When planning a move from California to Florida, professional movers typically run between
$3,528 and $7,441, a moving container averages about
$3,688, and a rental truck is around
$2,471.
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FAQ
How much does it cost to move from California to Florida?
Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,270 – $5,483 | $1,355 – $3,308 | $1,423 – $2,788 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $3,528 – $7,441 | $2,311 – $5,065 | $1,590 – $3,352 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,706 – $11,410 | $3,186 – $6,967 | $2,008 – $3,910 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,270 – $5,483
- 2–3 bedrooms: $3,528 – $7,441
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,706 – $11,410
How much do moving containers cost from California to Florida?
- Small move: $1,355 – $3,308
- 2–3 bedrooms: $2,311 – $5,065
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,186 – $6,967
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,423 – $2,788
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,590 – $3,352
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,008 – $3,910
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Which option is usually the cheapest?
A rental truck is generally the cheapest option — but you’ll handle the driving and labor yourself.
Why are these prices ranges (not exact quotes)?
These are approximate estimates for a 2,699-mile move from CA to FL using moveBuddha pricing data as of Dec 16, 2025. Pricing is refreshed monthly to reflect seasonal and market changes.
Final costs can vary based on move size, add-on services, parking/access challenges, fuel rates, and scheduling.
How do I get the most accurate price for my exact move?
Compare quotes from multiple movers to dial in a precise number.
What “extra costs” should I plan for after moving from CA to FL?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| California | Florida | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $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% |
Will rent be more expensive in Florida?
Rent is about 22% lower in Florida than in California.
Avg rent: $1,856 vs. $1,444
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are about 49% lower in Florida than in California.
Avg home value: $771,057 vs. $392,176
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average income is about 26% lower in Florida than in California.
Avg income (per capita): $91,905 vs. $67,917
Is the overall cost of living higher in Florida?
The cost of living is 24% lower in Florida than in California.
Cost of living index: 134 vs. 102
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax is about 18% lower in Florida than in California.
Avg sales tax: 8.68% vs. 7.08%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Florida has no state income tax, so you may keep more of your paycheck compared to California.
State income tax: 13.3% vs. 0.0%
How is daily life different in Florida compared to California?
Starting fresh means adjusting to more than logistics — climate, crime, and culture shape the experience.
| 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 |
Will Florida feel more crowded than California?
Florida is about 42% less populous than California — which can mean more space and a slower pace.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, Florida voted Republican while California voted Democratic.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Highs are very similar (91°F vs. 87°F).
Winter: Florida is colder on average (49°F vs. 59°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in Florida?
Rain: Florida gets more rain (55″ vs. 22″).
Snow: Florida gets no snow, while California gets about 7 inches per year.
Is Florida safer than California?
Florida has a lower crime index than California (21.39 vs. 28.43), which can mean more peace of mind overall.
What are some things to do in Florida?
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
What other things should I plan for besides the move itself?
Other things to consider for your California to Florida move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: A key task to tackle early is booking your building’s elevator and checking out the rules for using it on moving day.
- 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. Before you book, double-check that your moving company is properly licensed.
- State regulator: Easily verify the status of a Florida moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s website, here.
- Moving permits: Florida does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- Change of address: Submit your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Just set your official move date, and your mail will be forwarded to Florida right on time. 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 moving day simple with our easy-to-use moving checklist. Make this your go-to guide to ensure you don’t miss a thing.
Do I need to follow HOA or building rules on moving day?
Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
Should I reserve an elevator for moving day?
A key task to tackle early is booking your building’s elevator and checking out the rules for using it on moving day.
Do I need a parking permit for a moving truck in Florida?
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.
How can I confirm a mover is properly licensed in Florida?
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.
You can verify licensing on the state regulator’s official site: check a Florida moving license here.
Do I need a moving permit in Florida?
Florida does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
What should I do about mail forwarding, insurance, and potential discounts?
Submit your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Get started here.
Federal law requires interstate movers to include basic insurance (“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.
Some movers in California offer discounts: 7 AAA discounts; 7 military discounts; 7 senior discounts; 2 student discounts; 2 educator discounts; 4 law enforcement discounts.
Discount types, amounts, and eligibility vary—confirm with each mover before booking.
Keep moving day simple with our easy-to-use moving checklist. Make this your go-to guide to ensure you don’t miss a thing.
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