Key factors that impact the cost of your San Francisco to Orlando movetoggle

The cost of San Francisco movers will depend on:

  • Size of your move: The more items you have, the more your move will cost. A smaller move from San Francisco to Orlando (like a one-bedroom) could be as low as $1,621, while larger moves may reach $14,062 for a four-bedroom home.
  • Seasonal demand: Moving in the summer? Expect to pay more โ€” itโ€™s the busiest time of year for movers in San Francisco.
  • DIY vs. hiring pros: You can cut costs by renting a truck (typically $1,775 to $4,686, but it requires more effort than hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from San Francisco to Orlando

Moving from San Francisco to Orlando 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 Orlando, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

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

San Francisco Orlando
Average rent cost $3,250 $1,943
Average home value $1,241,003 $377,005
Average income (per capita) $136,689 $58,968
Cost of living (single person) $3,781 $2,877
Cost of living (family of 4) $8,717 $7,012
Unemployment rate 5.4% 5.8%
Sales tax 8.63% 6.5%
State income tax 13.3% 0.0%
  • Rent prices in Orlando are 40% 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 Orlando.
    Home prices in Orlando are 69.6% lower than in San Francisco.
  • Income in Orlando is 56.9% lower than in San Francisco, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Orlando include Darden Restaurants, Red Lobster, and Multimedia.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Orlando is 23.9% lower than in San Francisco. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Orlando is 19.6% lower than in San Francisco.
  • The unemployment rate in Orlando is 7.41% higher than in San Francisco.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Orlando, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Orlando are 24.68% lower than in San Francisco.
  • One perk of moving to Orlando 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 $2,282.73 in Orlando 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. Orlando

Orlando San Francisco
Population 307,573 808,988
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 10
Walkability score 41 99
Bike friendliness score 57 99
Crime Index 49.57 61.41
Safety Index 50.43 38.59
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • Orlando might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 62% less than San Francisco.
  • Getting around Orlando without a car might be more difficult than in San Francisco. Orlando has a public transportation score of 6 out of 10, whereas San Francisco is ranked 10. Ratings are based on a cityโ€™s transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
  • Orlando neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as San Francisco. Based on its score of 41 out of 100, Orlando isnโ€™t as walkable as San Francisco, which has a score of 99 out of 100. The higher the walkability score a city has, the easier it is to access amenities. The most walkable cities also tend to be more densely populated and have shorter block lengths.
  • You probably wonโ€™t see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Orlando, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than San Francisco. While San Francisco has a bike-friendliness score of 99 out of 100, Orlando earned a 57. Scores are based on factors like whether a city accommodates cyclists on major roadways, how often people bike to work, and how many steep hills it has.
  • Orlando has a lower crime rate than San Francisco based on scores of 49.57 and San Francisco's 61.41, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
  • You might find more confidence in your overall safety in Orlando than in San Francisco, based on Orlandoโ€™s safety index of 50.43 versus 38.59 for San Francisco. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
  • You can breathe easy knowing that Orlando has better air quality than in San Francisco. Orlando has Good air quality, compared to moderate in San Francisco. Ratings of good to moderate mean very low risk of health concerns, although people with conditions like asthma or allergies could be affected. Beyond the moderate rating, health concerns increase for some or all residents.

Other things to consider for your San Francisco vs. Orlando move

  • Weather: Orlando has two basic seasons, a hot and rainy season, lasting from May until late October, and a warm and dry season from November through April.
  • 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 Orlando. 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 Orlando

Now that you've decided to make the move to "City Beautiful", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Orlando.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Baldwin Park
  • Central Business District
  • College Park
  • Park Lake-Highland
  • South Eola

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Baldwin Park
  • Celebration
  • College Park
  • Oviedo
  • Winter Garden

Things to do in Orlando

Now that you've made the move to Florida, itโ€™s the perfect time to explore Orlando. 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 Orlando, such as the Madame Tussauds Orlando, Orlando Science Center, Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition (Orlando), Ripley's Believe It or Not! Orlando, and Wellsโ€™Built Museum of African American History and Culture.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Lake Eola Park, Mako, Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake, and Moss 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 Orlando City SC (MLS), Orlando Magic (NBA), Orlando Pride (NWSL), or Orlando Solar Bears (ECHL) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from San Francisco to Orlando?

The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from San Francisco to Orlando are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in San Francisco are lower.

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

With many people choosing to move from San Francisco to Orlando in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.

How long does a move from San Francisco to Orlando take?

Moving from San Francisco, CA to Orlando, FL covers 2,812 miles and usually takes seven to 21 days. Need to move faster? Some San Francisco movers offer expedited options. If youโ€™re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Orlando.

Helpful moving resources