Factors that influence moving costs from Sacramento to Miamitoggle

The cost of Sacramento movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from Sacramento to Miami might cost as little as $1,661, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $15,466.
  • Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in Sacramento, which often leads to higher prices from moving companies.
  • DIY vs. full-service: Renting a truck or using a container can be more affordable, with truck rentals ranging from $1,927 to $5,091. Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from Sacramento to Miami

Moving from Sacramento to Miami comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Miami is generally more expensive than Sacramento, itโ€™s important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Sacramento Miami
Average rent cost $1,899 $2,990
Average home value $476,699 $579,925
Average income (per capita) $78,954 $54,858
Cost of living (single person) $2,656 $3,103
Cost of living (family of 4) $6,191 $7,450
Unemployment rate 7.7% 8.3%
Sales tax 8.75% 7.0%
State income tax 13.3% 0.0%
  • Rent prices in Miami are 58% higher than in Sacramento, which means youโ€™ll have less money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Sacramento.
    Home prices in Miami are 21.7% higher than in Sacramento.
  • Income in Miami is 30.5% lower than in Sacramento, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Miami include Royal Bank of Canada, Navarro Discount Pharmacy, and Royal Caribbean Cruises.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Miami, since the cost of living for a single person in Miami is 16.8% higher than in Sacramento. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to Miami, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Miami is 20.3% higher than in Sacramento.
  • The unemployment rate in Miami is 7.79% higher than in Sacramento.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Miami, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Miami are 20.00% lower than in Sacramento.
  • One perk of moving to Miami is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Sacramento.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,504.89 in Miami to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Sacramento.

How life is different in Sacramento vs. Miami

Miami Sacramento
Population 442,241 524,943
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 8 6
Walkability score 77 49
Bike friendliness score 64 67
Crime Index 52.54 49.21
Safety Index 47.46 50.79
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • Miami's population is about 16% less than Sacramento.
  • Miami's public transportation has a score of 8 out of 10 versus Sacramento's lower score of 6.
  • Miami is more walkable than Sacramento with a score of 77 out of 100 vs Sacramento's 49 out of 100.
  • Both Miami and Sacramento have the same bike-friendliness score of 67 out of 100, meaning Miami is about as safe for cyclists as Sacramento. Typically, cities that have scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though the higher the score, the more safely accessible a city is for bicycling.
  • Miami and Sacramento have a similar crime rate.
  • Miami and Sacramento are considered to be equally safe.
  • Air quality in Miami is good, and in Sacramento it's moderate.

Other things to consider for your Sacramento vs. Miami move

  • Weather: There are two basic seasons in Miami, a hot and wet season from May through October, and a warm and dry season from November through April. During the hot and wet season, daily thundershowers occur in the humid unstable air masses. Hurricane season officially runs from June 1 through November 30, although hurricanes can develop beyond those dates. Be sure to check your weather app, especially during June through November to avoid hurricanes.
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • State licensing: Individuals and companies engaging in for-profit local and intrastate moving within the Sunshine State must register each year with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services โ€“ Division of Consumer Services. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Florida moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Florida does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Miami. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.Released Value Protection stands out as a cost-effective choice, provided by movers at no extra expense, although it comes with limited coverage. In this option, the mover's liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. To ensure comprehensive coverage matching the full value of your items, consult with your chosen moving company about alternative options or explore third-party insurance providers. Secure the best protection for your belongings during the move with these tailored coverage choices.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Miami

Now that you've decided to make the move to "305", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Miami.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Coral Gables
  • Brickell
  • Little Havana
  • Wynwood

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Coconut Grove
  • Coral Gables
  • Kendall
  • Key Biscayne
  • Pinecrest

Things to do in Miami

Now that you've made the move to Florida, itโ€™s the perfect time to explore Miami. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโ€™s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

  • Arts and culture: Youโ€™ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Miami, such as the Wynwood Walls, Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, Miami Design District, Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, and Miami Children's Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Bayfront Park, Tropical Park, Matheson Hammock Park, and Domino Park โ€” along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
  • Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Miami Dolphins (NFL), Inter Miami CF (MLS), Miami Marlins (MLB), or Florida Panthers (NHL) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Sacramento to Miami?

Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Sacramento to Miami. Youโ€™ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Sacramento.

When is the cheapest time to move from Sacramento to Miami?

Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Sacramento to Miami, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.

How long does a move from Sacramento to Miami take?

The 3,034-mile journey from Sacramento, CA to Miami, FL typically takes seven to 21 days. Some movers in Sacramento offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Miami.

Helpful moving resources