Movers

Michigan to Florida Moving Guide

Updated June 23, 2025

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Planning a 1,390 mile interstate move from Michigan to Florida? This moving guide will help you compare living in Michigan vs Florida across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh winters vs mild winters), food & health (like Pasties vs Key Lime Pie), real estate & housing (colonial, ranch vs mediterranean, modern), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Florida), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Pasties and Detroit-style Pizza, but get your taste buds ready for Key Lime Pie & Cuban Sandwich
  • Florida housing costs are 66% more expensive than they are in Michigan
  • Rent in Florida is 53.38% more expensive than in Michigan
  • Moving from Michigan to Florida will cost on average between $2,000 - $7,000
  • Our top recommended Michigan to Florida movers is Sebastian Moving and More

Michigan to Florida Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Michigan to Florida

ConsMichigan iconMichigan
  • Harsh winters
  • Limited beach access
  • Shorter sun exposure
  • Higher heating costs
ProsFlorida iconFlorida
  • Mild winters
  • Year-round beaches
  • Abundant sunshine
  • Lower heating costs

Florida iconFlorida
  • Hurricane risk
  • Humidity
  • Urban sprawl
  • Insects and pests
Michigan iconMichigan
  • Four distinct seasons
  • Great Lakes
  • Rich history
  • Vibrant fall foliage

Pros of moving from Michigan to Florida

  • Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to mild winters
  • Look forward to moving away from limited beach access and moving to Florida with year-round beaches
  • Swap the shorter sun exposure of Michigan for abundant sunshine in Florida
  • Get ready for lower heating costs in Florida

Cons of moving from Michigan to Florida

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from four distinct seasons in Michigan to live with hurricane risk in Florida
  • You'll lose out on the pro of the Great Lakes and have to settle with the con of humidity
  • Time to bid farewell to rich history and get used to urban sprawl in Florida
  • Swap vibrant fall foliage for insects and pests

Michigan vs. Florida: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonMichiganFlorida
Most iconic local food itemPastiesKey Lime Pie
Most popular meat dishDetroit-style PizzaCuban Sandwich
Most popular street food itemConey DogEmpanadas
Most popular vegan foodVegan PastiesVegan Ceviche
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Zingerman's Deli
  • Slows Bar BQ
  • Bell's Eccentric Cafe
  • Joe's Stone Crab
  • Versailles Restaurant
  • Benny's on the Beach
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 Michigan to Florida, you will be trading the iconic Pasties of Michigan for the equally delicious Key Lime Pie of Florida. And while the locals in Michigan rave about their flavorful Detroit-style Pizza and sumptuous Coney Dog, Florida residents know they have tasty Cuban Sandwich and Empanadas to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Vegan Pasties they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegan Ceviche of Florida. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Michigan eateries like Zingerman's Deli, Slows Bar BQ, and Bell's Eccentric Cafe. After the boxes are unpacked in Florida, don't wait too long before making your way to Florida's acclaimed eateries like Joe's Stone Crab, Versailles Restaurant, and Benny's on the Beach.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Michigan and Florida

ComparisonMichiganFlorida
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, RanchMediterranean, Modern
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 listingLake access, Large yardsSwimming pool, Outdoor living space
  • The Colonial and Ranch architecture that Michigan is known for will be replaced with the Mediterranean and Modern architecture typical of Florida.
  • Compared to Michigan's real estate listings that commonly reference lake access and large yards, Florida real estate listings often highlight features like swimming pools and outdoor living spaces.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away. Florida is less walkable than Michigan.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Florida is more bike-friendly than Michigan.
  • Florida has more of an urban feel than Michigan.
  • Florida housing costs are 66% more expensive than they are in Michigan, with a median home price of $397,137 compared to Michigan’s $239,770.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Florida have increased by 66% compared to a 45% increase in Michigan.
  • Rent in Florida is 53.38% more expensive than in Michigan.

