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Florida to Washington Moving Guide

Updated June 4, 2025

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Planning a 3,062 mile interstate move from Florida to Washington? This moving guide will help you compare living in Florida vs Washington across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like hot, humid summers vs cool, mild climate), food & health (like Key Lime Pie vs Salmon), real estate & housing (spanish revival, coastal vs craftsman, northwest contemporary), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Washington), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Key Lime Pie and Cuban Sandwich, but get your taste buds ready for Salmon & Applewood Smoked Salmon
  • Washington housing costs are 49% more expensive than they are in Florida
  • Rent in Washington is 11.38% more affordable than in Florida
  • Moving from Florida to Washington will cost on average between $3,000 - $10,500
  • Our top recommended Florida to Washington movers is Sebastian Moving and More

Florida to Washington Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Florida to Washington

ConsFlorida iconFlorida
  • Hot, humid summers
  • Hurricane risk
  • Flat landscape
  • Less public transport
  • Tourist congestion
ProsWashington iconWashington
  • Cool, mild climate
  • Low natural disaster risk
  • Mountainous views
  • Extensive public transit
  • Quieter surroundings

Washington iconWashington
  • Cool, rainy winters
  • Higher state taxes
  • Frequent rain
  • Different cultural scene
  • Less diverse wildlife
Florida iconFlorida
  • Beaches year-round
  • No state income tax
  • Sunny days
  • Familiar cultural vibe
  • Abundant marine life

Pros of moving from Florida to Washington

  • Say goodbye to hot, humid summers and hello to a cool, mild climate
  • Look forward to moving away from hurricane risk and moving to Washington with low natural disaster risk
  • Swap the flat landscape of Florida for mountainous views in Washington
  • Get ready for extensive public transit in Washington

Cons of moving from Florida to Washington

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from beaches year-round in Florida to live with cool, rainy winters in Washington
  • You'll lose out on the pro of no state income tax and have to settle for the con of higher state taxes
  • Time to bid farewell to sunny days and get used to frequent rain in Washington
  • Swap the familiar cultural vibe for a different cultural scene

Florida vs. Washington: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonFloridaWashington
Most iconic local food itemKey Lime PieSalmon
Most popular meat dishCuban SandwichApplewood Smoked Salmon
Most popular street food itemStone CrabTeriyaki
Most popular vegan foodJackfruit TacosQuinoa Salad
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Joe's Stone Crab
  • Versailles Restaurant
  • Bern's Steak House
  • Canlis
  • Salumi
  • The Herb Farm
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 Washington, you will be trading the iconic Key Lime Pie of Florida for the equally delicious Salmon of Washington. And while the locals in Florida rave about their flavorful Cuban Sandwich and sumptuous Stone Crab, Washington residents know they have tasty Applewood Smoked Salmon and Teriyaki to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Jackfruit Tacos they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Quinoa Salad of Washington. 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 Washington, don't wait too long before making your way to Washington's acclaimed eateries like Canlis, Salumi, and The Herb Farm.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Florida and Washington

ComparisonFloridaWashington
Typical Architecture StyleSpanish Revival, CoastalCraftsman, Northwest Contemporary
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, WaterfrontEco-friendly, Mountain view
  • The Spanish Revival and Coastal architecture that Florida is known for will be replaced with the Craftsman and Northwest Contemporary architecture typical of Washington.
  • Compared to Florida's real estate listings that commonly reference pools and waterfronts, Washington real estate listings often highlight features like eco-friendliness and mountain views.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Washington is more walkable than Florida.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Washington is more bike-friendly than Florida.
  • Washington has more of an urban feel than Florida.
  • Washington housing costs are 49% more expensive than they are in Florida, with a median home price of $591,148 compared to Florida’s $397,137.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Washington have increased by 49% compared to a 66% increase in Florida.
  • Rent in Washington is 11.38% more affordable than in Florida.

