Moving From California to Florida

California and Florida have a lot in common from sunny weather and miles of coastline to their love of all things Disney. That’s why it’s not surprising many Californians eventually become Floridians. Despite their similarities, there are significant differences between these two states that can have a huge impact on your quality of life. Let’s explore some of the benefits of moving to Florida, the costs associated with the move, and how to go about relocating.

Benefits of Moving from California to Florida

There is no question it will be a big change trading in mountains and seasonable temperatures for beach towns and humidity, but Florida has so many great attributes that make it a great place to call home.  For starters, the cost of living is drastically cheaper in Florida. California ranks as the second most expensive place to live in the country so those who move from California will find real estate prices much more affordable in Florida.

Not only is Florida more affordable, but there are more jobs to be had. The unemployment rate in Florida is 3.8% compared to 4.2% in California.  Furthermore, Florida is an ideal location for outdoor enthusiasts. Since so many Californians are accustomed to outdoor lifestyles, this makes the transition to Florida much easier. The warm temperatures, sunny weather, and access to miles of coastline make Florida an excellent place for swimming, fishing, walking, cycling, and boating.

Lower Taxes

When it comes to comparing tax rates between the two states, Florida wins hands down. California has the highest state-level sales tax in the country at 8% while Florida sits at just 6%. California also has a state income tax of 13.3% while Florida has no state income tax. Florida’s low tax rates provide better opportunities to start businesses and can mean a huge difference for tax returns.

Landscape and Scenery

California definitely boasts beautiful scenery, but Florida is home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. These dazzling white sand beaches consistently rank as some of the top beaches in the world. Florida also provides residents with opportunities to explore two bodies of water, the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean and where they can experience world-class fishing. From quaint coastal towns like St. Augustine to the incredible natural habitat of Everglades National Park, Florida offers a diverse landscape and plenty of gorgeous scenery.

Education

Florida’s education system is unique in that it serves an extremely high number of ELL (English Language Learners) students. It is also revered for its schools, colleges, and universities. Florida is ranked as having one of the highest AP test scores of any state and has shown significant improvement in test scores in recent years.

Things To Do

Florida has no shortage of things to do. The Sunshine State offers miles of gorgeous coastline and spectacular beaches including Key West, Vero Beach, Miami Beach, Clearwater Beach, Sanibel Beach, and so many more. Orlando is famed for its incredible attractions including Walt Disney World, Sea World, and Universal Studios. Everglades National Park is the second largest national park in the country and is the perfect environment to spot wildlife such as otters, turtles, crocodiles, and even panthers. Florida also has an abundance of museums, restaurants, historical sights, and the largest selection of family attractions in the U.S. Whether you are looking to do some sunbathing, swimming, boating, or fishing, Florida has it all.

Cost of Moving from California to Florida

The average cost of a cross-country move is dependent upon many variables. Moving from California to Florida will cost somewhere between $5,000-$16,000. The average linehaul moving cost from California to Florida with Allied is $4,503.66.

Many factors play a part in determining the cost, such as exact distance of the move, number of rooms being moved, and additional services such as packing and unpacking. Get a more accurate quote by using our Instaquote listed above.

Most Popular Cities in Florida

Tampa Bay

Tampa Bay is situated on Florida’s Gulf Coast between Clearwater and St. Petersburg. This sunny location is home to some of the nations top-ranked beaches, multiple theme parks, great restaurants, and some of the states highest ranked schools. This finance hub is also a great place to find work with employers such as Grow Financial Federal Credit Union, TradeWinds Island Resort, GTE Financial, and Capital One.

Sarasota

This quaint coastal town offers gorgeous beaches with a small-town feel. With over 39 miles of white sandy beaches as well as the Myakka River, outdoor enthusiasts can take advantage of the city’s many opportunities for sunbathing, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. Its beautiful weather, thriving arts and culture scene, and family-friendly neighborhoods make Sarasota a great place to call home.

Miami

People seeking a diverse culture, beautiful beaches, “art deco” style, and incredible nightlife should look no further than Miami. The city’s colorful architecture, diverse population, and sunny climate make it unlike any other city in Florida. This large metropolis is known for its nightlife and is ideal for those with an active and social lifestyle.

St. Petersburg

This dog-lover’s paradise boasts more than 300 days of sunshine a year and provides St. Petersburg residents with great restaurants, a vibrant art and music scene, and a low cost of living. It has seen a boost in its economy and has caught the attention of young entrepreneurs and professionals in recent years.

Vero Beach

Beach lovers, golf enthusiasts, and sun lovers will find their paradise in Vero Beach. It has been ranked one of America’s Best Small Towns and boasts friendly people, great schools, beautiful river views, and loads of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Once considered a destination for snowbirds, the secret is out about this fantastic city.

How to Move from California to Florida

Cross-country moves can be very stressful and require methodical organization and logistics. That’s why it is important to entrust experienced professionals like Allied with this long-distance move. Allied has been serving customers for more than 90 years and is fully equipped to handle your move from California to Florida. With full-service options including packing and unpacking, Allied can make your long distance move less stressful.

Moving customers is our job and we would be delighted to assist you with your move! Start today by filling out our Instaquote above.