($1,617) Cost of Moving From California to Florida
Quick answer: The average cost to move from California to Florida ranges from $2,017 to $9,187 and takes seven–21 days. The top cost factors are how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.
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Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our moving from Florida to California guide.
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The best California to Florida full-service movers
Moving from California to Florida? With thousands of moving companies in the U.S., hiring the right interstate moving company can be a challenge.
To simplify your search, we've selected the most reliable movers based on our detailed analysis of customer reviews, pricing, and service offerings.
Start with these top long-distance moving companies serving California for your Florida relocation:
- Safeway Moving: Best overall value
- Mayzlin Relocation: Best for personalized service
- American Van Lines: Most experienced mover
- Allied Van Lines: Best for contents coverage
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Best California Movers: 5 out of 5 stars
- Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Meathead Movers: 5 out of 5 stars
- Republic Moving & Storage: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Air 1 Moving & Storage: 4.9 out of 5 stars
Best California Movers
rating
5 / 5
DOT #: 3489907
Pricing: $109/hr
Years in Business: 6
15 Hubble, Irvine, CA 92591Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 3489907
- State license #: T0192283
Alternative Business Names
- Best California Movers & Storage
- An Moving Forward
Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc.
rating
4.8 / 5
DOT #: 3670248
Years in Business: 14
274 Wattis Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc. has been a trusted name for local residential moves in and around San Bruno, CA since 2010. They stand out with a solid reputation, boasting an impressive average rating of 4.4 on Yelp from 429 reviews, and a 4.6 average rating on Google from 129 reviews. With a Better Business Bureau rating of A+, customers frequently praise their professionalism and efficiency. Unlike many nearby competitors, they offer comprehensive packing and unpacking services, along with the specialized capability to move pianos, art, and antiques. Flexible payment options, including cash and credit cards, and no required deposit, further underscore their customer-first approach.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 3670248
- State license #: 0190673
Meathead Movers
rating
5 / 5
DOT #: 921143
Years in Business: 27
3600 S Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401Meathead 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.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 921143
- State license #: 189849
Alternative Business Names
- Meathead Packers
Republic Moving & Storage
rating
4.9 / 5
DOT #: 3369820
Years in Business: 31
8140 St Andrews Ave, San Diego, CA 92154Republic 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.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- 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
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 3369820
- State license #: 0190491
- DOD certified
Alternative Business Names
- Lovejoy's Family Moving
- Republic Relocation Services
Local Associations
Air 1 Moving & Storage
rating
4.9 / 5
DOT #: 1095485
Years in Business: 22
9556 Cozycroft Ave, Chatsworth, CA 91311Air 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.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1095485
- State license #: 0189688
Alternative Business Names
- Air 1 Moving & Storage, Inc
The best California to Florida moving container companies
Moving containers allow you to save money without having to go the full DIY route. While you’ll have to handle loading and unloading, the container company has you covered on transportation — they’ll pick up your pod in California and drop it off at your new home in Florida.
Check out these highly rated moving container companies:
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The best California to Florida moving truck rentals
Moving truck rentals are the most cost-effective way to move from California to Florida, although they’re also the most labor-intensive. You’ll save big by doing all the heavy lifting and driving.
We like these rental moving trucks:
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The best California to Florida labor-only movers
If you need help moving some or all of your items into a container or rental truck, you can hire labor-only movers. They’ll send over a professional crew the right size for your move and you’ll pay only for the amount of time they work.
Consider one of these top-notch moving labor companies for your move from California to Florida:
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How we chose the best moving companies for your CA to FL move
moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 277 California movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.
Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.
Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
How much does it cost to move from California to Florida?
The table below lays out average cost ranges to move 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 | $1,617 - $6,452 | $1,716 - $4,317 | $1,881 - $3,681 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,743 - $9,187 | $3,106 - $6,544 | $2,017 - $4,340 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $8,652 - $15,281 | $4,073 - $8,485 | $2,447 - $5,221 |
*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
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from California to Florida will cost between $1,617 and $6,452. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from CA to FL will range from $4,743 to $9,187, and a large move from California to Florida will cost from $8,652 to $15,281.
Cost of moving containers from California to Florida
Moving containers from California to Florida will cost you $1,716 to $4,317 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $3,106 to $6,544. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $4,073 to $8,485. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of California.
Cost of moving truck rentals 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.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around
$1,881 to $3,681.
A two to three-bedroom move will cost
$2,017 to $4,340,
and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from California to Florida costs from
$2,447 to $5,221.
These estimates include the estimated fuel cost.
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.
