Movers

Florida to DC Moving Guide

Updated June 14, 2025

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Planning a 918 mile interstate move from Florida to DC? This moving guide will help you compare living in Florida vs DC across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like hurricanes vs four seasons), food & health (like Key Lime Pie vs Half Smoke), real estate & housing (mediterranean, art deco vs federal, victorian), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in DC), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Key Lime Pie and Cuban Sandwich, but get your taste buds ready for Half Smoke & Mumbo Sauce Wings
  • DC housing costs are 56% more expensive than they are in Florida
  • Rent in DC is 7.85% more expensive than in Florida
  • Moving from Florida to DC will cost on average between $1,500 - $5,000
  • Our top recommended Florida to DC movers is Sebastian Moving and More

Florida to DC Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Florida to DC

ConsFlorida iconFlorida
  • Hurricanes
  • Humidity
  • Flat terrain
  • Limited public transport
ProsDC iconDC
  • Four seasons
  • Mild summers
  • Picturesque landscapes
  • Efficient metro system

DC iconDC
  • No coastline
  • Higher cost of living
  • Cold winters
  • Fast-paced lifestyle
Florida iconFlorida
  • Sunny beaches
  • Lower taxes
  • Year-round warmth
  • Casual lifestyle

Pros of moving from Florida to DC

  • Say goodbye to hurricanes and hello to four seasons
  • Look forward to moving away from humidity and moving to DC with mild summers
  • Swap the flat terrain of Florida for picturesque landscapes in DC
  • Get ready for an efficient metro system in DC

Cons of moving from Florida to DC

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from sunny beaches in Florida to live with no coastline in DC
  • You'll lose out on the pro of lower taxes and have to settle for the con of a higher cost of living
  • It's time to bid farewell to year-round warmth and get used to cold winters in DC
  • Swap a casual lifestyle for a fast-paced lifestyle

Florida vs. DC: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonFloridaDC
Most iconic local food itemKey Lime PieHalf Smoke
Most popular meat dishCuban SandwichMumbo Sauce Wings
Most popular street food itemTacosFood Trucks Variety
Most popular vegan foodAΓ§aΓ­ BowlVegetable Bowl
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Joe’s Stone Crab
  • Versailles Restaurant
  • The Floridian
  • Ben's Chili Bowl
  • Rose’s Luxury
  • Zaytinya
Fitness/Health ConscientiousnessπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺ
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

If you're moving from Florida to DC, you will be trading the iconic Key Lime Pie of Florida for the equally delicious Half Smoke of DC. And while the locals in Florida rave about their flavorful Cuban Sandwich and sumptuous Tacos, DC residents know they have tasty Mumbo Sauce Wings and Food Trucks Variety to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the AΓ§aΓ­ Bowl they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegetable Bowl of DC. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Florida eateries like Joe’s Stone Crab, Versailles Restaurant, and The Floridian. After the boxes are unpacked in DC, don't wait too long before making your way to DC's acclaimed eateries like Ben's Chili Bowl, Rose’s Luxury, and Zaytinya.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Florida and DC

ComparisonFloridaDC
Typical Architecture StyleMediterranean, Art DecoFederal, Victorian
WalkabilityπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘Ÿ
Bikeability🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban LifestyleπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈ
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingPool, Beach AccessProximity to Metro, Rooftop Decks
  • The Mediterranean and Art Deco architecture that Florida is known for will be replaced with the Federal and Victorian architecture typical of DC.
  • Compared to Florida's real estate listings that commonly reference pool and beach access, DC real estate listings often highlight features like proximity to metro access and rooftop decks.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; DC is more walkable than Florida.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike; DC is more bike-friendly than Florida.
  • DC has more of an urban feel than Florida.
  • DC housing costs are 56% more expensive than they are in Florida, with a median home price of $619,320 compared to Florida’s $397,137.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in DC have increased by 8% compared to a 66% increase in Florida.
  • Rent in DC is 7.85% more expensive than in Florida.

