Best Florida to California Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Florida to California and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,786 mile FL to CA move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 575 Florida to California moving companies and more than 15,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is Sebastian Moving and More), how much the move costs (approximately $3,000 - $10,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Florida compared to California. With a move this big, you want big data on your side and Great Guys Moving is your trusted ally to help you sift through the noise to make informed moving decisions.

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Best Florida to California Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1Sebastian Moving and More9.719.69Authorized For HHGContact
2OCD Moving Services LLC9.669.47Authorized For HHGContact
3Pure Moving9.649.49Authorized For HHGContact
4Easy Florida Moving LLC9.549.52Authorized For HHGContact
5Our Family Moving and Storage LLC9.549.24Authorized For HHGContact
6Dixie Movers9.539.58Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from Florida to California

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,786 miles from Florida to California will cost on average $4,150 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom FL to CA move is roughly $10,035. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by type of move and home size. Pricing will vary based upon the exact locations of pickup in Florida and dropoff in California as well as several other factors. The most important pricing component that is often overlooked is how far away the move date is. The earlier you can reserve Florida to California movers, the better your pricing and options will be.

Home SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$2,782300 ft³9.27
1 Bedroom$4,150450 ft³9.22
2 Bedrooms$6,880750 ft³9.17
3 Bedrooms$10,0351100 ft³9.12
4 Bedrooms$14,5171600 ft³9.07
5+ Bedrooms$16,2421800 ft³9.02
*Please note: These Florida to California moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from Florida & California. The volume listed here represents the estimated cubic footage of your household items when packed and loaded into a moving truck. To determine the exact costs associated with your move, get a quote from a licensed FL to CA mover.
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Compare the 6 Best FL to CA Movers

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

Sebastian Moving and More Logo

Sebastian Moving and More

Exceptional9.71/10
based on 5,993+ data points

6375 N Orange Blossom Trail

Orlando, FL, 32810

About Sebastian Moving and More

Sebastian Moving has over 15 years of experience in the moving business. It will provide shrink wrapping, packing, crating, loading, unloading,...

Services

  • Full Service Moves in Orlando
  • Air-Conditioned Storage
  • Packing and Unpacking

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1575104 / 583326

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans16
Registered Drivers15
Total Annual Miles Moved100,000 (2021)
View Full Review
1
OCD Moving Services LLC Logo

OCD Moving Services LLC

Exceptional9.66/10
based on 3,273+ data points

5914 Cobblestone Ct

El Sobrante, CA, 94803

About OCD Moving Services LLC

For over five years, OCD Moving Services LLC has been providing Oakland and the Bay Area with residential and commercial relocation...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Commercial Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2597230 / 911812

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved153,000 (2022)
View Full Review
2
Pure Moving Logo

Pure Moving

Exceptional9.64/10
based on 8,688+ data points

1450 2nd St ste 225

Santa Monica, CA, 90401

About Pure Moving

Pure Moving has six locations across California, including an office in Los Angeles. This locally operated business moves over 10,000 clients...

Services

  • Residential moving
  • Commercial moving
  • Long-distance moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3207734 / 1115049

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved100,000 (2022)
View Full Review
3
Easy Florida Moving LLC Logo

Easy Florida Moving LLC

Exceptional
claimed company icon
9.54/10
based on 1,244+ data points

319 NW 10th Terrace

Hallandale Beach, FL, 33009

About Easy Florida Moving LLC

Easy Florida Moving LLC is a licensed and insured full-service moving company based in South Florida. Established in 2017, the company...

Services

  • Long Distance Relocation
  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving (in State)

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3064335 / 57089

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved80,000 (2023)
View Full Review
4
Our Family Moving and Storage LLC Logo

Our Family Moving and Storage LLC

Exceptional9.54/10
based on 2,112+ data points

2455 Hollywood Blvd

Hollywood, FL, 33020

About Our Family Moving and Storage LLC

Based in Hollywood, FL, Our Family Moving and Storage is a local and family-owned moving business specializing in local and long-distance...

Services

  • Residential Moving
  • Commercial Moving
  • Local Moves

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3374772 / 1082468

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved12,000 (2022)
View Full Review
5
Dixie Movers Logo

Dixie Movers

Exceptional9.53/10
based on 3,045+ data points

1000 W Pembroke Rd # 313

Hallandale Beach, FL, 33009

About Dixie Movers

When it was founded in 2015, Dixie Movers handpicked all of the good things about the moving industry and left out...

Services

  • Local moving services
  • Long distance moving services
  • Commercial moving services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3080327 / 66319

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved80,000 (2023)
View Full Review
6
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Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!

Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:

  • No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
  • Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.

