Florida to Montana Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Florida to Montana

ConsFlorida

• Hurricane risk
• High humidity
• Sweltering summers
• Coastal flooding
• Flat landscapes
• Heavy traffic
• Crowded beaches
• Invasive pests
• Urban sprawl
• Year-round allergens
• Limited snow sports
• Heat index extremes
• Light pollution
• Limited public lands
• High population density

ProsMontana

• No hurricanes
• Dry mountain air
• Cooler summer temps
• No storm surge
• Mountain scenery
• Lighter traffic
• Quiet lakeshores
• Fewer tropical pests
• Open spaces
• Cleaner, drier air
• World-class skiing
• Cool evening temps
• Dark starry skies
• Vast public lands
• Low population density

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Montana

• Harsh, long winters
• Landlocked state
• No ocean beaches
• Long dormant season
• Fewer urban options
• Few major attractions
• Mountain pass travel
• State income tax
• Limited flight options
• Fewer restaurants
• Quieter nightlife
• Short boating season
• Limited seafood variety
• Cold water temps
• Smaller job markets
• Cold mountain lakes
• Seasonal golfing

Florida

• Warm winters
• Ocean access
• Beach lifestyle
• Year-round greenery
• Big city amenities
• Theme parks
• Flat, easy driving
• No state income tax
• Major international flights
• Diverse dining scenes
• Vibrant nightlife
• Year-round boating
• Fresh seafood
• Water sports access
• Large job markets
• Warm ocean swims
• Golf year-round

Pros of moving from Florida to Montana

• Say goodbye to hurricane risk and hello to no hurricanes
• Look forward to moving away from high humidity and moving to Montana with dry mountain air
• Swap the sweltering summers of Florida for cooler summer temps in Montana
• Get ready for no storm surge in Montana

Cons of moving from Florida to Montana

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from warm winters in Florida to live with harsh and long winters in Montana
• You'll lose out on the pro of ocean access and have to settle for the con of a landlocked state
• Time to bid farewell to the beach lifestyle and get used to no ocean beaches in Montana
• Swap year-round greenery for a long dormant season

Florida vs. Montana: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Florida to Montana, you will be trading the iconic Key Lime Pie of Florida for the equally delicious Huckleberry Pie of Montana. And while the locals in Florida rave about their flavorful Cuban Sandwich and sumptuous Cubanos, Montana residents know they have tasty Bison Burger and Elk Sausage to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Acai Bowl they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Lentil Soup of Montana. 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 Benny's Seafood. After the boxes are unpacked in Montana, don't wait too long before making your way to Montana's acclaimed eateries like Pearl Café, Casa Fiesta, and Mackenzie River Pizza Co.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Florida and Montana

• The Spanish Revival and Modern architecture that Florida is known for will be replaced with the Rustic and Cabin-style architecture typical of Montana.
• Compared to Florida's real estate listings that commonly reference pools and waterfronts, Montana real estate listings often highlight features like mountain views and acreage.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away. Montana is less walkable than Florida.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike. Montana is less bike-friendly than Florida.
• Montana has less of an urban feel than Florida.
• Montana housing costs are 15% more expensive than they are in Florida, with a median home price of $456,199 compared to Florida’s $397,137.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Montana have increased by 71% compared to a 66% increase in Florida.
• Rent in Montana is 36.66% more affordable than in Florida.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Florida to Montana. Montana gets 20% fewer sunshine days than Florida.
• Montana has lower humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Florida.
• Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and floods in Florida, but be on the lookout for potential wildfires and snowstorms in Montana.
• Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Montana is 5 degrees colder than Florida.
• The average winter lows are 31 degrees colder than they are in Florida.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Montana. Montana receives 39 fewer inches of rain compared to Florida.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Florida and Montana

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Montana tend to earn about 2% less than in Florida
• The COLI in Montana will be 2% higher than what you are used to living in Florida
• Bummer... By moving from FL to MT, you'll now have a state income tax of 6.9%
• The affluence in Montana is lower compared to moderate affluence in Florida
• The poverty level is above average in Montana compared to average poverty in Florida
• In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in Florida and low in Montana

Political and Religious Climate in Florida vs. Montana

• Florida tends to lean mixed with a slight Republican lean in its political climate
• Montana, on the other hand, is often described as mostly Republican
• Montana's religious environment can be described as primarily Christian with less religious diversity
• Florida's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Christianity with diverse religious communities in urban areas

How Much Do Florida to Montana Movers Cost?

Moving 2,479 miles from Florida to Montana will typically cost between $4,000 and $9,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.