Florida to DC Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Florida to DC

ConsFlorida

• Hurricane risk
• Extreme summer humidity
• Car dependent sprawl
• Limited public transit
• Lack of seasons
• High property insurance
• Intense UV index
• Mosquitoes and pests
• Flat terrain
• Long distances driving
• Seasonal tourist surges
• Fewer free museums

ProsDC

• Lower hurricane exposure
• Milder summer heat
• Walkable neighborhoods
• Extensive Metro system
• Four distinct seasons
• Lower home insurance
• Shorter hot season
• Fewer tropical bugs
• Scenic hills and trails
• Shorter urban commutes
• Year-round cultural scene
• Free Smithsonian museums

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DC

• Cold snowy winters
• No ocean beaches
• High income taxes
• Gloomy winter days
• Limited boating options
• Higher living costs
• Smaller urban homes
• Tight street parking
• Pricier seafood dining
• Seasonal pool access
• Far from theme parks
• Denser city living

Florida

• Warm winters
• Beach access
• No state income tax
• Year round sunshine
• Boating and fishing
• Lower living costs
• Larger home lots
• Abundant parking
• Fresh local seafood
• Pool friendly climate
• Theme parks nearby
• Suburban family amenities

Pros of moving from Florida to DC

• Say goodbye to hurricane risk and hello to lower hurricane exposure
• Look forward to moving away from extreme summer humidity and moving to DC with milder summer heat
• Swap the car-dependent sprawl of Florida for walkable neighborhoods in DC
• Get ready for an extensive Metro system in DC

Cons of moving from Florida to DC

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from warm winters in Florida to live with cold snowy winters in DC
• You'll lose out on the pro of beach access and have to settle for the con of no ocean beaches
• Time to bid farewell to no state income tax and get used to high income taxes in DC
• Swap year-round sunshine for gloomy winter days

Florida vs. DC: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

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 Açaí 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

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.