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Florida to California Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Easily compare and book your next move with moveBuddha
- When moving from Florida to California, a two-bedroom move with professional movers is commonly $3,200–$5,700.*Estimates assume a 2–3 bedroom household with seven–21 day delivery. Your costs and timelines vary by home size, distance, and seasonality.
- To get the most accurate pricing for your specific move, use moveBuddha’s moving cost calculator for a custom quote.
- Our top-recommended mover for relocating from Florida to California is Safeway Moving. In addition to an excellent reputation, the company has a triple-check verification system to ensure accurate quotes, and it includes 30 days of free storage with all interstate moves.
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Who are the best movers to move from Florida to California?
After hundreds of hours of research, we find the best mover to help with relocation from Florida to California is Safeway Moving. This veteran-owned company specializes in affordable long-distance relocations. We appreciate their extensive service options, particularly the offer of 30 days of free storage for all interstate moves. This benefit is especially helpful if your new home isn’t ready, or if you need extra time to settle in.
Get an idea of what mover types we recommend for moving from Florida to California below and which may work best for you:
- Full-service: This is the safest bet for interstate moving. The company can handle all aspects of the move, from packing, loading, transportation, unloading, and unpacking. These companies also offer plenty of speciality services for antiques and highly valuable items.
- Moving containers: If you don’t mind handling the packing and loading but don’t want to drive a moving truck, this is your ideal mover type. You can save significant money by opting for this more DIY approach.
- Labor-only: If you don’t want to handle a lot of the packing and loading but don’t mind driving a moving truck, this is your ideal mover type. This is another budget-friendly option for interstate moving.
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Best professional movers from Florida to California
We recommend using a professional, long-distance mover for your Florida to California move, since they’re built for the coordination a 2,703 mile journey can require. After analyzing 3,180 movers, the moveBuddha team determined that 2,642 (83%) offer interstate services. Using our thorough rating methodology, our moving experts narrowed the field to the top providers equipped to handle your move from Florida to California.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How much does it cost to move from Florida to California?
It costs between $3,200–$10,000 to move a two-bedroom home with a full-service mover from Florida to California. Your move’s price can be more or less depending on the size of your home, the total distance between your old home and new home, the time of the year, and any specilaity services you might require. Look at our data below to learn the average costs for other types of moves.
These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 2,703-mile move from FL to
CA using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Feb 03, 2026. moveBuddha curates a nationwide set of thousands of validated moving prices, with monthly updates reflecting seasonal patterns and evolving market conditions. Final charges may fluctuate due to move size, optional services, access/parking constraints, fuel rates, and booking dates. For the best read on cost, gather multiple mover quotes.
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Recent Moving Price Estimates
The following are real, anonymized quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 48 hours. Prices change with dates and availability; use these as a ballpark, not a guarantee.
North American Van Lines
Layton, FL
›
Vallejo, CA
Studio apartment
Jan 10, 2026
$3,401
American Van Lines
Bronson, FL
›
Bloomington, CA
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 07, 2026
$7,695
Budget Truck Rental
Hobe Sound, FL
›
Orland, CA
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 25, 2025
$2,462
PODS
Eatonville, FL
›
Windsor, CA
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 10, 2025
$2,900
Mayflower Transit
Miami Shores, FL
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Delhi, CA
3 Bedrooms
Dec 10, 2025
$7,688
Mayzlin Relocation
Iona, FL
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Ceres, CA
2 Bedrooms
Nov 24, 2025
$4,692
Roadway Moving
St. Cloud, FL
›
El Dorado Hills, CA
1 Bedroom (small)
Nov 14, 2025
$3,483
United Van Lines
Mayo, FL
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Solvang, CA
1 Bedroom (large)
Oct 26, 2025
$4,022
Allied Van Lines
Island Walk, FL
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March ARB, CA
5+ Bedrooms
Oct 24, 2025
$8,900
Colonial Van Lines
Lockhart, FL
›
La Verne, CA
2 Bedrooms
Oct 23, 2025
$3,956
FAQ
How much does it cost to move from Florida to California?
Moving from Florida to California can cost anywhere from $1,042–$9,131, but most people pay around $3,186–$5,675 Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,042 – $4,517 | $1,254 – $3,156 | $1,476 – $2,804 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $3,186 – $6,826 | $2,249 – $4,789 | $1,613 – $3,405 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,995 – $9,965 | $3,068 – $6,993 | $1,941 – $4,057 |
These are approximate estimates for a 2,703-mile move from FL to CA using moveBuddha pricing data as of Feb 03, 2026.
Final costs can vary based on move size, add-on services, parking/access challenges, fuel rates, and scheduling.
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
It typically costs around $3,186 – $6,826 to hire a moving company to move you from Florida to California. Here is what it might cost you based on your home’s size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,042 – $4,517
- 2–3 bedrooms: $3,186 – $6,826
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,995 – $9,965
How much do moving containers cost from Florida to California?
Using a moving container from Florida to California costs, on average, $2,249 – $4,789. Learn what it might cost you to use a moving container here:
- Small move: $1,254 – $3,156
- 2–3 bedrooms: $2,249 – $4,789
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,068 – $6,993
Learn more about PODS cost here.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
Using a rental moving truck to move from Florida to California will costs you between $1,613 – $3,405, but your price might differ as follows below:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,476 – $2,804
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,613 – $3,405
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,941 – $4,057
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Which option is usually the cheapest?
A rental truck is generally the cheapest option to move from Florida to California, but you’ll handle the driving and labor yourself. Consider your needs and wants to determine what type of moving service is worth it for you.
