Written by: Kate Becker
Date:

Are you thinking about relocating from Florida to another state? If so, we have a suggestion for you! Have you ever thought about living in California? Relocating from one place to the other is an exciting thing to do, especially if you’re moving from Florida to California!  To prove this, we’ve prepared a guide for all of you who’re thinking about relocating from this awesome state. We’ll inform you about California and how to handle your relocation like a pro by hiring some best long distance movers Florida, so make sure to keep reading!

Is moving from Florida to California a big step?

To begin with, we will look at some similarities that you can see between life in Florida and California. If these two countries are your choice for life, you probably like a beach holiday. Both countries are beautiful and have a lot to offer when it comes to coastal life. Although at first glance it seems that there are no big differences, it is not so. Read the guide to the end and hurry to invite the best moving companies in California to organize your relocation as soon as possible. Moving from Florida to California is a big step, but we believe you will enjoy it.

A beach in Orange County, one of many beaches you can enjoy after moving from Florida to California
The diversity of nature is one of the advantages of California.

This relocation is a very common one, even though the two states are on opposite sides of the country

At first, it may seem like an odd choice to relocate from Florida all the way to California. The distance between these states is almost 2,800 miles. Being on opposite sides of the country, located on different coasts, this is surely one of the most complex interstate relocations out there. It doesn’t get bigger than this. Luckily, the moving industry has evolved a lot, and even these moves aren’t an issue, since there are more than enough experienced and reliable moving teams who are ready to step up and get the job done. Nevertheless, the number of relocations happening between Florida and the Golden State is surprisingly high. Now, we’re going to dive into the numbers and see what they’re telling us.

So, as we said, a lot of your fellow Floridians are moving to California, and numbers are high any given year. In fact, California is often among the top 5 states Floridians are choosing to relocate to. These numbers were bigger before the COVID-19 pandemic, which marked the beginning of the California exodus. In the years before the pandemic, the number of relocations from FL to CA often surpassed 20,000, sometimes even reaching 25,000. Now, it’s a bit lower but still fairly high. Around 17.000 Floridians moved to California in 2021. When we look at the cities, moving from Miami to Los Angeles was the most common route with around 1,000 relocations in the last year.

The Los Angeles Skyline during a sunny day.
Los Angeles is the most frequent destination in California for Floridians on the move.

However, we want to give you all the facts, and therefore, look at the other side of the coin. The vice versa relocation, moving from California to Florida, is far more popular. In fact, in 2021, almost 30,000 people decided to go on this move. We’re sure that you have your own sound reasons for going on this move, but it’s still worth remembering how popular the Sunshine State really is.

What are the main differences between California and Florida?

Throughout the course of this article, we’ll mostly speak of differences between these states. Later on, we’ll emphasize the cost of living and cover it separately. But, in the beginning, we want to show you some main differences between these states, so you can get an idea of what to expect from this relocation right away, so let’s jump into it.

A chart saying:
There is no personal income tax in Florida, while in California, personal income tax is 1%-12%
California has over 400 universities, as opposed to Florida which has 70
The average salary in CA is much higher, $87,000 compared to $71,000 in FL
But, California also has a higher unemployment rate, 4%, compared to Florida's 2.6%
CA has 1,100,000 job openings, more than twice as many as FL which has 500,000
The weather in CA is more pleasant, with 4 distinct seasons, unlike Florida's humid subtropical climate
Florida has a lower violent crime rate (384 per 100,000 residents) than California (466 per 100,000 residents)

The climate and nature of Florida and California are far from similar

We mentioned this briefly above, but it’s worth taking a more detailed look into it. These two countries face different oceans and are unique in their climate and culture. California’s beaches are famous in the world, but the waters of the Pacific Ocean can be quite cold sometimes. On the other side, Florida is coming out and the Atlantic Ocean and the water on its beaches are warmer and calmer. The weather in Florida is much wetter and warmer than in California. We could even say that it is more tropical.

California has less rain and a much drier climate. Unlike Florida, California is rich in beautiful colorful landscapes – diverse hills and mountains, valleys, cliffs, wine valleys, and beaches. Florida on the other hand has many incredibly beautiful beaches and life that is focused on the coast. If you decide to move from Florida to California, you will enjoy the variety that it will bring you.

A brief overview of the Golden State

Before you decide to hire cross country movers California to help you relocate there from Florida, find the time to learn something about this amazing state. From L.A. Law and Charlie’s Angels to Beverly Hills, people have long been obsessed and talking about California. Los Angeles became one of the top tourist attractions and one of the most desirable locations for house hunters. No wonder why LA is the second-most populous city in the USA! It’s right after the Big Apple! However, we want to point out something very important. Even though Los Angeles has deserved this amount of popularity, there’s way more to California than just this city and it’s necessary to know these things, especially if you’re considering moving from Florida to California. So, let’s learn more about this state!

