Are you thinking of moving to Florida? Well, you aren’t the only one! 467,347 people had the same idea. With a cost of living 2% below the national average, zero state income tax, and sunny weather, folks couldn’t help but give in. But it’s not just the lifestyle that’s appealing.
The Florida real estate market is in the buyers’ favor. In November last year, 25.4% of homes sold under the list price. However, that came down to 21.7% in December. If you’ve been waiting for the right time to move, this could be it!
👉 Florida Homes for Sale: Find your dream home in Florida today!
7 Reasons to Move to Florida
From tropical weather to Disney World, the Sunshine State has something for everyone. But beyond the attractions, Florida offers practical benefits too. Here are seven reasons to live in Florida.
# | Why Move to Florida: | Key Highlights |
---|---|---|
1. | Cost of Living | The cost of living in Florida is 2% lower than the national average. |
2. | Tax Benefits | The state does not impose any income taxes. |
3. | Employment | It aims to add 2 million jobs by 2030 across different sectors. |
4. | Education | It is home to renowned educational institutes like the Ransom Everglades School and the University of Florida. |
5. | Healthcare | Florida has the 3rd largest network of hospitals in the country with more than 350 hospitals. |
6. | Climate | It offers warm summers that average in the upper 80s. Winters often range between 41 to 65 degrees. |
7. | Recreation | Florida has exciting activites that cater to all age groups. The weather opens doors for outdoor activities. |
1. Cost of Living in Florida
The State’s cost of living is surprisingly affordable. In fact, it is 2% lower than the national average and 17% less than the New York median. If you don’t want to stretch your dollar, this could be it!
So, here’s what your monthly expenses would look like in top cities in Florida:
Cities | Home Price | Home Renting | Public Transport | Utilities | Food |
Miami | $587,252 | $3,300 | $126 | $246 | $450 |
Tampa | $385,903 | $1,975 | $58 | $217 | $462 |
Orlando | $385,207 | $1,950 | $46 | $237 | $421 |
Jacksonville | $301,690 | $1,550 | $63 | $253 | $388 |
However, if you feel these costs will burn a hole in your pocket, here are some of the cheapest places to live in Florida.
2. Tax Benefits
The zero state income tax is one of the major reasons you should consider moving to Florida. Property taxes in the State are just 0.71%. This is quite low compared to other states like New York, which tax property at 1.62%.
3. Employment Opportunities in Florida
Florida aims to add 2 million new jobs by the end of 2030, with professional and business services set to witness the most growth. With that in mind, here are the sectors that contribute the most to Florida’s economy:
- Tourism: Accounting for the highest revenue with over 2.5 million people employed statewide, the industry gives back about $121.5 billion to the state.
- Healthcare: Florida’s growing population is significantly increasing demand for many jobs. In turn, the healthcare sector alone is projected to add 1.9 million jobs by 2033.
- Technology: The state has added nearly 38,900 new jobs in the tech industry since 2023. Additionally, major employers like Magic Leap, Ultimate Software, Space X, Chewy, and more have set bases in the state.
- Agriculture: It boasts over 9.5 million acres of farmland, which makes agriculture a lucrative industry. The sector offers more than 1 million jobs ranging from farm labor to food processing.
4. Education and Schools in Florida
The state is currently ranked #1 in the nation for education. Additionally, the Sunshine State has the second-highest rate of timely graduation among public institutions. Here’s what you have to look forward to when moving to Florida:
Schools in Florida
- Private Schools: The state has over 2,000 private schools. The average tuition amounts to around $10,526 for a private school.
- Magnet Programs: Florida has several renowned free public schools like MAST Academy and Millenium Middle School. They offer specialized programs in arts, science, technology, and international studies.
- Charter Schools: Florida has over 700 charter schools. Top schools include Somerset Academy Charter High School, Doral Academy Charte High School, and Archimedean Upper Conservatory Charter School. They provide specialized education in the STEM or art fields at a zero tuition fee.
Higher Education in Florida
The State charges the lowest in-state tuition fee. Undergraduates would have to pay $6,360, which is $5,250 less than the national average. Institutes like Florida State University, the University of Florida, and the University of Miami offer degrees in engineering, science, law, and more.
