Moving from California to Florida: Movers and Cost

Sergio Ocampo has reviewed hundreds of moving companies and is an expert at all things moving.

Last Updated: Sep 14, 2022 · 5 min

Quick Answer: The average cost to move from California to Florida ranges from $2,182 to $7,982. Moving costs will vary based on the amount of stuff being moved, the time of year, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

Moving out of state can feel overwhelming. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know for your move to Florida. But just in case you’re short on time, here are a few quick resources to get immediate answers.

Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Moving from Florida to California guide.

How much will your move cost?: Want to narrow down how much your move will cost? Use our moving cost calculator to get more specific price ranges and recommendations on the best companies to use for your move.
Best California to Florida movers: If you plan on hiring a moving company, you won't regret checking out our list of the top movers from California to Florida.
Best Moving Container Companies: Use a trustworthy moving container company for a more budget-friendly option, and leave the driving to the professionals.
Best Car Shipping Companies: Moving your car? Use a company that prioritizes professionalism, cares for your vehicle, and is experienced.

Okay, let’s talk about moving costs.

How much does it cost to move from California to Florida?

The table below lays out average cost ranges for different moving services depending on the size of your home.

Move Size	Moving Company	Moving Container	Rental Truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom	$1,332 - $5,617	$2,004 - $3,432	$2,014 - $2,651
2 - 3 bedrooms	$3,975 - $7,982	$3,525 - $5,364	$2,182 - $3,155
4+ bedrooms	$7,480 - $12,368	$4,874 - $6,910	$2,784 - $3,876

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,693 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.

The cost to move from California to Florida will depend on:

Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
Time of year: The peak moving season is in the summer, this makes prices higher.
Do-it-yourself vs Professional Mover: You may save money with a DIY move, but you also will have to do all the work.

How much does it cost to hire movers from California to Florida?

To ship furniture from California to Florida with a mover will cost between $1,332-$5,617. The cost to move a 2-3 bedroom home from CA to FL will range from $3,975 to $7,982, and a large move from California to Florida will cost from $7,480 to $12,368.

How much are moving containers like PODS from California to Florida?

Moving pods from California to Florida will cost you $2,004-$3,432 for a small move. For a 2-3 bedroom move, moving containers can cost $3,525 - $5,364. A 4-bedroom move or bigger will cost $4,874 - $6,910.

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 $2,014 to $2,651. A larger move will cost $2,182 - $3,155, and a 4+ bedroom move from California to Florida costs from $2,784 - $3,876.

How Much do Movers Cost?

Get instant ballpark pricing. No email or phone required. It's fast, free, and easy.

Who Are The Best California to Florida Movers?

Hiring a moving company is a big deal.

We’ve researched over 500 interstate moving companies, cross-referencing verified customer reviews, license data, insurance data, and federal complaint records to find you the best long distance moving companies in the industry.

If you’re moving a 1 bedroom apartment worth of stuff or more, these are the best full service moving companies.

Company	Quote	Rating
Best Overall Value	Get A Quote	4.5 overall rating
Best industry reputation	Get A Quote	4.5 overall rating
Best customer service	Get A Quote	4.45 overall rating

If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here’s a list of our recommended services for small moves.

Looking for local California movers?

Company	Quote	Rating	Contact
Meathead Movers	Get A Quote	4.96 overall rating	4744 North El Capitan Avenue, Fresno, CA, 93722 +15597850316
Smooth Move USA	Get A Quote	4.86 overall rating	3101 Gilmore Avenue, Bakersfield, CA, 93308 +16612205147
Gentle Giant Moving Company	Get A Quote	4.86 overall rating	361 Swift Ave, South San Francisco, CA, 94080 +14155447000

Visit our Best Movers in California page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

How to ship a car from California to Florida

Just like booking a reputable mover, professional car shippers will apply know-how and experience to make sure that your car safely arrives in Florida.

Here's our list of the best California to Florida car shipping companies.

Best Overall Value	Best Insurance Coverage	Best for Quick Pick Up	Best for accurate pricing	Best auto transport marketplace


5 overall rating	4.75 overall rating	4.5 overall rating	4.8 overall rating	3.9 overall rating
Check prices	Check prices	Check prices	Check prices	Check prices
(224) 206-5633	(866) 563-0804	(888) 259-6046	(833) 775-1461

The type of transport you choose and the size of the vehicle will influence the final price of shipping your car. Learn more about car shipping costs.

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	151	98
Unemployment rate	5.8%	3.5%
Average Sales Tax	8.68%	7.08%
State Income Tax	13.3%	0.0%

source: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation

Rent is about the same cost in Florida and California.
Home prices are about the same in Florida and California.
The average income is about the same in Florida and California.
Cost of living is about the same in Florida and California.
Florida and California have about the same unemployment rate.
Sales taxes are the same in Florida and California.
Income taxes are the same in Florida and 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

source: US Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces

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.