Best Movers from California to Florida (2025 Cost Data)
Quick answer: When planning a move from California to Florida, you can expect to pay anywhere from $2,077 to $9,380. Most relocations will take about seven–21 days. Your actual price can change depending on your home size, timing, and whether you go with a professional moving company or move yourself.
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Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our moving from Florida to California guide.
Our track record
The best California to Florida full-service movers
Planning a move from California to Florida? With countless moving companies to choose from, finding the right interstate mover can be tough. We’ve made it easier by researching and handpicking the best options based on detailed reviews, upfront pricing, and exceptional services.
Start your journey from California to Florida with these top-rated long-distance movers serving California.
- Safeway Moving: Best overall value
- American Van Lines: Most experienced mover
- Allied Van Lines: Best for contents coverage
- Mayzlin Relocation: Best for personalized service
- North American Van Lines: Best customized plans
- GPS tracking en route
- Veteran-owned
- Dedicated move coordinator
- Flat-rate pricing
- Donates a portion of moves to charity
- Experienced & fully trained moving crews
- Specializes in moving art & antiques
- Competitive pricing
- Can handle last-minute moves
- Climate-controlled storage
- Fragile packing
- Storage options
- 24/7 shipment tracking
- Quick & efficient
- Accurate quotes
- Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
- Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
- Hands-on customer service
- 24/7 support
- Price-matching policy
- Custom crates for electronics & art
- Satellite shipment tracking
- 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
- Self-packing option
- No deposit required
The best local moving companies in California
Choosing a reliable local moving company can be a big undertaking with so many choices out there. That's why we've handpicked the best local movers in California, highlighting companies that are known for their clear pricing, excellent reviews, and extensive services.
- Best California Movers: 5 out of 5 stars
- Meathead Movers: 5 out of 5 stars
- Republic Moving & Storage: 4.96 out of 5 stars
- All Star Movers & Storage: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Air 1 Moving & Storage: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Professional and polite staff
- Good communication
- Damage to items
- Inaccurate estimates
- Poor complaint handling
Company Info
State license #: T0192283
Pricing: $109/hr
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 3489907
Alternate Names: Best California Movers & Storage, An Moving Forward
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- Efficient service
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
- Damage to items
- Higher-than-expected costs
- Poor packing quality
Company Info
State license #: 189849
Years in Business: 27
DOT #: 921143
Alternate Names: Meathead Packers
Meathead Movers has been a trusted name in local residential moving services around San Luis Obispo, CA, since 1998. The company stands out with its glowing consumer reviews, boasting an average rating of 4.2 on Yelp and 4.3 on Google My Business, alongside an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Unlike many other local moving companies, Meathead Movers also offers comprehensive packing and unpacking services, all without requiring a deposit. With their solid reputation and wide range of services, they remain a top choice for residents seeking reliable and efficient movers locally.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Efficient service
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
- Damage to items
- Delayed arrival or delivery
- Lack of communication
Company Info
State license #: 0190491
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 3369820
Alternate Names: Lovejoy's Family Moving, Republic Relocation Services
Republic Moving & Storage has been a trusted name in local residential moving services in and around San Diego, CA, since 1995. With a strong reputation bolstered by an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, they offer a variety of services including packing, unpacking, and specialized moving for items like pianos, hot tubs, and art. Their consumer reviews reflect a solid reputation, with an average rating of 3.8 on Yelp and 4.0 on Google My Business. Unlike many nearby competitors, they also provide storage solutions and full valuation insurance coverage, ensuring a smooth and secure moving experience.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOD certified
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Professional and polite staff
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
- Inaccurate estimates
- Damage to items
- Unexpected charges
Company Info
State license #: 0191302
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2971368
All Star Movers & Storage, serving Dublin, CA and surrounding areas since 2016, is a reputable choice for local residential moves. Praised for their exceptional service with an average Yelp rating of 4.8 from 152 reviews and a BBB rating of A+, they stand out among local competitors. They offer a comprehensive array of services including packing, unpacking, crating, and can even handle delicate items such as pianos and art. Unlike many movers, All Star Movers & Storage accepts credit cards and requires no deposit, making the process easier for their clients.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Pay by credit card
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Efficient service
- Quick moving process
- Affordable rates
- Unexpected charges
- Damage to items
- Delayed arrival or delivery
Company Info
State license #: 0189688
Years in Business: 22
DOT #: 1095485
Alternate Names: Air 1 Moving & Storage, Inc
Air 1 Moving & Storage has been a trusted provider of local residential moving services in and around Chatsworth, CA, since 2004. The company stands out among nearby competitors with its extensive array of services, including packing, unpacking, and crating, along with specialized care for moving pianos, art, and antiques. With an impressive 4.4 average rating on Google and a solid A- rating from the Better Business Bureau, Air 1 Moving & Storage is well-regarded for its reliability and professional service. Customers looking for a reputable local mover will find Air 1’s no-deposit policy and acceptance of credit cards convenient and customer-friendly.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
The best California to Florida moving container companies
Moving containers are a budget-friendly option that lets you avoid doing all the work yourself. You pack and unpack your belongings, and the company takes care of the transport, picking up your container in California and delivering it to your new place in Florida.
