California to Florida Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from California to Florida

ConsCalifornia

• High taxes
• Costly housing
• Traffic congestion
• Wildfire risk

ProsFlorida

• Lower taxes
• Affordable housing
• Smoother commutes
• Lesser natural disasters

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Florida

• Flat landscape
• Humidity and heat
• Fewer tech jobs
• Less cultural diversity

California

• Natural scenery
• Mild climate
• Tech opportunities
• Diverse culture

Pros of moving from California to Florida

• Say goodbye to high taxes and hello to lower taxes
• Look forward to moving away from costly housing and moving to Florida with affordable housing
• Swap the traffic congestion of California for smoother commutes in Florida
• Get ready for fewer natural disasters in Florida

Cons of moving from California to Florida

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the natural scenery in California to live with a flat landscape in Florida
• You'll lose out on the pro of a mild climate and have to settle for the con of humidity and heat
• Time to bid farewell to tech opportunities and get used to fewer tech jobs in Florida
• Swap diverse culture for less cultural diversity

California vs. Florida: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from California to Florida, you will be trading the iconic sushi of California for the equally delicious Key Lime Pie of Florida. And while the locals in California rave about their flavorful tri-tip BBQ and sumptuous tacos, Florida residents know they have tasty Cuban Sandwich and Cuban Sandwich to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the avocado toast they've grown to love, they can get ready for the jackfruit tacos of Florida. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic California eateries like Chez Panisse, In-N-Out Burger, and The French Laundry. After the boxes are unpacked in Florida, don't wait too long before making your way to Florida's acclaimed eateries like Joe's Stone Crab, Bern's Steak House, and Columbia Restaurant.

When comparing lifestyles, Florida shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than California. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in Florida compared to what you are used to in California. Also, the overall foodie scene is less bustling in Florida.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between California and Florida

• The Modern and Spanish architecture that California is known for will be replaced with the Spanish and Mediterranean architecture typical of Florida.
• Compared to California's real estate listings that commonly reference pools and solar panels, Florida real estate listings often highlight features like waterfront and lanai.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Florida is less walkable than California.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Florida is less bike-friendly than California.
• Florida has less of an urban feel than California.
• Florida housing costs are 49% less expensive than they are in California, with a median home price of $397,137 compared to California’s $783,666.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Florida have increased 66% compared to a 42% increase in California.
• Rent in Florida is 18.39% more affordable than in California.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between California and Florida

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from California to Florida. Florida gets 17% fewer sunshine days than California.
• Florida has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to California.
• Say goodbye to the possible earthquakes and wildfires in California, but be on the lookout for potential hurricanes and flooding in Florida.
• Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Florida is 5 degrees warmer than in California.
• The average winter lows are 6 degrees warmer than they are in California.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Florida. Florida receives 31 more inches of rain compared to California.

Financial & Community Snapshot: California and Florida

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Florida tend to earn about 24% less than in California
• The COLI in Florida will be 28% lower than what you are used to living in California
• Hooray, moving to FL means you'll no longer have state income taxes
• The affluence in Florida is moderate compared to high in California
• The poverty level is moderate in Florida compared to moderate in California
• In terms of homelessness, it is severe in California and mild in Florida

Political and Religious Climate in California vs. Florida

• California tends to lean Liberal/Democratic in its political climate
• Florida, on the other hand, is often described as Conservative/Republican
• Florida's religious environment can be described as more religious and predominantly Christian
• California's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as less religious and diverse faiths

Education Guide When Moving from California to Florida

How Much Do California to Florida Movers Cost?

Moving 2,788 miles from California to Florida will typically cost between $4,000 and $10,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.