Factors affecting the cost of moving from VA to FLtoggle

There are many factors that influence Virginia moving costs. The cost to move from Virginia to Florida will depend on these factors:

  • Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
  • Time of year: The peak moving season in Virginia is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are cheaper but you do all the heavy lifting compared to letting the pros handle your move.

What to know before moving from VA to FL

If you’re moving to Florida from Virginia, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.

Cost of living: Virginia vs. Florida

Virginia Florida
Average rent cost $1,440 $1,444
Average home cost $392,682 $392,176
Average income (per capita) $87,249 $67,917
Cost of Living Index 0 102
Unemployment rate 2.9% 2.9%
Average Sales Tax 5.73% 7.08%
State Income Tax 5.75% 0.0%
  • Rent is about the same cost in Florida and Virginia.
  • Home prices are about the same in Florida and Virginia.
  • The average income is about 22% lower in Florida than in Virginia.
  • Cost of living is inf% lower in Florida than in Virginia.
  • Florida and Virginia have about the same unemployment rate.
  • Sales taxes are 24% higher in Florida than in Virginia.
  • Florida has no income tax.

How life is different in Florida vs. Virginia

Florida Virginia
Population 22,610,726 8,715,698
Political leaning Republican 51-48 Democratic 52-48
Summer high 91ºF 87ºF
Winter low 49ºF 25ºF
Annual rain 55" 44"
Annual snow 0" 14"
Crime index 21.39 19.3
  • The population of Florida is approximately 159% greater than the population of Virginia.
  • In the last presidential election, Florida voted Republican and Virginia voted Democratic.
  • The average high in the summertime in Florida is 91ºF and in Virginia, it’s 87ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Florida reaches the temperature of 49ºF and Virginia gets down to 25ºF.
  • You can expect about 55 inches of annual rainfall in Florida versus 44 inches of rainfall in Virginia.
  • In Florida, it snows about 0 inches annually versus 14 inches of snow in Virginia.
  • Florida has a higher crime rate than Virginia with a crime index of 21.39 vs. 19.3.

Comparing the pros of Virginia vs. Florida

Getting a fresh start in a new location is exciting. Here’s a side-by-side look at the perks of living in Florida compared to Virginia.

Pros of living in Virginia Pros of living in Florida
Strong economy Fantastic weather
Beautiful scenery Abundant water recreational activities
Abundance of outdoor activities Ample economic opportunity
Enjoyable four season weather World-leading entertainment
Strong military presence Beautiful flora and fauna

Comparing the cons of living in Virginia vs. Florida

Everything can’t be sunshine and rainbows all the time, no matter where you live. Here are some things to be aware of when leaving Virginia for Florida.

Cons of living in Virginia Cons of living in Florida
High cost of living High cost of living
Unpredictable weather Poor healthcare
Bad traffic congestion Natural disasters
Lack of public transportation Heat and humidity
Air noise pollution High crime rate

Other things to consider for your Virginia to Florida movetoggle

  • 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: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
  • Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
  • 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 – 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 so that all your mail will get properly forwarded to Florida. Get started here.
  • Mover's insurance: Interstate moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance — also called “released value protection” — free of charge to all moving customers. 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 you’ve got everything covered.

Things to do in Floridatoggle

While you’re in Florida, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state:

  • Walt Disney World
  • Universal Studios Orlando
  • South Beach
  • Kennedy Space Center
  • Key West
  • SeaWorld Orlando
  • Busch Gardens Tampa
  • Castillo de San Marcos
  • Clearwater Beach
  • Everglades National Park
  • Amelia Island
  • Daytona 500 International Speedway
  • Duval Street in Key West
  • Salvador Dalí Museum
  • Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
  • National Naval Aviation Museum
  • Discovery Cove
  • Coral Castle
  • Big Cypress National Preserve
  • WonderWorks Orlando

FAQs

What is the cheapest way to move from Virginia to Florida?toggle

Hiring a full-service Virginia moving company will be on the more expensive side, while a rental truck or a moving container is usually the cheaper way to go, but requires more work. Here’s our guide for the cheapest way to move out of state.

Do movers transport your car from Virginia to Florida?toggle

Some full-service movers can coordinate auto transport for you as part of your relocation package for an additional fee. But you can also handle vehicle transport from Virginia to Florida separately through one of the top car shipping companies.

What are the benefits of moving from Virginia to Florida?toggle

The main reasons people are moving from Virginia to Florida are the amazing upsides of living in Florida such as fantastic weather and abundant water recreational activities.

Is it cheaper to live in Virginia or Florida?toggle

It is generally cheaper to live in Virginia than in Florida. Housing Florida has no income tax.

How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Florida?toggle

You should make approximately $59,498 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Florida. The cost of living in Florida is approximately $2,900 per month for an individual and $7,028 for a family of four. The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in Florida you live For example, larger cities like Jacksonville and Miami will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.

Helpful moving resources