Factors that influence moving costs from San Francisco to Miamitoggle

The cost of San Francisco movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from San Francisco to Miami might cost as little as $1,784, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $14,868.
  • Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in San Francisco, 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 $1,988 to $4,991. Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from San Francisco to Miami

Moving from San Francisco to Miami means adjusting to a different pace of life โ€” and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in San Francisco than in Miami, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how San Francisco compares to Miami so you know what to expect before you relocate:

San Francisco Miami
Average rent cost $3,250 $2,990
Average home value $1,241,003 $579,925
Average income (per capita) $136,689 $54,858
Cost of living (single person) $3,781 $3,103
Cost of living (family of 4) $8,717 $7,450
Unemployment rate 5.4% 8.3%
Sales tax 8.63% 7.0%
State income tax 13.3% 0.0%
  • Rent prices in Miami are 8% lower than in San Francisco, which means youโ€™ll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Miami.
    Home prices in Miami are 53.3% lower than in San Francisco.
  • Income in Miami is 59.9% lower than in San Francisco, 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.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Miami is 17.9% lower than in San Francisco. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Miami is 14.5% lower than in San Francisco.
  • The unemployment rate in Miami is 53.70% higher than in San Francisco.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Miami, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Miami are 18.89% lower than in San Francisco.
  • One perk of moving to Miami is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in San Francisco.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,462.05 in Miami to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in San Francisco.

How life is different in San Francisco vs. Miami

Miami San Francisco
Population 442,241 808,988
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 8 10
Walkability score 77 99
Bike friendliness score 64 99
Crime Index 52.54 61.41
Safety Index 47.46 38.59
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • Miami's population is about 45% less than San Francisco.
  • Miami's public transportation has a score of 8 out of 10 versus San Francisco's higher score of 10.
  • Miami is less walkable than San Francisco with a score of 77 out of 100 vs San Francisco's 99 out of 100.
  • Miami has a bike-friendliness score 64 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as San Francisco, which has a score of 99 out of 100.
  • Miami's crime rate is lower than San Francisco with a score of 52.54 compared to San Francisco's 61.41. This means that Miami neighborhoods are safer than 52.54% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and San Francisco neighborhoods are safer than 61.41%.
  • Miami is considered to be safer than San Francisco with a safety index of 47.46 vs San Francisco's 38.59.
  • Air quality in Miami is good, and in San Francisco it's moderate.

Other things to consider for your San Francisco 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 San Francisco to Miami?

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

When is the cheapest time to move from San Francisco to Miami?

Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from San Francisco 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 San Francisco to Miami take?

The 3,076-mile journey from San Francisco, CA to Miami, FL typically takes seven to 21 days. Some movers in San Francisco 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