5. Healthcare in Florida
Florida ranks third in the nation with a robust network of 355 hospitals. This includes special divisions for cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, etc. Cleveland Clinic is known for its medical research and cardiovascular care.
Additionally, the state offers excellent pediatric care at the renowned Niklaus Children’s Hospital. With a large population, having health insurance ensures access to quality care.
6. Climate
You can expect 230 to 250 days of sunshine a year in Florida. Temperatures often average in the upper 80s during the summers. However, winters are far more pleasant with mild temperatures and sunny days that average between 41 to 65 degrees.
While the State offers plenty of sunshine, it has its share of extreme weather. Prone to hurricanes and tropical storms, coastal cities like West Palm Beach, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale are often affected. So, ensure your hazard insurance is valid to protect your property during such events.
7. Recreation
Surrounded by the ocean on three sides, Florida’s coastline extends for around 1,350 miles. This leaves room for exciting water-based activities like kayaking, surfing, and airboat rides. Given Florida’s abundance of sunny days, they are open year-round.
However, Florida doesn’t disappoint, even if you’re not a beach person. You could always visit The Walt Disney World® Resort, SeaWorld Orlando, and LEGOLAND® Florida Resort on a leisurely weekend. But if you’re a science fanatic, the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex could be your spot.
How Much Would It Cost to Move to Florida?
If you’re wondering how much does it cost to move to Florida, here’s a breakdown:
1. Moving Costs – $450 to $4,000
There’s nothing wrong with a little DIY, so you could rent a truck. If you want to move 4,000-6,000 pounds, a mid-size truck would cost anywhere between $40 and $80 per day.
On the other hand, you could always consider professional movers. Typically it costs $116 per hour and it depends on the distance traveled and your belongings.
2. Housing Costs
Miami, and Tampa are two major cities that come to mind when you think of Florida. So, the rent could be anywhere between $1,950 and $3,300. So, if you’re looking to live that beach life, explore homes for sale in Miami and Tampa.
In contrast, living in Lake City and Deltona costs 14% and 11% less than the US median, respectively. So, if you’re looking for affordable housing, explore cheap houses for sale in Florida.
3. Utility Expenses – $400 to $500 Per Month
Utilities will cost you around $195/month if you cover the basics like water, gas, electricity, etc. Registering your vehicle in Florida will cost $400 the first time. However, renewal costs would be much lower and cost approximately $46/year.
4 Tips for a Seamless Move to Florida
Here are a few things to know before moving to Florida:
- Do Your Research: Research the area you intend to reside in, including nearby schools and commute times to work. Additionally, familiarize yourself with the city’s layout to ensure easy access to essential amenities.
- Inspect the Living Costs: Before moving to Florida, make sure you get an estimate of the utility bills. Also, speak to your local telemarketer to understand what your phone and WiFi charges would look like.
- Explore Recreational Opportunities: Find out if there are any restaurants, malls, or parks around you. If you’re in Miami, you wouldn’t want to miss the vibrant nightlife either.
- Meet Your Neighbors: Connect and socialize with your neighbors. Check if there’s a local homeowners association. Moreover, explore if the community holds any exciting events.
Should I Move to Florida?
Yes, moving to Florida could pan out great for you. The state’s 3.4% unemployment rate is low compared to the US median of 4.1%. Additionally, the cost of living is 2% below the national average. These are a few perks of living in Florida.
It offers warm weather, a strong job market and no state income tax. However, be prepared for hurricanes and the local wildlife. So, are you ready to enjoy a vibrant and affordable life in Florida?
Browse Homes For Sale in Florida by Price and Type
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to move to Florida?
The cost to move to Florida could be anywhere between $450 to $4,000, depending on distance and services. Rent ranges from $1,950 to $3,300, while utilities could average $400 to $500 per month.
What are some cheap places to live in Florida?
Deltona and Lake City are some of Florida's cheapest places to live in. The median home prices are $313K and $256K with living costs just 5.1% and 16% below the national average. You could easily enjoy a higher standard of living in these areas.
What are the best places to live in Florida?
Gainsville and Pensacola are some of the best places to live in Florida. The median home prices are $258K and $312K with living costs just under 0.06% and 0.13% below the national average.