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Factors affecting the cost of moving from CA to FL
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.
What to know before moving from CA to FL
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 | $1,856 | $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 is about 22% less expensive in Florida than in California.
- Home prices are about 49% lower in Florida than in California.
- The average income is about 26% lower in Florida than in California.
- Cost of living is 24% lower in Florida than in California.
- Florida has a lower unemployment rate than California by about 46%.
- Sales taxes are 18% lower in Florida than in California.
- Florida has no income tax.
How life is different in Florida vs. California
| 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 |
- The population of Florida is approximately 42% 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 versus 22 inches of rainfall in California.
- In Florida, it snows about 0 inches annually versus 7 inches of snow in California.
- Florida has a lower crime rate than California with a crime index of 21.39 vs. 28.43.
Comparing the pros of California vs. Florida
Getting a fresh start in a new location is exciting. Here’s a side-by-side look at the perks of living in Florida compared to 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
Everything can’t be sunshine and rainbows all the time, no matter where you live. Here are some 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 |
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 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 so that all your mail will get properly forwarded to Florida. Get started here.
- Mover's insurance: Interstate moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance — also called “released value protection” — free of charge to all moving customers. 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: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.
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
What is the cheapest way to move from California to Florida?
Hiring a full-service California moving company will be on the more expensive side, while a rental truck or a moving container is usually the cheaper way to go, but requires more work. Here’s our guide for the cheapest way to move out of state.
Do movers transport your car from California to Florida?
Some full-service movers can coordinate auto transport for you as part of your relocation package for an additional fee. But you can also handle vehicle transport from California to Florida separately through one of the top car shipping companies.
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.
Is it cheaper to live in California or Florida?
It is generally cheaper to live in Florida than in California. Housing is much more affordable in Florida, with average rent about 22% less and home prices 49.1% lower than in California. Florida has no income tax.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Florida?
You should make approximately $59,498 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Florida. The cost of living in Florida is approximately $2,900 per month for an individual and $7,028 for a family of four. The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in Florida you live For example, larger cities like Jacksonville and Miami will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.