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

ComparisonFloridaDC
Days of Sunshine per Yearβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈ
Avg. Annual HumidityπŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦
Avg. UV IndexπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈ
Natural DisastersHurricanes, Tropical StormsSnowstorms, Flooding
Air QualityGoodVariable
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)90Β°F / 75Β°F87Β°F / 67Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)70Β°F / 48Β°F47Β°F / 29Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)5040
Annual Snowfall (Inches)015.4
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Florida to DC. DC gets 14% fewer sunshine days than Florida.
  • DC has lower humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Florida.
  • Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and tropical storms in Florida, but be on the lookout for potential snowstorms and flooding in DC.
  • The average summer high temperature in DC is 3 degrees colder than in Florida.
  • The average winter lows are 19 degrees colder than they are in Florida.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in DC, as it receives 10 fewer inches of rain compared to Florida.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Florida and DC

ComparisonFloridaDC
Avg. Household Income$69,303$101,027
Cost of Living Index97.8140.1
State Income Tax0%4-8.95%
Avg. Property Tax0.83%0.59%
Avg. Sales Tax7.05%6%
Top 3 IndustriesTourism, Agriculture, AerospaceFederal Government, Education, Healthcare
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyManageableChallenging
HomelessnessNoticeableRising
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in DC tend to earn about 46% more than in Florida
  • The COLI in DC will be 43% higher than what you are used to living in Florida
  • Bummer... By moving from FL to DC, you'll now have a state income tax of 4-8.95%
  • The affluence in DC is high compared to moderate in Florida
  • The poverty level is challenging in DC compared to manageable in Florida
  • In terms of homelessness, it is noticeable in Florida and rising in DC

Political and Religious Climate in Florida vs. DC

ComparisonFloridaDC
Political Make-upMixed; leans Republican in recent electionsStrongly Democratic
Local PoliticsVaries by region; stronger Republican influence in rural areasDominantly Democratic; local policies heavily favor progressive agendas
ReligionDiverse; Christianity predominantWide variety; Christianity prevalent, but more secular viewpoint overall
  • Florida tends to lean mixed and leans Republican in recent elections in its political climate
  • D.C., on the other hand, is often described as strongly Democratic
  • D.C.'s religious environment can be described as a wide variety, with Christianity prevalent but a more secular viewpoint overall
  • Florida's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as diverse, with Christianity predominant

Education Guide When Moving from Florida to DC

ComparisonFloridaDC
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Florida
Florida State University
University of Central Florida
Georgetown University
George Washington University
American University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsPine View School - Osprey
Archimedean Academy - Miami
Freedom 7 Elementary School of International Studies - Cocoa Beach
Janney Elementary School - Washington
Mann Elementary School - Washington
Key Elementary School - Washington
Top 3 Middle SchoolsArchimedean Middle Conservatory - Miami
Pine View School - Osprey
Carrollwood Day School - Tampa
Deal Middle School - Washington
Hardy Middle School - Washington
Eliot-Hine Middle School - Washington
Top 3 High SchoolsPine View School - Osprey
School for Advanced Studies (SAS) - Miami
Design and Architecture Senior High - Miami
Benjamin Banneker Academic High School - Washington
School Without Walls High School - Washington
McKinley Technology High School - Washington
Top 3 private high schoolsRansom Everglades School - Miami
Pine Crest School - Fort Lauderdale
The Bolles School - Jacksonville
Georgetown Day School - Washington
Sidwell Friends School - Washington
St. Albans School - Washington
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsPine Crest School - Fort Lauderdale
The Bolles School - Jacksonville
Ransom Everglades School - Miami
Georgetown Day School - Washington
Sidwell Friends School - Washington
Maret School - Washington
Top 3 School DistrictsSt. Johns County School District
Sarasota County Schools
Okaloosa County School District
District of Columbia Public Schools

How Much Do Florida to DC Movers Cost?

Moving 918 miles from Florida to DC 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.

  • Expected Range: $2,000 - $5,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 3-10 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Veteran Moving Group
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,464300 ft3$4.88
1 Bedroom$2,178450 ft3$4.84
2 Bedrooms$3,597750 ft3$4.80
3 Bedrooms$5,2301100 ft3$4.75
4 Bedrooms$7,5391600 ft3$4.71
5+ Bedrooms$8,4041800 ft3$4.67

Top Florida to DC Movers

Read our in-depth analysis of the best Florida to DC movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

TOP PICK
Sebastian Moving and More featured image

Sebastian Moving and More

Best moving company overall for Florida to DC

9.72/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Bookstore Movers featured image

Bookstore Movers

9.60/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Mic's Moving featured image

Mic's Moving

9.60/10
ExceptionalView details