DC to Florida Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from DC to Florida

ConsDC

• Harsh winters
• High cost of living
• Traffic congestion
• Limited beaches

ProsFlorida

• Warm climate
• Lower cost of living
• Quieter roads
• Abundant beaches

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Florida

• Fewer historic sites
• Limited public transit
• Less lively nightlife
• Limited high-end retail

DC

• Cultural landmarks
• Efficient metro
• Vibrant nightlife
• Boutique shopping

Pros of moving from DC to Florida

• Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to a warm climate
• Look forward to moving away from the high cost of living and moving to Florida with a lower cost of living
• Swap the traffic congestion of DC for quieter roads in Florida
• Get ready for abundant beaches in Florida

Cons of moving from DC to Florida

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from cultural landmarks in DC to live with fewer historic sites in Florida
• You'll lose out on the pro of an efficient metro and have to settle with the con of limited public transit
• Time to bid farewell to vibrant nightlife and get used to less lively nightlife in Florida
• Swap boutique shopping for limited high-end retail

DC vs. Florida: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from DC to Florida, you will be trading the iconic Half-Smoke of DC for the equally delicious Key Lime Pie of Florida. And while the locals in DC rave about their flavorful Mumbo Sauce Chicken Wings and sumptuous Jumbo Slice Pizza, Florida residents know they have tasty Cuban Sandwich and Empanadas to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Vegan Soul Food 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 DC eateries like Ben's Chili Bowl, Rosa's Thai Cafe, and Fiola. 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, Café Versailles, and Bern's Steak House.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between DC and Florida

• The Victorian and Brownstones architecture that DC is known for will be replaced with the Spanish Revival and Modern architecture typical of Florida.
• Compared to DC's real estate listings that commonly reference proximity to the metro and historic charm, Florida real estate listings often highlight features like waterfront properties and swimming pools.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Florida is less walkable than DC.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Florida is less bike-friendly than DC.
• Florida has less of an urban feel than DC.
• Florida housing costs are 36% less expensive than they are in DC, with a median home price of $397,137 compared to DC's $619,320.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Florida have increased by 66% compared to an 8% increase in DC.
• Rent in Florida is 7.28% more affordable than in DC.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from DC to Florida. Florida gets 17% more sunshine days than DC.
• Florida has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to DC.
• Say goodbye to the possible nor'easters, flooding, severe thunderstorms, derechos, winter storms, remnants of tropical systems, and heat waves in DC, but be on the lookout for potential hurricanes, tropical storms, storm surge, inland flooding, tornadoes, waterspouts, wildfires, and heat waves in Florida.
• The average summer high temperature in Florida is 3 degrees warmer than in DC.
• The average winter lows are 21 degrees warmer than they are in DC.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Florida. Florida receives 12 more inches of rain compared to DC.

Financial & Community Snapshot: DC and Florida

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Florida tend to earn about 31% less than in DC
• The COLI in Florida will be 30% lower than what you are used to living in DC
• Hooray, moving to FL means you'll no longer have state income taxes
• The affluence in Florida is moderate compared to high in DC
• The poverty level is moderate in Florida compared to low in DC
• In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in DC and high in Florida

Political and Religious Climate in DC vs. Florida

• DC tends to lean heavily Democratic in its political climate
• Florida, on the other hand, is often described as mixed with a slight Republican lean
• Florida's religious environment can be described as diverse with a higher presence of Protestant and Catholic communities
• DC's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as diverse with a significant Christian community

Education Guide When Moving from DC to Florida

How Much Do DC to Florida Movers Cost?

Moving 919 miles from DC to Florida will typically cost between $2,000 and $5,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.