Moving from California to Miami, FL: Movers and Cost

Last Updated: Mar 1, 2023 · 5 min read

Quick Answer: The average cost to move from California to Miami, FL ranges from $1,775 to $8,301. 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 Miami, FL. 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 Miami, FL 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 Miami, FL movers: If you plan on hiring a moving company be sure to check out our list of the top movers from California to Miami, FL.
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 Miami, FL car shippers: 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 Miami, FL?

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

Size of the Move	Moving Company	Moving Container	Rental Truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom	$1,386 - $5,841	$1,489 - $3,712	$1,638 - $3,177
2 - 3 bedrooms	$4,134 - $8,301	$2,640 - $5,522	$1,775 - $3,783
4+ bedrooms	$7,779 - $12,862	$3,645 - $7,539	$2,243 - $4,644

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,868 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 Miami, FL will depend on:

Move size: 5 bedroom homes are more expensive to move than 1 bedroom apartments.
Time of year: Summer is busy season so moving companies charge more.
Do-it-yourself vs Professional Mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress.

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 Miami, FL 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
Safeway Moving Best Overall Value	Get A Quote	4.5 overall rating
American Van Lines Best industry reputation	Get A Quote	4.5 overall rating
International Van Lines 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.

How much does it cost to hire movers from California to Miami, FL?

To ship furniture from California to Miami with a mover will cost between $1,386 to $5,841. The cost to move a 2 to 3 bedroom home from Miami to FL will range from $4,134 to $8,301, and a large move from California to Miami will cost from $7,779 to $12,862.

How much are moving containers like PODS from California to Miami, FL?

Moving pods from California to Miami will cost you $1,489 to $3,712 for a small move. For a 2 to 3 bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,640 to $5,522. A 4-bedroom move or bigger will cost $3,645 to $7,539.

How much is a moving truck from California to Miami, FL?

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 $1,638 to $3,177. A larger move will cost $1,775 to $3,783, and a 4+ bedroom move from California to Miami costs from $2,243 to $4,644.

How to ship a car from California to Miami, FL

Now that you've picked from the top movers for your belongings, it's time to choose an experienced and reputable CA to Miami, FL car shipper.

Just like booking a reputable mover, professional car shippers will apply know-how and experience to make sure that your car makes it unscathed during this long-distance move.

Company	Quote	Rating	Price
	Check prices	5 overall rating
	Check prices	4.75 overall rating
	Check prices	4.5 overall rating

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 Miami, FL a good idea?

Cost of Living: California vs Miami, FL

	California	Miami
Average rent cost	$1,503	$2,525
Average home value	$758,360	$477,471
Average income (per capita)	$78,672	$42,966
Unemployment rate	5.8%	8.0%
State Income Tax	13.3%	0.0%

California sources: World Population Review, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation
Miami sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo

Rent is about 68% more expensive in Miami than in California.
Home prices are about 37.0% lower in Miami than in California.
The average income is about 45.4% lower in Miami than in California.
Miami has a higher unemployment rate than California by about 37.9%.
Income taxes are 100.00% lower in Miami than in California.

How is life different in Miami from California?

	Miami	California
Population	442,241	39,237,836
Political leaning	Democratic 53-46	Democratic 63-34
Summer High	89ºF	87ºF
Winter Low	61ºF	59ºF
Annual Rain	59"	22"
Annual Snow	0"	7"
Crime Index	35.7	25.7

California sources: US Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, BestPlaces
Miami sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow

The population of Miami is approximately 99% lower than the population of California.
In the last presidential election, Miami voted Democratic and California voted Democratic.
The average high in the summertime in Miami is 89ºF and in California, it’s 87ºF.
During the coldest part of the year, Miami reaches the temperature of 61ºF and California gets down to 59ºF.
You can expect about 59 inches of annual rainfall in Miami vs 22 inches of rainfall in California.
In Miami, it snows about 0 inches annually vs 7 inches of snow in California.
Miami has a higher crime rate than California with a crime index of 35.7 vs 25.7.

Considerations for moving to Miami, FL

Weather: There are two basic seasons in Miami, a hot and wet season from May through October, and a warm and dry season from November through April. During the hot and wet season, daily thundershowers occur in the humid unstable air masses. Hurricane season officially runs from June 1 through November 30, although hurricanes can develop beyond those dates. Be sure to check your weather app, especially during June through November to avoid hurricanes..
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
Meathead Movers	Get A Quote	4.96 overall rating	4744 North El Capitan Avenue, Fresno, CA, 93722 +15597850316
Grace Moving Company	Get A Quote	4.86 overall rating	800 Janopaul Lane, Modesto, CA, 95351 +12095517772
Courtesy Movers	Get A Quote	4.86 overall rating	3515 North Sabre Drive, Fresno, CA, 93727 +15594023800

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

Need a local Miami mover?

Company	Quote	Rating	Contact
Xpress Relocations LLC	Get A Quote	4.76 overall rating	6158 NW 74th Ave, Miami, FL, 33166 (305) 705-6833
Fuentes Moving Miami Movers	Get A Quote	4.66 overall rating	1361 Southwest 7th Street, Miami, FL, 33135 (305) 231-0980
Pro Movers Miami	Get A Quote	4.66 overall rating	475 Brickell Avenue, Miami, FL, 33131 (305) 707-7007