Here are our favorite moving container companies for a smooth, stress-free move:
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The best California to Florida moving truck rentals
If you want to save money moving from California to Florida, renting a moving truck is your best bet. Just keep in mind, you’ll be putting in the sweat, doing the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
Check out our favorite picks for rental moving trucks:
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The best California to Florida labor-only movers
If you need some extra muscle to load your belongings into a rental truck or container, labor-only movers are a smart choice. You get a crew that's the right size for your move, and you only have to pay for the time it takes them to load.
For a smooth move from California to Florida, take a look at these top-rated moving labor companies.
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How we chose the best moving companies for your CA to FL move
How much does it cost to move from California to Florida?
Take a look at the table below for average moving cost estimates from California to Florida. Costs are organized by home size and the type of moving service you choose.
Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
---|---|---|---|
Studio / 1 Bedroom | $1,552 - $6,995 | $1,716 - $4,488 | $1,900 - $3,789 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,886 - $9,380 | $3,167 - $6,290 | $2,077 - $4,082 |
4+ bedrooms | $9,103 - $14,532 | $4,031 - $9,091 | $2,549 - $5,327 |
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,704 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect your final costs.
Cost to hire movers from California to Florida
Planning a move from California to Florida? For a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,552 and $6,995. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $4,886 and $9,380 for the same journey (CA to FL). Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $9,103 to $14,532.
Cost of moving containers from California to Florida
If you're moving from California to Florida, expect to pay between $1,716 and $4,488 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $3,167 up to $6,290. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $4,031 and $9,091. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from California.
Cost of moving truck rentals from California to Florida
Looking to save money? Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $1,900 and $3,789. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $2,077 and $4,082. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $2,549 and $5,327.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from CA to FL
Several factors influence the cost of moving from California to Florida. Here’s what can impact your final bill:
- Move size: The larger your home is, the more you’ll pay compared to moving a small studio apartment.
- Time of year: Prices tend to spike during summer, the busiest moving season in California.
- DIY vs. professional mover: Doing it yourself is cheaper, but hiring pros saves you effort and heavy lifting.
What to know before moving from CA to FL
If you’re making the move from California to Florida, it’s worth checking out how life in your new state stacks up.
Cost of living: California vs. Florida
Before you move, it’s smart to see how cost of living compares between California and Florida. This quick, side-by-side breakdown covers essentials like housing, income, taxes, and unemployment, giving you a better idea of how your budget might be affected. Check out how these two states stack up when it comes to cost of living:
California | Florida | |
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Average rent cost | $1,856 | $1,444 |
Average home cost | $771,057 | $392,176 |
Average income (per capita) | $91,905 | $67,917 |
Cost of Living Index | 134 | 102 |
Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 2.9% |
Average Sales Tax | 8.68% | 7.08% |
State Income Tax | 13.3% | 0.0% |
- Rent in Florida is around 22% less than in California, so you’ll have extra cash left over each month.
- Good news for your budget—home prices in Florida are roughly 49% less than in California, so you’ll enjoy lower monthly mortgage payments.
- Make sure to review your budget before your move. Average incomes in Florida are roughly 26% lower than in California.
- Living in Florida is about 24% cheaper than California. That means big savings for you, but it's still important to plan your move carefully.
- With an unemployment rate around 46% lower than California, Florida offers a healthier job market and a thriving local economy, which is excellent news if you’re considering relocating.
- Sales tax in Florida is 18% lower than in California. If you have a large family or higher spending habits, this lower rate in Florida can really help cut down your living expenses.
- A major advantage of relocating to Florida is the absence of state income tax, meaning you keep more of your hard-earned money whether you’re working a salary, freelancing, or enjoying retirement with taxable income.
How life is different in Florida vs. California
Relocating to a new state is more than just scoring a job or signing a lease, it’s all about how your daily life will shape up. Things like weather, safety, local vibes, and community size can really impact your experience. Here’s a quick side-by-side look at what life is like in Florida compared to California across a few key lifestyle factors:
Florida | California | |
---|---|---|
Population | 22,610,726 | 39,029,342 |
Political leaning | Republican 51-48 | Democratic 59-41 |
Summer high | 91ºF | 87ºF |
Winter low | 49ºF | 59ºF |
Annual rain | 55" | 22" |
Annual snow | 0" | 7" |
Crime index | 21.39 | 28.43 |
- With a population about 42% smaller than California, Florida offers you more room to breathe, a laid-back atmosphere, and a lower overall cost of living. Keep in mind, though, that you may also have fewer amenities and a slower job market.
