$1,323 Movers From California to Florida
Fact Checked by: The cost to move from California to Florida averages from $1,651 to $7,916 depending on how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.
Hiring a full-service California moving company will be on the more expensive side, while a rental truck or a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.
Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Moving from Florida to California guide.
Moving from California to Florida resources
- Best California to Florida movers: We’ve handpicked the best moving companies from California to Florida.
- How much do movers cost?: Use our moving cost calculator to get a more accurate estimate on moving expenses.
- Consider moving containers: Need a more budget-friendly option? With these companies, you load and they drive! These are the best moving container companies.
- California to Florida car shippers: Moving your car? Use a company that prioritizes professionalism, cares for your vehicle, and is experienced.
Moving 2,704 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.
The best California to Florida movers
Hiring an interstate moving company from California to Florida is a big deal.
There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don’t worry, you won’t have to filter through all of them. We’ve done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services. Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving California to Florida.
- Safeway Moving: Best overall value
- American Van Lines: Best industry reputation
- Mayzlin Relocation: Best upfront pricing
- Air Van northAmerican Van Lines: Best for complex moves
- JK Moving Services: Best for high-end moves
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If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here’s a list of our recommended services for small moves.
How much does it cost to move from California to Florida?
The table below lays out average cost ranges when moving from California to Florida for different moving services depending on the size of your home.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 Bedroom | $1,323 - $5,559 | $1,404 - $3,498 | $1,525 - $2,954 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,922 - $7,916 | $2,492 - $5,201 | $1,651 - $3,518 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $7,378 - $12,263 | $3,437 - $7,087 | $2,087 - $4,317 |
*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 the final cost of your move.
There are many factors that influence California moving costs. The cost to move from California to Florida will depend on these factors:
- Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
- Time of year: The peak moving season in California is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
- DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are cheaper but you do all the heavy lifting compared to letting the pros handle your move.
How much does it cost to hire movers from California to Florida?
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from California to Florida will cost between $1,323 to $5,559. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from CA to FL will range from $3,922 to $7,916, and a large move from California to Florida will cost from $7,378 to $12,263.
How much are moving containers like PODS from California to Florida?
Moving containers from California to Florida will cost you $1,404 to $3,498 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,492 to $5,201. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $3,437 to $7,087. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of California.
How much is a moving truck from California to Florida?
A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor; these estimates include the estimated fuel cost:
Moving a studio or 1-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $1,525 to $2,954. A larger move will cost $1,651 to $3,518, and a 4+ bedroom move from California to Florida costs from $2,087 to $4,317.
Is moving from California to Florida a good idea?
If you’re moving to Florida from California, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.
Cost of Living: California vs Florida
| California | Florida | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,503 | $1,175 |
| Average home cost | $758,360 | $356,349 |
| Average income (per capita) | $78,672 | $57,703 |
| Cost of Living Index | 100 | 98 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.8% | 3.5% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.68% | 7.08% |
| State Income Tax | 13.3% | 0.0% |
- Rent is about 22% less expensive in Florida than in California.
- Home prices are about 53.0% lower in Florida than in California.
- The average income is about 26.7% lower in Florida than in California.
- Cost of living is 2.0% lower in Florida than in California.
- Florida has a lower unemployment rate than California by about 39.7%.
- Sales taxes are 18.43% lower in Florida than in California.
- Income taxes are 100.00% lower in Florida than in California.
How is life different in Florida from California?
| Florida | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 21,781,128 | 39,237,836 |
| Political leaning | Republican 51-48 | Democratic 63-34 |
| Summer High | 91ºF | 87ºF |
| Winter Low | 49ºF | 59ºF |
| Annual Rain | 55" | 22" |
| Annual Snow | 0" | 7" |
| Crime Index | 21.73 | 25.7 |
- The population of Florida is approximately 44% lower than the population of California.
- In the last presidential election, Florida voted Republican and California voted Democratic.
- The average high in the summertime in Florida is 91ºF and in California, it’s 87ºF.
- During the coldest part of the year, Florida reaches the temperature of 49ºF and California gets down to 59ºF.
- You can expect about 55 inches of annual rainfall in Florida vs 22 inches of rainfall in California.
- In Florida, it snows about 0 inches annually vs 7 inches of snow in California.
- Florida has a lower crime rate than California with a crime index of 25.7 vs 21.73.
Comparing the pros of California vs. Florida:
There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in California vs Florida side-by-side.
| 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:
Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, these are the things to be aware of when leaving California for Florida.
| 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 |
Considerations for moving to Florida
- 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 ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator Reservation: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
- Parking Permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
- 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 the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State Regulator: You can verify a Florida moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
- 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: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forward to Florida. Get started here.
- Mover's Insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. Released Value Protection is the most economical option because it doesn’t cost anything. It is offered by movers at no additional charge, but the protection is minimal. Under this option, the mover is responsible for no more than 60 cents per pound per article. For example, if your mover lost or damaged a 50 inch TV weighing 25 pounds, you would only receive $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). If you need for the full value of your items to be covered, please consult with the moving company you're hiring for other options or a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving Checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.
Looking for local California movers?
| Company | Quote | Rating | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
most popular
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Get A Quote |
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361 Swift Ave, South San Francisco, CA, 94080 (415) 544-7000 |
| Meathead Movers | Get A Quote |
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3600 S Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93401 (805) 544-6328 |
| Smooth Move USA | Get A Quote |
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3101 Gilmore Avenue, Bakersfield, CA, 93308 (661) 220-5147 |
Visit our Best Movers in California page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.
Things to do in Florida
While you’re in Florida, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state.
- Walt Disney World
- Universal Studios Orlando
- South Beach
- Kennedy Space Center
- Key West
- SeaWorld Orlando
- Busch Gardens Tampa
- Castillo de San Marcos
- Clearwater Beach
- Everglades National Park
- Amelia Island
- Daytona 500 International Speedway
- Duval Street in Key West
- Salvador Dalí Museum
- Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
- National Naval Aviation Museum
- Discovery Cove
- Coral Castle
- Big Cypress National Preserve
- WonderWorks Orlando
FAQs about moving from California to Florida
What is the cheapest way to move from California to Florida?
The cheapest way to move from California to Florida is with a DIY move. Here’s our guide for the cheapest way to move out of state.
What are the benefits of moving from California to Florida?
The main reasons people are moving from California to Florida are the amazing upsides of living in Florida such as fantastic weather and abundant water recreational activities.