A Hollywood sign on the hill
California was voted as one of the best American states.

California is located in the Pacific Region of the USA. Most people don’t know that California is the most populous American state and the third-largest by area! In addition to this, California is the most diverse American state and offers tourists the widest range of opportunities. However, it’s necessary to know that living costs in California are higher than those in Florida. Therefore, you’ll need to calculate your savings and determine your budget to find out whether you’ll be able to afford this kind of relocation. But trust us, California will win your heart in a matter of seconds!

The financial aspect of moving from Florida to California

California is a great state, and no one can deny that. The opportunities it provides are countless, and the high quality of life is unquestionable as well. However, enjoying these benefits will cost you a lot. When you combine the taxes and the cost of living, California is the state with the largest expenses. Whether you’ll get used to this easily or not will depend a lot on both the city you’re moving to and the city you’re moving from. For example, moving from Miami to Los Angeles means you’re already used to high costs, so you won’t have many problems. However, if you’re moving from, say Jacksonville to either LA or San Francisco, even San Diego and San Jose for that matter, the difference in living costs will be huge.

So, let’s compare Florida and California as a whole, and see what to expect from a financial perspective.

A chart saying: 
California is 15% more expensive than Florida overall
The Sunshine State has more affordable transportation than CA, by 20%
The cost of groceries is almost the same in both states, with CA being only 2% more expensive
Childcare is much more expensive in the Golden State (by 37%)
The median home price in California is $765k compared to Florida's $407k
The average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in CA is $2,900, while in FL, it's $1,900
Californians pay less for utilities on average than Floridians ($315 in CA, $337 in FL)

Now, this is the comparison between the states, and as you can see, California is much more expensive. However, as we said earlier, employers in the Golden State pay much more than those in Florida. So, in the end, it will depend on your preferences. Nevertheless, the good news is, if you decide on moving from California to Florida, you are likely to receive a significantly better paycheck.

A few more things to know before relocating to California

To describe what’s it like living in California as vividly as possible so we’ve prepared a list of the things you probably didn’t know about Cali. Below you’ll find some of these interesting facts.

  • Originally, California was known as the Grizzley Bear State. Unfortunately, Grizzley Bears were wiped out due to population growth, and California got a new nickname – the Golden State.
  • If you’re in search of a place where you’ll be able to find a good job, lots of outdoor activities, and live in a quiet neighborhood with your family, choose California. No wonder why California vas voted as one of the best places to buy a house in America.
  • Did you know that California is the only state in the world that’s hosted both the Summer and Winter Olympics?
  • California has the highest point in the contiguous US, Mount Whitney, and also the lowest point in North America, in Death Valley.
  • California is one of the biggest fans of renewable energy. Almost all of its residents have houses with solar panels on their roofs.
  • Unfortunately, natural disasters aren’t unknown in California. Wildfires and earthquakes represent the risks of living in some parts of this state.

Top things to do after making this move

If you’re a nature lover, you’ll fall in love with California in no time! As soon as you set foot in this state, you’d wish you’d hired cross country movers Florida way sooner. To help you adjust to your new surroundings, we’ll mention some activities you shouldn’t skip doing after moving from Florida to California. For starters, you can visit Yosemite National Park or Sequoia National Park. These places are great for hiking, long walks, or capturing perfect moments with your camera. Spending a whole day at Disneyland would be a great adventure too. Whether you have kids or not, this is a must!

Do you want to learn how to surf? If you want to learn how to surf, Malibu is where you’ll want to catch the best waves. And, finally, what do you think about spending a day at one of the most popular Zoos in the USA? If you’re up for it, head down to the San Diego Zoo and have a blast! As you can see, California has it all! The Golden State can please all ages and tastes!

4 people having fun in LA on roller-skates.
Various outdoor sports are popular in California.

Choosing a city to live in

The decision to move to California may not have been a difficult one, but we believe you have wondered which cities are the best for living in California. To make your choice easier, read the list of cities that are most popular for living in California. After that, you just need to choose one of the top movers in Los Angeles that will help you to move to a city that suits your needs.

  • Los Angeles
  • San Diego
  • San Jose
  • Santa Barbara
  • San Francisco
  • Sacramento
  • Irvine

We are sure if you decide on any of these cities that will not be a mistake because they all offer many opportunities for a beautiful and fulfilling life.