- In the last presidential election, Florida leaned Republican, while California supported Democratic.
- Summer highs typically reach about 91ºF in Florida and 87ºF in California. With similar temperatures, you shouldn't have much trouble adjusting to the climate. Remember to also consider humidity, general weather patterns, and energy expenses to really understand what summer will feel like in your new home.
- During winter, temperatures in Florida can drop to around 49ºF, while California usually only experiences lows near 59ºF. Moving to Florida means adjusting to chillier winters, which could bring higher heating costs and more intense weather. On the bright side, you’ll also get to enjoy the unique charm and winter activities that come with a colder climate.
- Get ready for about 55 inches of rain each year in Florida, which is quite a change from the 22 inches you’re used to in California. The rain can make for some lovely lush greens, but it also means more soggy days. Pack your rain gear and get ready to settle in comfortably, no matter the weather.
- In Florida, you can expect about 0 inches of snow each year, much less than the 7 inches you’d deal with in California. So, if you’re moving to Florida, get ready for milder winters, less shoveling, and fewer extreme winter weather events.
- Moving to Florida means choosing a safer place to call home. With a lower crime index of 21.39 versus California’s 28.43, you’ll enjoy safer neighborhoods, a tighter-knit community, and more peace of mind. While crime rates aren’t the whole story, it’s comforting to know your new home offers extra security.
Comparing the pros of California vs. Florida
New beginnings can be really exciting. Here’s a quick comparison between life in Florida and California.
Pros of living in California | Pros of living in Florida |
---|---|
Ample economic opportunity | Fantastic weather |
Pleasant weather | Abundant water recreational activities |
Abundant recreational options | Ample economic opportunity |
High quality of life | World-leading entertainment |
Fresh and healthy foods | Beautiful flora and fauna |
Comparing the cons of living in California vs. Florida
Moving from California to Florida comes with its own set of challenges. Keep these things in mind to make your move smoother.
Cons of living in California | Cons of living in Florida |
---|---|
High cost of living | High cost of living |
Heavy tax burdens | Poor healthcare |
Natural disasters | Natural disasters |
Terrible traffic | Heat and humidity |
Strange laws | High crime rate |
Other things to consider for your California to Florida move
- Weather: Severe weather is a common occurrence in Florida, as Florida is the most hurricane-prone state in the US. June 1st and November 30 is the time when most hurricanes in Florida occur, the most severe dates lie between August - October. Be sure to check your local weather station before your move as Florida is known for its thunderstorms and high levels of precipitation. Perhaps plan for a Winter or Springtime move to ensure the safety of your belongings.
- HOA rules: Check your neighborhood or community rules ahead of moving day to avoid any last-minute surprises and keep your move running smoothly.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to reserve your building’s elevator as soon as possible and review any moving day rules well in advance.
- Parking permits: Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks, so be sure to check your new local rules before moving day to avoid any surprises.
- State licensing: Individuals and companies engaging in for-profit local and intrastate moving within the Sunshine State must register each year with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services – Division of Consumer Services. Make sure your moving company has the right licenses before you book with them.
- State regulator: Easily verify a Florida moving license and its current status on the official state regulator’s website, here.
- Moving permits: You don’t need a moving permit in Florida, but it’s smart to check local parking regulations before moving day.
- Change of address: Make sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before moving. Once you set your move date, your mail will start forwarding to Florida right on schedule. Get started here.
- Mover's insurance: Federal law requires interstate moving companies to provide you with basic insurance, called “released value protection,” for free. Released Value Protection stands out as a cost-effective choice, provided by movers at no extra expense, although it comes with limited coverage. In this option, the mover's liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. To ensure comprehensive coverage matching the full value of your items, consult with your chosen moving company about alternative options or explore third-party insurance providers. Secure the best protection for your belongings during the move with these tailored coverage choices.
- Moving checklist: Keep your move stress-free with our handy moving checklist. It’s the easiest way to make sure nothing gets overlooked.
Things to do in Florida
Get ready to discover all that Florida has to offer. Here are some must-see places to check out in your new state:
Museums in Florida
- Wynwood Halls
- The Ringling
- Edison and Ford Winter Estates
- The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
- The Dali Museum
Parks in Florida
- Dry Tortugas National Park
- Everglades National Park
- De Soto National Memorial
- Fort Matanzas National Monument
- Ocala National Forest
Sports Teams in Florida
- Miami Heat (NBA)
- Orlando Magic (NBA)
- Miami Marlins (MLB)
- Tampa Bay Rays (MLB)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (NFL)
Universities in Florida
- University of Florida
- Florida State University
- University of South Florida
- University of Central Florida
- Florida International University