Factors influencing moving costs from Chicago to Florida

The cost of Chicago movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The amount of items you have โ€” as well as your home size and layout โ€” will impact the total cost of your relocation.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Chicago, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to hiring the pros.

What to know before moving from Chicago, IL, to Florida

If youโ€™re moving to Florida from Chicago, IL, youโ€™ll want to compare what life will be like.

Compare cost of living: Chicago vs. Florida

Chicago, IL Florida
Average rent cost $2,045 $1,444
Average home cost $295,743 $392,176
Average income (per capita) $71,566 $67,917
Unemployment rate 9.0% 2.9%
State income tax 4.95% 0.0%
  • Rent is about 51% less expensive in Florida than in Chicago.
  • Home prices are about 38.7% higher in Florida than in Chicago.
  • The average income is about 4.7% lower in Florida than in Chicago.
  • Florida has a lower unemployment rate than Chicago by about 115.1%.
  • Income taxes are 100.00% lower in Florida than in Chicago.

How life is different in Chicago, IL, from Florida

Chicago, IL Florida
Population 2,746,388 22,610,726
Political leaning Democrat 74-24 Republican 51-48
Summer high 84ยบF 91ยบF
Winter low 19ยบF 49ยบF
Annual rain 38" 55"
Annual snow 35" 0"
Crime index 35.19 21.39
  • The population of Florida is approximately 723% greater than the population of Chicago.
  • In the last presidential election, Florida voted Republican and Chicago voted Democrat.
  • The average high in the summertime in Florida is 91ยบ F and in Chicago, itโ€™s 84ยบ F.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Florida reaches the temperature of 49ยบ F and Chicago gets down to 19ยบ F.
  • You can expect about 55 inches of annual rainfall in Florida vs. 38 inches of rainfall in Chicago.
  • In Florida, it snows about 0 inches annually vs. 35 inches of snow in Chicago.

Comparing the pros of Chicago, IL, vs. Florida:

There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in Chicago vs Florida side-by-side.

Pros of living in Chicago, IL Pros of living in Florida
Bountiful arts and recreational activities Fantastic weather
Delicious food Abundant water recreational activities
Abundant entertainment Ample economic opportunity
Intense sports culture World-leading entertainment
Ample economic opportunity Beautiful flora and fauna

Comparing the cons of living in Chicago, IL, vs. Florida:

Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, these are the things to be aware of when leaving Chicago for Florida.

Cons of living in Chicago, IL Cons of living in Florida
High crime rate High cost of living
Temperamental weather Poor healthcare
Terrible traffic Natural disasters
High taxes Heat and humidity
Pollution High crime rate

Other considerations when moving to Florida from Chicago

  • Weather: Severe weather is a common occurrence in Florida, as Florida is the most hurricane-prone state in the US. June 1st and November 30 is the time when most hurricanes in Florida occur, the most severe dates lie between August - October. Be sure to check your local weather station before your move as Florida is known for its thunderstorms and high levels of precipitation. Perhaps plan for a Winter or Springtime move to ensure the safety of your belongings..
  • 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, youโ€™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 on the state regulator's official website.
  • 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 Florida. Get started here.
  • Moving insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to 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: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know youโ€™ve got everything covered.

Things to do in Florida

Whether youโ€™re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, youโ€™ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Florida.

Museums in Floridatoggle

  • Wynwood Halls
  • The Ringling
  • Edison and Ford Winter Estates
  • The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
  • The Dali Museum
  • NASA Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
  • Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum
  • Museum of the Everglades
  • Revs Institute
  • Navy Seal Museum

Parks in Floridatoggle

  • Dry Tortugas National Park
  • Everglades National Park
  • De Soto National Memorial
  • Fort Matanzas National Monument
  • Ocala National Forest
  • Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge
  • Homestead Trolley-Everglades National Park
  • Maritime Hammock Sanctuary
  • Canaveral National Seashore
  • Key West Marine Park

Sports Teams in Floridatoggle

  • Miami Heat (NBA)
  • Orlando Magic (NBA)
  • Miami Marlins (MLB)
  • Tampa Bay Rays (MLB)
  • Jacksonville Jaguars (NFL)
  • Miami Dolphins (NFL)
  • Tamps Bay Buccaneers (NFL)
  • Florida Panthers (NHL)
  • Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL)
  • Inter Miami CF (MLS)
  • Orlando City SC (MLS)

Universities in Floridatoggle

  • University of Florida
  • Florida State University
  • University of South Florida
  • University of Central Florida
  • Florida International University
  • University of Miami
  • Florida Atlantic University
  • Nova Southeastern University
  • Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
  • University of North Florida
  • University of Florida
  • Florida Institute of Technology
  • Valencia College
  • Stetson University
  • Miami Dade College
  • Florida Gulf Coast University

FAQs

How long does a move from Chicago to Florida take?

The time it takes to move from Chicago, IL, to Florida depends on the moving method you choose. A DIY move with a rental truck can take a day or two, depending on your exact destination and how much you stop along the way. If youโ€™re using professional movers or a moving container company, delivery times can range from a few days to two weeks, depending on demand. Deliveries will likely take longer during the busy summer months.

For the fastest turnaround, ask your moving company for an estimated delivery window before booking.

What is the best way to get a car from Chicago to Florida?

Need to get your car from Chicago to Florida? Use a company that prioritizes professionalism, cares for your vehicle, and is experienced. Here is our list of the best Chicago to Florida car shippers.

Why are people moving from Chicago to Florida?

Many people are moving to Florida because of its fantastic weather and abundant water recreational activities. On the other hand, people are moving away from Chicago because of the high crime rate and temperamental weather.

Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies in Chicago?

Here are our top picks for the best long-distance movers in Chicago.

Helpful moving resources