Most Commonly Asked Questions About Moving From California to Florida

June 17, 2022 / Posted in City Guides
Milly Andrews

Born and raised in Portland, Milly has had a lot of experience moving and writing about the relocation process.

Mass resident and business migration from CA is noticeable, but do you know where do people decide to move? FL is one of the preferred choices for many Californians, and it’s not without reason. If you’re one of those considering moving from California to Florida, you must learn all about Florida vs. California living. What are the pros and cons of living in Florida as an ex-Californian? We can help you find out.

Aerial view of Miami Beach skyline, Florida
What do I need to know about moving to Florida from California? Take a look at the most important facts

Why Are So Many Californians Moving to Florida?

It’s calculated more than 350,000 left CA in 2021, and more continue to leave today. While the California Exodus became evident over the years, not many are familiar with the states most attractive for Californians. So, what states are people moving to? Although Texas, Arizona, and Nevada lead, FL isn’t staying far behind. Statistics show that it’s the seventh most preferable place for ex-Californians.

Why are people moving to Florida? There’s an abundance of reasons to move to this part of the USA. Although it holds some of the best cities for millennials, retirees, and all people in between, there are four main reasons Californians choose FL for their new home:

  • Amazing weather,
  • More affordable housing,
  • No income tax policy,
  • Business-friendly climate.

Is It Cheaper to Live In FL or CA? California vs. Florida Living Costs

Those looking for similar surroundings for a much more affordable cost of living often consider FL as their next destination. Keep in mind that the typical house value in FL is around $390,000 – just slightly higher than the national median house value. On the other hand, Californians must set aside more than twice as much on average, with a median home value of around $800,000.

Of course, a similar situation should be expected if you opt to rent an apartment instead of purchasing a house. For example, if you’re looking at average rents in the capital cities, keep in mind that you’ll have to set aside around $450 more per month to live in California’s Sacramento – and it’s not even the most expensive city in the state.

Although housing costs are the biggest expense, they should not be the only ones to consider. Remember that Floridians also can enjoy lower transportation and utility costs, as well as grocery bills, than Californians.

On the other hand, there is the question of taxes. Are Florida property taxes higher than in California? Californians do have slightly lower property taxes, but they also need to pay taxes on their income. On the other hand, Florida’s law doesn’t recognize income taxes, which means that all the money earned will stay in your pockets. It is a benefit that must not be ignored, especially if you have in mind that CA has the highest income tax in the country (13.3%).

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Is Insurance Cost Higher in Florida Than in the Golden State?

When you’re planning to move to another state, one of the expenses you also need to count on are insurance costs – and they are lower in CA than in FL. If you plan to get a car shipping company to transport a vehicle across the country, for example, remember that annual car insurance is about $100 more expensive in FL than in CA.

According to Bankrate, homeowners insurance is also higher in FL. Take a look at the table below to compare the current prices:

State Annual premium insurance price Monthly premium insurance price Median income spent on insurance
California $1,084 $90 1.57%
Florida $1,648 $137 2.39%

How Much Does It Cost to Move From Golden to Sunshine State?

There is another cost-related question people want to know the answer to, and it’s concerning the expenses of relocating from the West Coast to the East Coast. So, how much would it cost to move to another city in FL? The exact sum depends on several different factors.

Will you get long-distance moving services or move by yourself? How many items are on your household inventory list – and what are they? When do you plan to move and where? Do you need some additional help in the form of storage service or professional packing service? The answers to these questions will impact the final cost of an interstate move, which can vary between $2,000 and $10,000.

However, don’t let the price be the only factor in deciding whether you’ll hire movers. Cross-country moving is challenging. Therefore, if you want the best relocation experience, get reliable and reputable long-distance movers to help you move efficiently and without stress.

The same goes for the additional services. However, when wondering how much to ship a car from Florida to California, look for a company that can offer you auto transport service. Not only is it a more convenient choice, since you won’t have to look for a third-party auto transport company, but some of the most reliable companies will offer you a discount for combining their services. It’s an excellent solution when relocating interstate on budget, especially if you choose open instead of enclosed auto transport.

Do Entrepreneurs Move to Florida From California, and Why?

As the home of Silicon Valley, CA has become a mecca for those looking for amazing job opportunities. However, in the past years, many companies have decided to move their headquarters elsewhere. There are plenty of possible reasons for that kind of decision, but some of the main motives are connected to California’s expensiveness, regulations, and taxation policies.

If you’re one of those looking to transfer LLC interstate, you won’t make a bad decision if you choose FL. Like its residents, businesses in FL are also excluded from income tax, and your company can only benefit from it.