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

ComparisonFloridaWashington
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 DisastersHurricanesEarthquakes, Volcanoes
Air QualityGoodModerately Good
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)90Β°F / 70Β°F75Β°F / 55Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)70Β°F / 48Β°F47Β°F / 36Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)5038
Annual Snowfall (Inches)047
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Florida to Washington. Washington gets 36% fewer sunshine days than Florida.
  • Washington has higher 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 earthquakes and volcanoes in Washington.
  • Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Washington is 15 degrees colder than Florida.
  • The average winter lows are 12 degrees colder than they are in Florida.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Washington. Washington receives 12 fewer inches of rain compared to Florida.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Florida and Washington

ComparisonFloridaWashington
Avg. Household Income$69,303$91,306
Cost of Living Index97.8104.1
State Income Tax0%0%
Avg. Property Tax0.83%0.93%
Avg. Sales Tax7.05%9.17%
Top 3 IndustriesTourism, Agriculture, AerospaceTechnology, Aerospace, Agriculture
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyModerateLow
HomelessnessModerateHigh
  • The affluence in {to_city} is {to_affluence} compared to {from_affluence} in {from_city}
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Political and Religious Climate in Florida vs. Washington

ComparisonFloridaWashington
Political Make-upLean ConservativeLean Liberal
Local PoliticsMixed, varies regionallyProgressive, especially in urban areas
ReligionChristian majority, diverse religious communitiesLess religious overall, diverse beliefs
  • Florida tends to lean Conservative in its political climate
  • Washington, on the other hand, is often described as lean Liberal
  • Washington's religious environment can be described as less religious overall and featuring diverse beliefs
  • Florida's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a Christian majority and diverse religious communities

Education Guide When Moving from Florida to Washington

ComparisonFloridaWashington
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Florida
Florida State University
University of Central Florida
University of Washington
Washington State University
Western Washington University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsPine View School (Osprey)
A.D. Henderson University School (Boca Raton)
Archimedean Academy (Miami)
Cascade K-8 Community School (Shoreline)
Challenge Elementary School (Everett)
Bertschi School (Seattle)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsPine View School (Osprey)
Archimedean Middle Conservatory (Miami)
A.D. Henderson University School (Boca Raton)
International School (Bellevue)
Washington Middle School (Seattle)
Lakeside Middle School (Seattle)
Top 3 High SchoolsPine View School (Osprey)
Stanton College Preparatory School (Jacksonville)
Design and Architecture Senior High School (Miami)
International School (Bellevue)
Newport High School (Bellevue)
Roosevelt High School (Seattle)
Top 3 private high schoolsRansom Everglades School (Coconut Grove)
Bolles School (Jacksonville)
Berke Prep (Odessa)
Lakeside School (Seattle)
The Overlake School (Redmond)
Seattle Preparatory School (Seattle)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsAmerican Heritage School (Plantation)
North Broward Preparatory School (Coconut Creek)
Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart (Miami)
The Bush School (Seattle)
Annie Wright Schools (Tacoma)
Eastside Preparatory School (Kirkland)
Top 3 School DistrictsSt. Johns County School District
Sarasota County Schools
Okaloosa County School District
Bellevue School District
Mercer Island School District
Lake Washington School District

How Much Do Florida to Washington Movers Cost?

Moving 3,062 miles from Florida to Washington will typically cost between $4,500 and $10,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $4,500 - $10,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 3-10 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Veteran Moving Group
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$2,938300 ft3$9.79
1 Bedroom$4,385450 ft3$9.74
2 Bedrooms$7,271750 ft3$9.69
3 Bedrooms$10,6091100 ft3$9.64
4 Bedrooms$15,3521600 ft3$9.59
5+ Bedrooms$17,1811800 ft3$9.54

Top Florida to Washington Movers

Read our in-depth analysis of the best Florida to Washington 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 Washington

9.72/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Easy Florida Moving LLC featured image

Easy Florida Moving LLC

9.56/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Seattle Moves & More

Seattle Moves & More

9.55/10
ExceptionalView details