Pros and Cons of Moving from Florida to California

Moving across the country is a monumental decision, packed with both exciting opportunities and daunting challenges. This comparison is designed to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from Florida to California , helping you weigh your options carefully. By contrasting the pros and cons, you'll gain a clearer perspective on what this change entails.

CONs
PROs
Florida iconFlorida
  • High humidity
  • Hurricane season
  • Flat landscape
  • Lower wages
California iconCalifornia
  • Milder climate
  • Less natural disasters
  • Varied geography
  • Higher wages
California iconCalifornia
  • Higher taxes
  • Cooler winters
  • Higher cost of living
  • More crowded beaches
Florida iconFlorida
  • No state income tax
  • Warmer winters
  • More affordable housing
  • Abundant beaches

Moving from the humid, flat terrains of Florida to California introduces you to a dramatically different landscape and climate. In California, the geography varies wildly - from the rolling hills of the Napa Valley Napa Valley, perfect for wine aficionados, to the rugged peaks of Yosemite National Park Yosemite, a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The Golden State also boasts vibrant cities like San Francisco, home to the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, and Los Angeles, where dining at renowned restaurants like Providence is a gastronomic delight. While the cost of living and taxes are higher, the increased wages and dynamic economic opportunities in tech, entertainment, and other industries can offer a compelling trade-off. The transition from Florida to California may come with its set of challenges, but the diverse experiences and opportunities available in California make it an enticing prospect for many.

Florida vs. California Food Guide

When considering a move, exploring the comparison of the local cuisine between Florida & California is essential to understand what culinary delights await you. Food is an integral part of local culture and provides a glimpse of what life is like in a new area. This comparison aims to inform you about the diverse food scenes in these two vibrant states.

FloridaCalifornia
Most iconic local food itemKey Lime PieSourdough Bread
Most popular meat dishCuban SandwichTri-tip BBQ
Most popular street food itemConch FrittersTacos
Most popular vegan foodJackfruit TacosAvocado Toast
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Chez Panisse
  • The French Laundry
  • N/Naka
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In your culinary exploration, you'll note significant differences between Florida’s and California's food scene. Florida offers a unique blend of flavors with its Cuban influences, particularly seen in Miami with the famous Cuban Sandwich. In contrast, California boasts a robust foodie culture, especially in cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles, where farm-to-table experiences and international cuisines thrive. California also leads in vegan cuisine with a multitude of options, including the trendsetting Avocado Toast. Exploring neighborhoods like Little Havana in Miami or the Mission District in San Francisco will reveal the rich culinary diversity that characterizes each state, making your move a truly delicious adventure.

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Florida vs. California Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning a move, delving into the real estate landscape is crucial for an informed decision. This comparison highlights the housing aspects between Florida and California, covering costs, architecture, and lifestyle to guide your relocation journey.

ComparisonFloridaCalifornia
Typical Architecture StyleMediterranean, ModernSpanish, Modern
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingWaterfront, Gated communityEco-friendly features, Proximity to tech hubs

Comparing Florida and California sheds light on distinctive trends in housing affordability and style. California's higher home prices reflect its booming tech industry and high demand for living spaces, especially near economic hubs such as Silicon Valley. Alternatively, Florida's appeal lies in its waterfront properties and gated communities, offering luxurious living at a lower cost. Both states showcase a strong inclination towards modern architecture. However, California takes the lead in eco-friendly housing, mirroring its residents' strong environmental values. When considering a move, these factors can greatly influence your decision based on lifestyle preferences and budget.

Florida vs. California Weather Considerations

When relocating from one state to another, understanding how the local climate compares to your current environment is essential. This comparison will guide you through the differences in weather you should expect when moving from Florida to California, ensuring you're well-prepared for your new home.

Summer icon
90°F / 75°F

Florida

85°F / 60°F

California

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
70°F / 48°F

Florida

55°F / 42°F

California

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
50"

Florida

22"

California

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
0"

Florida

Varies (High in mountain areas)

California

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonFloridaCalifornia
Air QualityGoodVaries (Poor in urban areas)
Natural DisastersHurricanes, FloodsEarthquakes, Wildfires
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

While both states enjoy high levels of sunshine, you'll find more sunny days and less humidity in California, making for a milder climate overall. However, California's weather can vary greatly depending on where you are in the state, with coastal areas experiencing cooler summers and mountain regions seeing significant snowfall. Additionally, the types of natural disasters that are common in each state differ, with Florida being prone to hurricanes and California to earthquakes and wildfires. Understanding these differences can help you prepare for the unique challenges and benefits of your new home's climate.