Florida’s Job Market Compared to Job Opportunities in California

Florida’s unemployment rate is at 3%, which is below the national average of 3.6%, and California’s 4.6%, so it shouldn’t be hard to get a job in a new city. Additionally, although CA has the highest GDP in the States, FL doesn’t stay far behind. It has the fourth-largest economy in the country, which guarantees a healthy job market and excellent quality of life once you move – a shorter average commuting time is just a bonus.

Although CA is (still) unsurpassed in the tech industry, keep in mind that FL houses headquarters for more than 30,000 tech companies – Sunshine State is considered the third-largest tech center in the nation.

Of course, there are plenty more job opportunities in other sectors, like:

  • Sales,
  • Food services,
  • IT,
  • Transportation,
  • Healthcare.

Which State Is Safer, FL or CA?

Safety should be one of the biggest concerns when relocating to a new home, especially if you plan to move with kids. Sadly, both CA and FL have crime rates above the national average, with FL having a better safety index in general. Of course, you should remember that crime rates tend to vary from one area to another – a factor that needs to be considered before choosing the right place for yourself.

How Are Florida’s Education Opportunities?

If you’re relocating with the young ones or looking for a place to continue your education, you probably want to know if Florida’s education system is any good. You’ll be happy to know that Florida’s amongst the leaders in the country when it comes to education. According to World Population Review, it comes third in the overall ranking for states with the best education for 2022. However, it’s an absolute leader in higher education and ranks first. Therefore, finding a good school shouldn’t be an issue, whether you want to enroll or have school-aged kids.

Kids sitting in class after long-distance moving
Florida's school system is highly ranked compared to most states

Is Florida Better Than California Regarding the Weather?

Both CA and FL are America’s beach states, and you should count on similar weather after the move. However, there are slight differences you would have to get used to – FL tends to be a little hotter than CA, with more humid air.

Those loving the sun will enjoy miles-long beaches and a generally coast-oriented life. However, be careful if you plan to move in the summer – avoid a lot of physical work, especially on days when temperatures exceed 90 degrees.

A sunny beach landscape
Florida's hot and sunny weather is perfect for a day on the beach

Where Do Most Californians Move to in Florida or Which Is the Best Place to Live in Florida?

Florida’s one of the biggest states in the country, with plenty of great places to call home. Choosing where to move is not going to be easy, so if you need some assistance, let’s take a look at some of the most popular cities for Californians.

Miami

Amazing culture, nightlife, and entertainment made Miami attractive to many Californians. Miami’s art, music, and food are all under Latin American influence, making this city have somewhat of an exotic vibe. With a fantastic art scene, plenty of museums, galleries, theaters, clubs, bars, exceptional coast, and lush parks, you’ll always have something to do in Miami.

Fort Lauderdale

If you’re looking for a place with breathtaking scenery, look no further than Fort Lauderdale. With the nickname The Venice of Florida, you simply know what a picturesque place awaits you after the move. However, exceptional views are not the only thing this city offers. The cost of living lower than Miami’s, favorable job market, and family-friendly community make this place attractive for many.

Orlando

Diverse dining options, good job climate, and affordable expenses make many Californians choose Orlando for their new home. Not to mention its proximity to Florida’s famous theme parks – Universal Orlando, Discovery Cove, Seaworld, and Walt Disney World all call Orlando their home. However, remember that you’ll need some time to adjust to the very hot and humid weather characteristics in Orlando.

Tampa

Although it’s one of the largest cities in FL, it’s a place that still can offer peace and quiet in some areas, which is perfect if you are planning on raising a family. With highly ranked schools on the one hand, vibrant nightlife on the other, and plenty of outdoor activities, it’s a city many can enjoy living in.

Florida’s Amazing Cities Offer Plenty of Things to Do After Moving

Of course, deciding where to live in FL is an important decision to make, but you can rest assured that you’ll never be bored, no matter which destination you opt for. Whether you want to dance the night away, experience Latin American culture, visit world-famous parks, and enjoy perfect beaches and beach activities. You can kayak, snooker, hike, or bike, no matter where you decide to move.

If you want to learn more about things to do in FL, take a look at some of the most interesting places in the following video:

Is It Better to Live in Florida or California? Are the Benefits Worth the Trouble?

Despite being on the opposite sides of the country, these states have many similarities – laid-back vibe, fantastic beaches, and plenty of sunshine are just the most apparent ones. On the other hand, while CA has a better economy, FL offers significantly lower expenses and no income tax. So, is moving to Florida a good idea? Relocating to FL can be a fantastic choice, especially if you wish to move out from one of the most expensive states in the US to a place that can offer similar surroundings and lifestyle for much less.

Cross-Country Movers Are the Best Insurance for Smooth Moving From California to Florida

Is it worth moving to Florida from California? Based on everything pointed out above – yes! So, if you’ve decided to leave the West Coast, it’s time to find the best long-distance moving company and get movers who can provide you with the ultimate stress-free relocation experience. Get a quote, book your move on time and relocate across the country without a fuss.

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