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

ComparisonMichiganFlorida
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 DisastersBlizzards, Ice stormsHurricanes, Tropical storms
Air QualityGoodVaries by region
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)82Β°F/59Β°F91Β°F/75Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)31Β°F/17Β°F70Β°F/49Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)32.853.7
Annual Snowfall (Inches)60.660
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Michigan to Florida. Florida gets 39% more sunshine days than Michigan.
  • Florida has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Michigan.
  • Say goodbye to the possible blizzards and ice storms in Michigan, but be on the lookout for potential hurricanes and tropical storms in Florida.
  • Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Florida is 9 degrees warmer than in Michigan.
  • The average winter lows are 32 degrees warmer than they are in Michigan.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Florida. Florida receives 20.9 more inches of rain compared to Michigan.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Michigan and Florida

ComparisonMichiganFlorida
Avg. Household Income$66,986$69,303
Cost of Living Index91.297.8
State Income Tax4.25%0%
Avg. Property Tax1.64%0.83%
Avg. Sales Tax6%6.08%
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Healthcare, EducationTourism, Agriculture, Healthcare
AffluenceModerateVaried
PovertyModerateHigh
HomelessnessLowModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Florida tend to earn about 3% more than those in Michigan
  • The COLI in Florida will be 7% higher than what you are used to living in Michigan
  • Hooray, moving to FL means you'll no longer have state income taxes
  • The affluence in Florida is varied compared to moderate affluence in Michigan
  • The poverty level is high in Florida compared to moderate poverty in Michigan
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Michigan and moderate in Florida

Political and Religious Climate in Michigan vs. Florida

ComparisonMichiganFlorida
Political Make-upMixed; swings between Democrat and RepublicanLeans Republican, especially in recent elections
Local PoliticsDiverse; urban areas lean Democrat, rural areas lean RepublicanVaries; south Florida leans Democrat, north and rural areas lean Republican
ReligionMainly Christian, with a significant presence of other faithsDiverse; strong evangelical Christian presence in some areas
  • Michigan tends to lean mixed and swings between Democrat and Republican in its political climate
  • Florida, on the other hand, is often described as leaning Republican, especially in recent elections
  • Florida's religious environment can be described as diverse with a strong evangelical Christian presence in some areas
  • Michigan's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as mainly Christian with a significant presence of other faiths

Education Guide When Moving from Michigan to Florida

ComparisonMichiganFlorida
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Michigan
Michigan State University
Wayne State University
University of Florida
Florida State University
University of Miami
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsHarlan Elementary (Birmingham)
Musson Elementary (Rochester)
Novi Woods Elementary (Novi)
Pine View School (Osprey)
Doral Academy Charter Elementary (Doral)
Somerset Academy (Miramar)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsBoulan Park Middle (Troy)
Smith Middle (Troy)
West Middle (Rochester Hills)
Bak Middle School of the Arts (West Palm Beach)
Archimedean Middle Conservatory (Miami)
Doral Academy Charter Middle School (Doral)
Top 3 High School SchoolsInternational Academy (Bloomfield Hills)
Troy High (Troy)
Novi High (Novi)
Design and Architecture Senior High (Miami)
School for Advanced Studies (Miami)
Pine View School (Osprey)
Top 3 private high schoolsRoeper School (Birmingham)
Cranbrook Schools (Bloomfield Hills)
Detroit Country Day School (Beverly Hills)
Bolles School (Jacksonville)
American Heritage School (Plantation)
Pine Crest School (Fort Lauderdale)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsDetroit Country Day School (Beverly Hills)
Cranbrook Schools (Bloomfield Hills)
Greenhills School (Ann Arbor)
Ransom Everglades School (Coconut Grove)
Pine Crest School (Fort Lauderdale)
American Heritage School (Plantation)
Top 3 School DistrictsNovi Community School District
Troy School District
Birmingham Public Schools
St. Johns County School District
Sarasota County Schools
Okaloosa County School District

How Much Do Michigan to Florida Movers Cost?

Moving 1,390 miles from Michigan to Florida 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.

  • Expected Range: $3,000 - $7,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 3-10 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Veteran Moving Group
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,991300 ft3$6.64
1 Bedroom$2,963450 ft3$6.59
2 Bedrooms$4,901750 ft3$6.54
3 Bedrooms$7,1341100 ft3$6.49
4 Bedrooms$10,2961600 ft3$6.44
5+ Bedrooms$11,4931800 ft3$6.39

Top Michigan to Florida Movers

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

9.72/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Pro-Low Moving featured image

Pro-Low Moving

9.69/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Easy Florida Moving LLC featured image

Easy Florida Moving LLC

9.56/10
ExceptionalView details