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Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Florida to California

When considering a move from one region to another, grasping the financial implications is crucial. This comparison aims to shed light on how your money matters might transform. We compare the key monetary aspects in Florida versus California , emphasizing the financial landscape you're venturing into. Understand how the cost of living , income , and taxation might differ, providing a clearer picture for your relocation decision.

ComparisonFloridaCalifornia
Avg. Household Income$69,303$91,551
Cost of Living Index97.8136.4
State Income Tax0Up to 13.3
Avg. Property Tax0.980.77
Avg. Sales Tax78.5
Top 3 IndustriesTourism, Agriculture, International TradeTechnology, Agriculture, Entertainment
AffluenceVariedHighly varied
PovertyModerateHigh
HomelessnessNotableSignificant

Moving from Florida to California, you'll notice significant differences in the economic landscape. While average household income is higher in California, the cost of living index greatly surpasses that of Florida, making everyday expenses notably higher. Furthermore, California's state income tax can reach up to 13.3%, a steep contrast to Florida's 0%. However, this is offset somewhat by California's slightly lower average property tax rate. It's important to consider these variations, alongside the affluence and poverty levels, the impact of the leading industries, and homelessness rates, which all contribute to the distinct living experiences in each state.

Florida vs. California Political & Religious Comparison

As you consider your move from Florida to California, it's helpful to understand the contrasts between your current and future home. This comparison provides a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents between Florida & California . By examining these aspects, you can better anticipate the cultural shift you may experience.

FloridaCalifornia
Political Make-upMixed, with a slight lean towards conservatism in recent yearsStrongly liberal, especially in urban areas
Local PoliticsSignificant variations between urban (more liberal) and rural areas (more conservative)Generally liberal across the state, with some conservative pockets
ReligionChristianity is the dominant religion, with a sizable minority of unaffiliated individualsLarger proportions of unaffiliated individuals, alongside a mix of religious beliefs

Moving from Florida to California, you'll likely notice a shift in the political landscape, moving from an environment that has seen a conservative tilt, especially in recent years, to a state known for its liberal stance, particularly in major cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles. Local politics in California tend to be more uniformly liberal, compared to the mix you might be used to. On the religious front, while both states feature diversity in beliefs, California has a notably higher percentage of people who identify as unaffiliated with any religion. This cultural shift reflects the broader, more diverse religious and philosophical perspectives that characterize much of California.

Education Guide When Moving from Florida to California

Moving to a new state can be a challenge, especially when it comes to your children's education. To help you make an informed decision, we've compared school options in Florida and California. This chart will help you better understand the comparisons between school options in Florida and California.

FloridaCalifornia

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

University of Florida
University of Central Florida
Florida State University
University of California Los Angeles
University of California Berkeley
Stanford University

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Pine View School
Osprey; Suncoast School Fort Myers; Freedom 7 Elementary School
Cocoa Beach
Point Vicente Elementary School
Rancho Palos Verdes; Mill Creek Elementary School
Irvine; Old Adobe Elementary Charter School
Petaluma

Top 3 Middle Schools

Pine View School
Osprey; Archimedean Middle Conservatory
Miami; Falcon Cove Middle School
Weston
The Nueva School
Hillsborough; The Preuss School
La Jolla; Alice Fong Yu Alternative School
San Francisco

Top 3 High School Schools

Stanton College Preparatory School
Jacksonville; Pine View School
Osprey; Design and Architecture Senior High School
Miami
California Academy of Mathematics and Science
Carson; Oxford Academy
Cypress; Whitney High School
Cerritos

Top 3 private high schools

Ransom Everglades School
Coconut Grove; Bolles School
Jacksonville; Berkeley Preparatory School
Tampa
Harvard-Westlake School
Los Angeles; Phillips Academy
Andover; Stanford Online High School
Stanford

Top 3 private K-12 schools

Cranbrook Schools
Bloomfield Hills; PK Yonge Developmental Research School
Gainesville; American Heritage School
Plantation
The Nueva School
Hillsborough; Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences
Santa Monica; The Athenian School
Danville

Top 3 School Districts

St. Johns County School District
St. Johns; Sarasota County Schools
Sarasota; Okaloosa County School District
Okaloosa
Palo Alto Unified School District
Palo Alto; San Marino Unified School District
San Marino; Irvine Unified School District
Irvine

Delving into the details, it's apparent that both states offer prestigious academic options for students at all levels. For instance, in Florida, Pine View School in Osprey stands out as a unique option catering to gifted students from elementary through high school, mirroring the holistic approach found at The Nueva School in Hillsborough, California. For families placing a high value on higher education opportunities, California presents elite options like Stanford University and the University of California system. However, Florida matches this with its own reputable institutions such as the University of Florida and Florida State University. When considering relocation, understanding these educational opportunities is essential in making a well-informed decision that best suits your family's needs.

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