Florida to Michigan Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Florida to Michigan

ConsFlorida

• Unbearable summer heat
• High humidity
• Frequent hurricanes
• Costly flood insurance
• Year-round allergens
• Palmetto bugs indoors
• Alligators in canals
• Tourist crowds
• Soaring home prices
• Flat landscapes
• Limited fall colors
• Limited winter sports
• Sinkhole risk
• High AC bills
• Strong sun year-round

ProsMichigan

• Cooler summer temps
• Lower humidity
• No hurricanes
• Lower flood risk
• Seasonal allergies
• No palmetto bugs
• No alligators
• Less tourist traffic
• More affordable housing
• Scenic rolling hills
• Spectacular fall colors
• Abundant winter sports
• Lower sinkhole risk
• Lower summer AC bills
• Milder UV exposure

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Michigan

• Harsh winters
• Cold lake water
• State income tax
• Long gray winters
• Lakes freeze over
• Seasonal patios
• Seasonal golf
• High heating costs
• Icy, snowy roads
• Vehicle rust risk
• Short winter daylight
• Limited local citrus
• Heavy winter gear
• Short beach season
• Short growing season

Florida

• Warm winters
• Beach access
• No state income tax
• Abundant sunshine
• Boating year-round
• Outdoor dining year-round
• Golf year-round
• Lower heating costs
• Snow-free driving
• No road salt rust
• Longer winter daylight
• Fresh local citrus
• Lightweight wardrobe
• Year-round swimming
• Lush tropical foliage

Pros of moving from Florida to Michigan

• Say goodbye to unbearable summer heat and hello to cooler summer temps
• Look forward to moving away from high humidity and moving to Michigan with lower humidity
• Swap the frequent hurricanes of Florida for no hurricanes in Michigan
• Get ready for lower flood risk in Michigan

Cons of moving from Florida to Michigan

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from warm winters in Florida to live with harsh winters in Michigan
• You'll lose out on the pro of beach access and have to settle for the con of cold lake water
• Time to bid farewell to no state income tax and get used to state income tax in Michigan
• Swap abundant sunshine for long gray winters

Florida vs. Michigan: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Florida to Michigan, you will be trading the iconic Key Lime Pie of Florida for the equally delicious Cherry Pie of Michigan. And while the locals in Florida rave about their flavorful Cuban Sandwich and sumptuous Cuban Sandwich, Michigan residents know they have tasty Coney Island Hot Dog and Pasty to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Mango Avocado Salad they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Lentil Burger of Michigan. 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 Bern's Steak House. After the boxes are unpacked in Michigan, don't wait too long before making your way to Michigan's acclaimed eateries like Slows Bar BQ, Zingerman's Delicatessen, and Bell's Eccentric Café.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Florida and Michigan

• The Mediterranean and Modern architecture that Florida is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Craftsman architecture typical of Michigan.
• Compared to Florida's real estate listings that commonly reference pools and waterfronts, Michigan real estate listings often highlight features like lake access and energy efficiency.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Michigan is more walkable than Florida.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Michigan is more bike-friendly than Florida.
• Michigan has more of an urban feel than Florida.
• Michigan housing costs are 40% less expensive than they are in Florida, with a median home price of $239,770 compared to Florida’s $397,137.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Michigan have increased by 45% compared to a 66% increase in Florida.
• Rent in Michigan is 34.80% more affordable than in Florida.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Florida to Michigan. Michigan gets 28% fewer sunshine days than Florida.
• Michigan has lower humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Florida.
• Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes in Florida, but be on the lookout for potential snowstorms and tornadoes in Michigan.
• Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Michigan is 11 degrees colder than in Florida.
• The average winter lows are 31 degrees colder than they are in Florida.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Michigan. Michigan receives 20 fewer inches of rain compared to Florida.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Florida and Michigan

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Michigan tend to earn about 3% less than in Florida
• The COLI in Michigan will be 7% lower than what you are used to living in Florida
• Bummer... By moving from FL to MI, you'll now have a state income tax of 4.25%
• The affluence in Michigan is diverse compared to moderate affluence in Florida
• The poverty level is significant in Michigan compared to noticeable poverty in Florida
• In terms of homelessness, it is visible in Florida and stable in Michigan

Political and Religious Climate in Florida vs. Michigan

• Florida tends to lean as a swing state and leans slightly Republican in recent elections in its political climate
• Michigan, on the other hand, is often described as a swing state with a tendency to lean Democratic in recent elections
• Michigan's religious environment can be described as Christianity being prevalent, with a considerable non-religious demographic
• Florida's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christianity dominating, with significant Jewish, Muslim, and non-religious populations

How Much Do Florida to Michigan Movers Cost?

Moving 1,392 miles from Florida to Michigan will typically cost between $3,000 and $7,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.