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Last Updated: Sep 20, 2023
The Sunshine State awaits in all its glory. But before you start packing, get up to speed on all the ins and outs of what moving to Florida really entails.
With its stunning beaches, sunny climate, and easy access to a variety of indoor and outdoor activities, Florida attracts an increasing number of new residents every year.
Some people come for income tax benefits, while others are attracted to the multicultural population and impressive culinary options.
The elderly and young people alike flock to the state to enjoy the laid-back lifestyle and affordable housing options. Retirement communities are plentiful, as are gated communities and areas that are full of young families and professionals.
Deciding to relocate can be intimidating, but we’ve got all the info you need to make your transition to Florida easy and fun.
In this article
Floridians will tell you there’s no better place to live than Florida.
Here are just a few of the reasons why so many people consider moving to Florida:
The cost of moving to Florida typically is in the range of $600 to $15000, but the actual amount can vary considerably depending on your point of origin and the number of belongings you have.
To start planning your budget, the following table can be useful:
| Type of Service | 1 Bedroom | 2-3 Bedrooms | 4-5 Bedrooms |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIY/Truck Rental | $600 – $2250 | $700 – $4250 | $1600 – $4850 |
| Moving Container | $750 – $2750 | $1200 – $5000 | $2400 – $7900 |
| Full Service | $1300 – $3900 | $1900 – $8800 | $3500 – $15000 |
If you want to expand your knowledge regarding the expenses related to moving, we have some excellent articles that could be of great assistance to you. we suggest taking a look at them!
When you move to Florida, enlisting the help of reputable and trustworthy long distance movers will make the process much easier. To simplify your search, we’ve compiled a list of the most highly recommended movers:
BEST OVERALL
4.9
BEST CUSTOMER REVIEWS
4.4
BEST FOR LONG DISTANCE
4.7
| The Pros | The Cons |
|---|---|
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To cover expenses, a family of four with 2 working parents and 2 children would need to earn approximately $100,000. While there are less expensive communities in the state, the overall high cost of living is primarily driven by some of the larger and more popular cities. For example, Miami was ranked as the second most expensive city in the United States.
Homes in Florida have a median price of $407,000 with rents ranging from $1,800 to $3,000 per month, depending on the location.
Utility bills in Florida are typically 3% higher than the national average, with most residents paying over $100 per month on all of their utilities.
The cost of groceries has also increased statewide, and the typical bill has risen by 15% from 2020 to 2022.
The good news is that transportation costs in Florida are lower than in other parts of the country. The lack of state income tax is also a benefit to people’s finances, and property taxes are around the national average.
There’s really something for everyone in Florida. Whether you want to be on the beach or prefer to be inland, big city, or small town, you’ll be able to find what you’re looking for somewhere in the state.
If you’re undecided as to where to settle, here are 10 cities to consider:
Known for beautiful beaches, upscale shopping malls and boutiques, and world-class golf courses, Naples is a popular choice on Florida’s west coast for retirees or families looking for a luxurious lifestyle.
Located directly on the Gulf of Mexico, Sarasota has amazing beaches, a vibrant arts scene, and historic architecture. A great place to explore hidden gems.
Probably the state’s most well-known city, Miami has a pumping nightlife, diverse culture and, of course, that Florida sunshine. The city is a popular destination for young professionals and families.
The sunny weather, beachfront properties, and range of cultural attractions all make St. Petersburg a popular choice for people seeking an active and outdoorsy lifestyle.
Home to some of the world’s most popular theme parks including Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, Orlando is a great choice for families looking for entertainment and adventure.
Tampa’s growing job market along with its thriving art scene, great restaurants, and – of course – plenty of beach options, makes it a popular choice for people moving to Florida.
A wealthy city located on Florida’s east coast, Boca Raton offers beautiful homes for retirees, young families, and everything in between. There are also lots of high-end shopping opportunities.
Home to the University of Florida, Gainesville is a great choice for students, families, and professionals who are looking for a strong sense of community and plenty of outdoor activities.
The capital city of Florida, Tallahassee is a great place to live for those who enjoy a more laid-back and small-town feel. It’s also home to Florida State University and Florida A&M University.
Fort Lauderdale, also known as the Venice of America, is an ideal option for young families and professionals due to its family-friendly atmosphere and the thriving job market. More than 40,000 residents of the city actually reside on the water, thanks to the numerous inland waterways.
The job market in Florida is on an upward trend, and job seekers in a variety of industries have a wealth of opportunities open to them.
In particular, the tourism and hospitality industries are large in Florida, providing a plethora of jobs for residents. With world-renowned theme parks, miles and miles of beaches, and a warm climate, tourism is a major contributor to the state’s economy.
Healthcare and education are other industries with strong job markets in Florida. Especially as the population continues to grow, the demand for healthcare and education will increase, creating more job opportunities.
In recent years, the job market in Florida has increased at a rate faster than the national average. The low tax rates and business-friendly environment have attracted a number of companies to set up operations in Florida, creating new job opportunities in a variety of sectors.
The state’s location on the coast makes it a hub for trade and commerce, with many businesses relying on Florida’s ports to ship and receive goods. These factors also contribute to a strong job market.
It is important to note that some industries have been impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic and the resulting economic downturn. Tourism and hospitality, for example, have seen a decline in demand. However, the state’s economy has proven to be resilient and all signs point to these industries bouncing back stronger than ever.
Florida may be most famous for Disney World, but it’s also well-known for its natural beauty, warm climate, and variety of attractions that make it popular among people of all ages.
Some of the most notable things that Florida is known for include:
The University of Miami, the University of Florida, and Florida State University are the top higher education institutions in Florida.
The both University of Miami and the University of Florida are ranked among the top 100 universities in the US with ranks of 49 and 54 respectively.
In addition, Florida was ranked as the number one state for higher education by US News & World Report from 2017 to 2021.
Florida boasts some of the best school districts for school-age children in the country, but there exists a significant disparity between high-performing districts and those with lower performance.
The state government is committed to enhancing educational standards throughout the state to try to bridge these gaps.
To cover expenses, a family of four requires an annual income of around $100,000 before taxes. However, this figure can differ significantly depending on location and desired standard of living.
For instance, in some regions, an individual or retiree could enjoy a wonderful lifestyle with $80,000 while it may not suffice for a family of four.
You should never move anywhere without first learning about what it’s like there. Once you know all the pros and cons you will be much better equipped to make the right decision for you and your family.
Moving to Florida is worthwhile if you enjoy sunny weather, and outdoor activities, and are not too bothered by the threat of hurricanes.
The cost of living is higher in some parts of the state than others, but if you avoid some of the bigger cities like Miami you can find plenty of more affordable options.
The cost of your move to Florida will depend on where you are coming from and how much stuff you have to take with you. We suggest you contact the movers we recommend above and get specific quotes tailored to your situation.
Best wishes as you begin your new journey to Florida. Once you finalize your decision to move and select which city you’ll live in, you’ll need to choose a high-quality moving company to assist you with the relocation process.
Be sure to explore a number of different options to make sure you get the most favorable rates and the quality service you deserve. Our guide to the best moving companies can help you get started.
Meet Emily! She's a fantastic writer who has covered a wide range of topics. Having gone through several moves herself, she's picked up some valuable tips and tricks on all things related to moving, whether it's local or long-distance. And despite still having some unpacked boxes from her last move, Emily loves nothing more than sharing her expertise to help others have a smooth and stress-free moving experience.