Los Angeles

Los Angeles is arguably the most famous city in California. It is located between the mountains and the coast in the southern part of California. That is why it boasts one of the best climatic conditions in the country. It is one of the most diverse cities and provides many opportunities for exploration and entertainment. It also boasts a large number of colleges, which provide excellent conditions for education. If you love a fast-paced life full of many opportunities for nightlife and entertainment, consider moving to Los Angeles.

A man driving a red car in LA after moving from Florida to California
You will not miss the fun after moving to Los Angeles.

San Diego

San Diego is a paradise for beach lovers. It is known for the most beautiful beaches in the world and almost perfect weather conditions. Whether you are looking for urban life, suburban or beach life, you can find it here. In San Diego, life is a little more expensive, but some suburbs are more affordable to live in. There are also many opportunities for employment and entertainment here. So if you are in the mood to live in these conditions, San Diego could be the right choice for you.

San Jose

If you are employed in the technology field, San Jose could be a good choice for you. Apple and Google hubs are nearby. This city is most often inhabited by young people who want to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. It offers many opportunities for outdoor activities such as picnics, hiking, or cycling. It boasts a low unemployment rate. Here you can choose whether to live in high-rise buildings or single-story houses in the suburbs. Life in San Jose can be a real hit.

Santa Barbara

Perhaps one of the smallest of the cities on this list, but not the least important. Santa Barbra offers a beautiful landscape with a great climate all year round. It allows a lot of outdoor activities such as numerous outdoor concerts, but also on the beach – cycling and walking. Its economy is mainly based on tourism. It does not lack educational opportunities either – it has colleges and several private schools.

San Francisco

San Francisco is a city that has a lot to offer its residents. Economically highly developed, it offers high salaries, but also expensive living costs. Due to the proximity of the mountain and a lot of nature, it is an excellent choice for outdoor sports fans. It is known for its many attractions, but it also stands out for its diverse culinary, cultural, and artistic scene.

Golden Gate Brigde
San Francisco can be a good choice if you are considering moving from Florida to California

Sacramento

As the capital of the State of California, Sacramento boasts many amenities for living. It has affordable living costs and a well-developed economy. It offers a lot of educational opportunities. As it is located on two rivers, there are plenty of parks and green areas that allow for countless outdoor activities. Sacramento also has a very prominent community and a vibrant metropolitan area rich in restaurants and cultural events. Life here could be interesting.

Irvine

Irvine is a city located near Los Angeles. If you are interested in living in a family-oriented community, this city is the right choice for you. It offers many opportunities for great family life and has a low crime rate. Here are located schools that will offer your children a top education. The city is oriented towards eco-friendly culture and tries to influence businesses as much as possible to do business that way. Living in a quieter city, which is close to all the attractions of Los Angeles can be a great choice.

How to move from Florida to California with ease?

So, do you like how California sounds? If so, make sure to start planning your move as soon as possible! And if you want to have a hassle-free relocation, you should think about hiring a moving company! By hiring someone who has enough experience in the moving industry, you’ll relocate to California in no time and with no problems along the way. All you have to do is make sure that the company you’ve hired is reliable and can provide you with this kind of moving experience like some of the top movers in Miami. Luckily, you’re in the right place, and let us tell you why!

The cost of moving to the Golden State with professionals

When it comes to professionally-assisted relocations, people always want to how much are they going to spend. Well, we have you covered. In the list below, you’ll find the average prices for relocations from the Sunshine State to California based on the apartment size.

  • Moving a studio apartment – $3,500
  • Moving a 1-bedroom unit – $4,500
  • Moving a 2-bedroom unit – $5,700
  • Moving a 3-bedroom unit – $7,000

Verified Movers are happy to help you out

To find reliable movers for your upcoming move, all you have to do is visit our website! We are a serious moving company that understands the importance of finding moving experts when relocating. This is why we’ve decided to start a business that will help you find the kind of moving company that will be able to suit all your moving needs! In addition to this, by visiting our website, you’ll be able to find out which moving companies have been voted as the best ones in 2019. Let us make your move as easier as possible!

A person using a laptop.
Visit our website and let us help you find the moving company that will help you with moving from Florida to California.

Once you settle in California, you’ll see that this was the move worth taking

There you have it. These are all of the important things you need to be aware of before moving from Florida to California! We’re sure that you’ll adjust to the new surroundings in no time since California is, without a doubt, one of the best places to live in the USA! So, study our guide, do your own research on the Californian lifestyle and prepare for the beginning of a new chapter in your life!