How do I get the most accurate price for my exact move?
To get the most accurate moving quote, give movers or marketplaces detailed info upfront: exact pickup and drop-off addresses, move date and time window, home layout (stairs, elevators, walk distance), and an inventory list—or better yet, a video walkthrough. Don’t forget to flag bulky or special items.
Ask for an in-home or video survey and request a binding or “not-to-exceed” estimate with a full itemized breakdown: labor hours, travel time, packing materials, and any fees (fuel, stairs, long-carry, insurance/valuation, etc.).
Then compare at least three quotes that match in scope. Confirm what’s excluded—like tips, packing, shuttles, storage, or cancellation fees—and go with the most transparent option, not just the cheapest.
What “extra costs” should I plan for after moving from FL to CA?
Beyond your moving bill, it’s smart to budget for the “extra costs” that can change once you arrive in California — especially everyday expenses like housing and taxes. For example, average rent shifts from $1,444 in Florida to $1,856 in California, and average home values go from $392,176 to $771,057.
You’ll also want to factor in differences in the cost of living index (102 vs. 134), unemployment (2.9% vs. 5.4%), and taxes — including average sales tax (7.08% vs. 8.68%) and state income tax (0.0% vs. 13.3%). Taking a quick look at these side-by-side numbers can help you avoid surprises and plan a more accurate post-move monthly budget. Learn more with the table below.
| Florida | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,444 | $1,856 |
| Average home cost | $392,176 | $771,057 |
| Average income (per capita) | $67,917 | $91,905 |
| Cost of living index | 102 | 134 |
| Unemployment rate | 2.9% | 5.4% |
| Average sales tax | 7.08% | 8.68% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 13.3% |
Will rent be more expensive in California?
Rent is about 29% higher in California than in Florida.
Avg rent: $1,444 vs. $1,856
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are about 97% higher in California than in Florida.
Avg home value: $392,176 vs. $771,057
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average income is about 35% higher in California than in Florida.
Avg income (per capita): $67,917 vs. $91,905
Is the overall cost of living higher in California?
The cost of living is 31% higher in California than in Florida.
Cost of living index: 102 vs. 134
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax is about 23% higher in California than in Florida.
Avg sales tax: 7.08% vs. 8.68%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
California has a state income tax, while Florida does not — plan for higher paycheck deductions.
State income tax: 0.0% vs. 13.3%
How is daily life different in California compared to Florida?
Starting fresh means adjusting to more than logistics — climate, crime, and culture shape the experience.
| California | Florida | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 39,029,342 | 22,610,726 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 59-41 | Republican 51-48 |
| Summer high | 87ºF | 91ºF |
| Winter low | 59ºF | 49ºF |
| Annual rain | 22″ | 55″ |
| Annual snow | 7″ | 0″ |
| Crime index | 28.43 | 21.39 |
Will California feel more crowded than Florida?
California is about 73% more populous than Florida — which can mean more infrastructure and amenities.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, California voted Democratic while Florida voted Republican.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Highs are very similar (87°F vs. 91°F).
Winter: California is milder on average (59°F vs. 49°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in California?
Rain: California gets less rain (22″ vs. 55″).
Snow: California gets about 7 inches per year, while Florida gets none.
Is California safer than Florida?
California has a higher crime index than Florida (28.43 vs. 21.39). Research neighborhoods to find the best fit.
What are some things to do in California?
Museums in California
- The Getty Center
- USS Midway Museum
- Hess Persson Estates
- California State Railroad Museum
- The Getty Villa
Parks in California
- La Jolla Cove
- Heisler Park
- Sonoma Plaza
- Mount Rubidoux Park
- Redwood Regional Park
Sports teams in California
- Anaheim Ducks (NHL)
- Los Angeles Kings (NHL)
- San Jose Sharks (NHL)
- Los Angeles Angels (MLB)
- Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB)
Universities in California
- Stanford University
- University of California, Berkeley
- University of California, Los Angeles
- University of Southern California
- University of California, San Diego
source: AttractionsofAmerica
What other things should I plan for besides the move itself?
Other things to consider for your Florida to California move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: A key task to tackle early is booking your building’s elevator and checking out the rules for using it on moving day.
- Parking permits: Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks, so be sure to check your new local rules before moving day to avoid any surprises.
- State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Before you book, double-check that your moving company is properly licensed.
- State regulator: Easily verify the status of a California moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s website, here.
- Moving permits: California does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- Change of address: Submit your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: Federal law requires interstate moving companies to provide basic insurance for free. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items’ full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
- Moving checklist: Keep moving day simple with our easy-to-use moving checklist.
Do I need to follow HOA or building rules on moving day?
Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
Should I reserve an elevator for moving day?
A key task to tackle early is booking your building’s elevator.
Do I need a parking permit for a moving truck in California?
Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks.
How can I confirm a mover is properly licensed in California?
When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice.
You can verify licensing on the state regulator’s official site: check a California moving license here.
Do I need a moving permit in California?
California does not require any moving permits.
What should I do about mail forwarding, insurance, and potential discounts?
Submit your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Get started here.
Federal law requires basic insurance for interstate moves. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items’ full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
Some movers in Florida offer discounts: 2 AAA discounts; 11 military discounts; 13 senior discounts; 3 student discounts; 2 educator discounts; 2 law enforcement discounts.
Discount types, amounts, and eligibility vary.
Keep moving day simple with our moving checklist.
Handy Moving Resources
Florida Moving Services
Frequently Traveled Florida Routes
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