Do you plan on moving from the rich and luscious state of Connecticut to a more cozy, beach vibe kind of state like Florida? 

The 1,241-mile ride from Connecticut to Florida is no joke. That is why before moving, you need to make sure that you don’t go diving in headfirst. It will take a bit of planning! 

Before deciding on the move, make sure that you got everything covered from the costs, the living standards, public transport, and anything else that will be important to you in your new state! 

Cost of Moving From CT to FL

It costs anywhere from $2,200 – $6,000+ to move from Connecticut to Florida. This will depend on a variety of factors, such as the number of items being moved, the season you’re moving in, and whether or not you need help with packing.

Here’s a rough breakdown of approximate costs, based on the volume of items.

Average Studio/1 Bedroom Moving Cost 

The average cost of moving from CT to FL, if you lived at a studio or a one-bedroom apartment, is around $2,200 to $2,800

Average 2 to 3 Bedrooms Moving Cost 

The average cost of moving from CT to FL if you lived in a house or an apartment with 2-3 bedrooms is about $2,800 to $3,400

Average 4 and Above Bedrooms Moving Cost 

The average cost of moving from CT to FL if you lived in a house with four (4) or more rooms would be around $3,400 to $6,000

This 1,200+-mile move isn’t cheap, but the hassle and headache that bad movers can put you through is not worth the few dollars that you may save.

Is Florida Really Better Than Connecticut? 

Now of course, this question is subject to opinion. but if you’re the type of person who likes hot and humid weather, relocating to Florida might just be the perfect idea for you. 

But, how do the two compare? What are the things that make Florida better and more livable than Connecticut? 

Before we dive deep into that, let us first go over a few of the benefits and drawbacks of living in each of these states. 

Pros of Living in Connecticut 

As you know, Connecticut is a great place to live, for everyone from working professionals to families. Here are a couple of the pros of living in Connecticut: 

– Easy access to major cities (train and cab)

– Better and higher salaries compared to neighboring states 

– Considered the 7th safest state in the entire country 

– Education quality is great 

Yale University

Cons of Living in Connecticut 

Before thinking that living in CT is all rainbows and butterflies, think again. There are a handful of drawbacks in living in the state as well, they include: 

– High cost of living compared to other states

– Higher taxes 

– Winters are much harsher

– High-paying jobs, but few job opportunities 

– TRAFFIC 

Pros of Living in Florida

If you’re considering moving to FL, you’re probably hoping that there are actually benefits of living here. Let’s look at some of the things that you’ll enjoy when you move to Florida. 

– Cheaper and more affordable housing 

– Water entertainment (beaches, resorts, waterparks, etc.) 

– Absolutely fantastic weather 

– The state is tax-free 

– They’re one of the sportiest and most active states in the country 

Cons of Living in Florida 

– On the flip side, though, there are a couple of unlikable things about the state: 

– Traffic jams are especially common 

– Insects are in every corner of the state 

– Insurance costs soar high 

– Public transport is not an ideal thing in FL 

– Most days of the year are hot and humid (a pro AND a con)

If you’re already decided to move, where’s the best city to move to in Florida? Are there major cities that are chosen by many? Or is it more of like a thing that will depend on your liking? 

Comparing CT and Florida 

Now that we know the pros and cons, it’s time for us to unravel some of the differences between the two (2) states. 

Cost of Living 

When it comes to the cost of living, both CT and FL sail at the same waves. The rates and the costs of food, housing, and utilities are not far from one another. 

Although you need to consider that purchasing a new home in Florida would be more expensive. This is due to the fact that it is a state that is known to have a lot of activities, beaches, and other extra-curricular and recreational activities. 

Job Opportunities/Career 

Florida’s economy is deemed to be one of the best in the entire country. Therefore, finding a job or carving out your current career would never be a problem. 

Some of the top jobs that are available in the state you plan on moving to include: 

– Real Estate 

– Business Management and Business Administration 

– Advertising and Marketing 

– Entertainment 

– Retail 

– Hospitality 

NOTE: These aren’t all the available jobs and careers in the state. You’ll just find it easier to land a job if you specialize in any of these fields. 

Taxes

Who doesn’t love talking about taxes? 

Generally, Florida is about 14.9% to 15.3% cheaper to live in compared to Connecticut. CT heavily relies on their economy, so, the taxes in the state seem to be a bit higher. 

In Florida, on the other hand, you’ll find less taxes – and some cities even follow and abide by the no income tax rule! 

The Best Cities to Move to in Florida 

There are actually a couple of cities that are recommended by many people to move to in the state. The factors affecting this would be the basic ones, such as cost of living, weather, crime rate, education, and public transport. 

Miami 

If you’re into beaches, surfing, and just capping up sand, Miami is the city for you! The city is home to a lot of beachside houses, surf spots, and shore bars! The city boasts of its perfect weather, where you wouldn’t have to worry about blistering snow during winter. 

