demands Impacts Price

If more people are moving to your inbound state from your outbound state, you may save on costs. That’s because moving companies and container and freight companies can share the transportation with other customers making the same trip.

According to the US Census, more than 20,000 people left Virginia for Florida in 2018. Those numbers continue to increase year by year.

Timing Your Move for a Better Price

Moving season moves will always cost you more. Any move made during the spring and summer months will be higher whether you rent a truck or hire professional movers.

If you can, plan your move during the offseason ( fall or winter months). Moving costs drop dramatically and you can save. See the example below of the exact same Virginia to Florida move during offseason and peak moving season.

• March 1: A five-bedroom house with professional movers: $3,100-$7,150
• July 1: A five-bedroom house with professional movers: $5,350-$9,500

More job opportunities await Virginians in Florida. A slumping Virginia economy has made Florida more appealing. Both Southern states have a low cost of living. The difference is that Florida’s tourism and retirement industry continues to thrive offering more jobs.

For those who want to remain in the region, but need better employment opportunities, a Virginia to Florida move is really the best move they can make for their careers.

Best Places to Move in Florida

Miami, Florida Perks

• No state tax. With no state tax to pay, you can save a lot and spend more on housing and cost of living.
• Great public transportation for urban dwellers. The streamlined public transportation system in Miami makes it easy to get around the city without a car. For young professionals who want to live in the center of the city, this is a key factor that influences the move.
• Beautiful beaches. While Virginia has beaches, they do not compare to the white sand stretches in Miami.
• A thriving food scene. The Cuban influence on cuisine is unraveled in Miami. Add to that great music and you will feel transported as you stop for a bite in any of the city’s ethnic eateries.

Daytona Beach, Florida Perks

• A diverse economy. Daytona Beach offers lots of job opportunities in hospitality and tourism. Healthcare is also a growing industry along with construction and trade work.
• A low cost of living. Housing costs are well below the national average, making it easy to get by on a budget and still have money left over to enjoy the sun and sand.
• High quality of life. Often a low cost of living means a compromise on quality of life. Not so in Daytona Beach where you can enjoy a variety of affordable activities from antique markets to museums.
• NASCAR. If you love motorsports, then you will be at the epicenter. NASCAR headquarters are here, and racing events happen all year round.

Port St. Lucie, Florida Perks

• Affordable living in South Florida. You can find a house for as low as $209,000
• Great local education. Port St. Lucie is home to Indian River State College and Florida Atlantic University so you can broaden your horizons while finding time to visit the beach.
• The beach is nearby. You don’t have to make a long drive to get to the oceanfront. Port St. Lucie is conveniently located for all your water sports fun.
• Golfer’s paradise. If you love golf, Port St. Lucie is the ideal retirement community with top-flight golf courses including several gated golf communities such as PGA Village.

Orlando, Florida Perks

• The theme park center of the world. You can live here inexpensively while enjoying a tourist life all year round. Visit Disney anytime you want.
• Booming real estate. Orlando is one of the fastest-growing cities in the US. More housing is becoming available every day to accommodate a range of needs from condos to sprawling mega-homes.
• Low cost of living. The cost of living in Orlando, FL, is about 3% lower than the average Florida cost of living.
• Major travel hub. If you travel frequently for business, you can go anywhere pretty easily from the major airports situated in Orlando.

Lakeland, Florida Perks

• Low crime, safe city. The security of Lakeland is one of the biggest draws. A low crime rate has made Lakeland citizens proud of their peace of mind.
• Lots of recreational areas. Lakeland is designed for leisure. Find lots of parks and lakes in the city where you can enjoy your time off.
• A great option for retirees. Retirees flock to Lakeland for its safety and for low cost of living in their golden years.
• Family friendly city. With lots to do for kids, families come to Lakeland to feel safe and raise their kids.

Tampa, Florida Perks

• City with highest employment rates in Florida. Tampa continues to grow and with it lots of employment opportunities across a range of job categories.
• Unique regions of the city cater to different residents. Tampa has three distinct regions that offer residents diverse lifestyles from young, hip professionals who love the single scene, to safe and serene family suburbs.
• A sports fans paradise. If you love sports, you will love Tampa. Find teams like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Tampa Bay Rays.
• A diverse blend of schools. There are many opportunities here for professionals expanding on their careers and families preparing kids for college. Find the University of South Florida here along with great community colleges.

Jacksonville, Florida Perks

• Has top-rated high schools in the nation. Jacksonville has received well-deserved praise for better preparing young people for college than many schools in the country.
• World class arts destination. Who knew that Jacksonville would become an arts mecca? But it has with artists of all ranks celebrating the creative spirit in fairs, festivals, exhibitions, and museums.
• Family fun central. There is so much to do in Jacksonville, that families always have a full list on the weekends. Kids of all ages will love the River by the Seas park.
• Close to other major Florida cities. Jacksonville is conveniently located to other Florida urban centers, so travel for work is easy.

Pensacola, Florida Perks

• High tourism revenues help keep Pensacola cost of living low. Because of high tourism income, the city enjoys a low cost of living.
• Locals spend just 23.79% of their income on housing. Reasonably priced housing is attractive to both young professionals and families looking to make a life in Florida on a budget.
• Employment is strong with growth in healthcare, manufacturing and tourism driving the local economy. With significant job growth, there are many opportunities for Virginia transplants to find their calling.
• White sand beaches. Those beaches are always the siren song for visitors who eventually become residents.

You May Also Be Interested In:

• Cost of Moving from California to Florida
• Cost of Moving from New York to Florida
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• Cost of Moving from Florida to Colorado
• Cost of Moving from Maine to Florida
• Cost of Moving from Michigan to Florida
• Cost of Moving from Virginia to Arizona
• Cost of Moving from Washington DC to Jacksonville
• Cost of Moving from Georgia to Florida