Factors affecting the cost of moving from MD to FL
There are many factors that influence
Maryland moving costs.
The cost to move from Maryland 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 Maryland 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 MD to FL
If you’re moving to Florida from Maryland, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.
Cost of living: Maryland vs. Florida
|
Maryland |
Florida |
Average rent cost |
$1,598 |
$1,444 |
Average home cost |
$418,438 |
$392,176 |
Average income (per capita) |
$98,461 |
$67,917 |
Cost of Living Index |
100 |
102 |
Unemployment rate |
3.0% |
2.9% |
Average Sales Tax |
6.0% |
7.08% |
State Income Tax |
5.75% |
0.0% |
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Rent is about 10% less expensive in Florida than in Maryland.
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Home prices are about 6% lower in Florida than in Maryland.
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The average income is about 31% lower in Florida than in Maryland.
-
Cost of living is 2% lower in Florida than in Maryland.
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Florida has a lower unemployment rate than Maryland by about 3%.
-
Sales taxes are 18% higher in Florida than in Maryland.
-
Florida has no income tax.
How life is different in Florida vs. Maryland
|
Florida |
Maryland |
Population |
22,610,726 |
6,180,253 |
Political leaning |
Republican 51-48 |
Democratic 63-34.4 |
Summer high |
91ºF |
87ºF |
Winter low |
49ºF |
25ºF |
Annual rain |
55" |
44" |
Annual snow |
0" |
19" |
Crime index |
21.39 |
20.34 |
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The population of Florida is approximately 266% greater than the population of Maryland.
-
In the last presidential election, Florida voted Republican and Maryland voted Democratic.
-
The average high in the summertime in Florida is 91ºF
and in Maryland, it’s 87ºF.
-
During the coldest part of the year, Florida reaches the temperature of 49ºF
and Maryland gets down to 25ºF.
-
You can expect about 55 inches of annual rainfall in Florida versus 44 inches of rainfall in Maryland.
-
In Florida, it snows about 0 inches annually
versus 19 inches of snow in Maryland.
-
Florida has a higher crime rate than Maryland with a crime index
of 21.39 vs. 20.34.
Comparing the pros of Maryland 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 Maryland.
Pros of living in Maryland |
Pros of living in Florida |
Delicious food |
Fantastic weather |
Ample economic opportunity |
Abundant water recreational activities |
Diverse outdoor activities |
Ample economic opportunity |
Beautiful coastline |
World-leading entertainment |
Rich history |
Beautiful flora and fauna |
Comparing the cons of living in Maryland 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 Maryland for Florida.
Cons of living in Maryland |
Cons of living in Florida |
High cost of living |
High cost of living |
Bad traffic |
Poor healthcare |
High crime |
Natural disasters |
High homelessness |
Heat and humidity |
Peculiar alcohol laws |
High crime rate |
Other things to consider for your Maryland 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.
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HOA rules:
Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
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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.
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Parking permits:
Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
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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.
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State regulator:
You can verify a Florida moving license
and its status on the state regulator's official website.
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Moving permits:
Florida does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
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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.
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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.
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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 Maryland to Florida?
Do movers transport your car from Maryland 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 Maryland to Florida
separately through one of the top car shipping companies.
What are the benefits of moving from Maryland to Florida?
The main reasons people are moving from Maryland 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 Maryland or Florida?
It is generally cheaper to live in Maryland than in Florida.
While the overall cost of living is similar for both states, housing
is more affordable in Florida,
with average rent about 10% less and home prices 6.3% lower than in Maryland.
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.
Helpful moving resources