The nightlife in Miami would also truly pop up your inner extroverted self! You’ll find world-renowned locations in the city like the Bayside Marketplace, Little Havana, the Everglades National Park, and many more! 

On a casual note, a 1-bedroom apartment in Miami, FL, could cost you an average of anywhere between $530 and $1,500. 2-bedroom apartments average at around $2,200.

Jacksonville 

In case you prioritize education more than anything else, Jacksonville is the city that you would want to move in. The city ranks as the 14th for college preparedness out of all the other cities in the country. 

Furthermore, Jacksonville is home to some of the best neighborhoods such as Arlington, Baymeadows, San Marco, and Downtown Jacksonville!  

The typical 1-bedroom house or apartment in Jacksonville costs at an average of $700 and $2,000 – all depending on the location! Of course, the better, the more expensive it’ll be! 

Daytona Beach 

The vast majority of the people of Daytona Beach are retirees, so, if you are looking for a clean, sound, and healthy life, moving to the city might actually be the best option for you. 

You’ll be able to enjoy the peaceful and the quiet ambience of the city, which is perfect for relaxation. 

Enjoy beaches, relaxing resorts, and a lot of friendly people there by paying around the price range of $1,200. 

Tallahassee 

Out of the million reasons why you would want to move to Tallahassee, its natural attractions, serenity, and rich culture would be the ones that would top the list. This historical city will be your best bet if you’re looking for places where you can learn more about the state’s culture. 

Just like Miami, Tallahassee is also the city home to a lot of beach houses and other water activities! Of course, what you’ll find here wouldn’t be as many as what you will find in Miami, though.  

A 1-bedroom apartment in Tallahassee is priced at an average of $900 – $2,100 per month. 

Tampa 

With just under 400,000 people living in the city, Tampa is considered as the most populous areas in the entire state. In addition to that, it’s also the city that strictly exercises the no income tax rule, so, people here tend to be happier, and they tend to party more! 

You’ll be able to find a lot of white and blue-collared jobs and careers, and the crime rate is something you can look forward to as well! 

To give you an idea of housing and apartment costs, a one (1) month stay at a 1-bedroom house or apartment in Tampa would average at about $1,300. 

Orlando 

Orlando is FL’s city home to a lot of recreational activities and tourist attractions. In this city is where you’ll be able to find SeaWorld, Universal Studios, Walt Disney World, and other spots and attractions that you just heard on TV. 

The bright mix of nature and recreational activities is very enticing to pull you into living in Florida. 

In Orlando, it will cost you around $1,200/month for a 1-bedroom house or apartment, and around $2,400 for a 2-bedroom one. 

Fort Lauderdale 

The most expensive city in the state, Fort Lauderdale is a city that is seen to be family-oriented. The spacious areas and properties make it an ideal location for families that have toddlers and children. 

If you are to start a family and you want them to live and nurture in a great and pleasant community, Fort Lauderdale is the best place to be in. 

The city is home to tons of activities for both children and adults! 

Expect to pay an average of $1,200 to $1,500 for a 1-bedroom apartment in city. For a 2-bedroom house, though, it’ll be upwards of $3,000. 

How to Move From Connecticut to Florida 

Now that you have all the information you need on moving from CT to FL, let’s iron out the checklist of your move!

Step 1: Determine the Amount of Stuff You Want to Move

Because your budget is dependent on how much stuff you plan on moving, this is a crucial step. If you call moving companies and ask for quotes, one of the first questions that they will ask is how much stuff you’re moving. 

Although knowing the size of your current home does help, you need to know what you do and don’t plan on bringing with you to Florida.

For example, will you be bringing all of your furniture, appliances, and mattresses with you?

Step 2: Gather Quotes From Moving Companies 

It is imperative to shop around, in order to save on the cost of moving. You may get wildly different quotes, depending on movers’ availability and the season.

So, be sure to not go with the first mover that you get a price from. 

Get a few estimates from moving companies in Connecticut to see how much it will be. 

If you want to skip on that step, you can fill in the information below. We can give you free estimates from top-rated movers in Connecticut based on your information. 

Step 3: Sort Everything in Florida Out Before Your Arrival 

It’s important to think about your housing basics before you arrive at your new home. This also includes fixing all the papers of your old home so that you’ll have no delays in your relocation. 

In Florida, ensure with your real estate broker that you are all set for your big move. You should do the same with the broker/owner of your new place in Florida. 

If you have children, arrange everything with their current and new school(s) before arriving in Florida. If you have a new job in Florida already, you should iron out any important details before you arrive. 

Now that you have sorted out the imperative details out, you’re ready for the move! The only thing waiting for you is your new home in Florida! 

Whether or not you’re excited about moving from CT to FL, we hope that this guide has provided you with the necessary background information to make it a smooth transition.

If you want to check our more moving-related guides, you can do so here;

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