Moving from New York City, NY to Miami, FL

Moving from New York City to Miami is a great idea if warm weather, lively culture, and ocean views appeal to you.

Being a New Yorker can be tough, with those brutally cold winters, extortionate rent prices, and hectic city vibes.

New Yorkers are sure to find a more relaxed lifestyle if they move to Miami, as well as more affordable living, great job opportunities, and plenty of things to do.

So if you plan on trading in the Big Apple for the Magic City, this guide will explain the whole moving process and share some helpful tips to assist you with your relocation.

The Moving Process From New York City to Miami

How Far is Miami from New York City?

The distance between New York City and Miami is 1,279 miles. The driving time of this journey is approximately 19 hours by car depending on traffic.

So whether you’re planning on doing a DIY move and driving the journey yourself in a rented moving van or you’re planning to drive your car and hire a professional mover, it’s definitely worth noting that it’s a lengthy drive.

The flight time is roughly 2 hours and 50 minutes long, so if the idea of driving a car for 19+ hours doesn’t sound like fun to you, you should definitely consider flying.

What is the Average Cost to Move From New York City to Miami?

The average cost to move from New York City to Miami is between $2500-$3500. That means on average it costs roughly $3000.

There are many variables that determine the exact cost of a move from New York City to Miami such as the number of items being moved, whether you’ll want additional packing and unpacking services, and whether you plan to hire professional moving services or do it yourself.

Should I Move From New York City to Miami?

If cold winters, immense rental rates, and the frenzy of city life aren’t your thing, then you should move from New York City to Miami. Thousands of former New Yorkers have already successfully traded in the city lifestyle for a more attractive beach bum lifestyle.

How New York City Compares to Miami

Living Costs Compared

The first thing a New Yorker will notice when they arrive in Miami is how affordable it is, in comparison to NYC. The cost of living in Miami is 34.2% less expensive than it is in New York.

The rental and real estate prices in Miami will be a pleasant surprise, Miami housing costs are 51.5% less expensive than New York housing costs.

If you’re planning to buy a house in Miami you will be happy to hear that the median sale price is only $329,900. Compared to the median sale price of a house in NYC, which is $705,407.

The average rent in New York City is around $2,850, while it’s only $2,053 in Miami.

You can also expect groceries, utilities, and miscellaneous costs to be more affordable in Miami. Health related expenses are also 12.3% less in Miami than in NYC.

Public Transportation

The Metrorail is Miami’s elevated rail system, and it’s the quickest way to get around. There’s also a free public transportation service called Metromover which offers loops around Downtown Miami and Brickell.

The Metrobus operates more than 95 routes and services the areas that the Metrorail doesn’t.

Most residents in Miami also own their own vehicles, which is unlike NYC where most residents usually only rely on public transportation.

An unlimited subway card costs $127 per month and $2.75 per ride in NYC. In Miami, a monthly pass for the Metrorail costs $112.50 and one ride costs $2.25.

County residents whose annual income is between $19,140 and $25,520 can ride the Metrorail for half the price so it works out to be $1.10 per ride and $56.25 per month.

Weather

One of the main draws to Miami is the city’s climate. Miami has over 248 days of sunshine per year, along with warm temperatures year-round.

The summers in Miami can be hot and humid, but the great news is that winters are mild and warm.

On average, NYC gets an annual snowfall of about 25 inches, whereas Miami gets none! The coldest average monthly temperature in New York is around 27℉, and Miami’s average lows in the winter months are around 60℉.

Moving From New York City to Miami DMV

When moving from New York City to Miami, it must be noted that you will have to get a new driver’s license. Florida law requires residents to apply for a Florida Driver’s License within 30 days. You must visit the DMV in person to do this.

More information about what you will need to bring with you can be found here

Buying a home in Miami

As we mentioned earlier, buying a home in Miami is significantly cheaper than buying a home in NYC. Another major bonus is the fact that Florida has no state income tax.

Here are a few neighborhoods to consider if you’re looking to buy a home in Miami.

Cutler Bay

If you are searching for a coastal community with close proximity to Downtown Miami, then you may want to consider Cutler Bay. Those who plan to move to the neighborhood have a variety of moderately priced homes from which to choose.

The neighborhood offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. Many families and young professionals live in Cutler Bay so if you’re an expanding family looking for a nice community with plenty of parks for the kids to play in, Cutler Bay might be for you.

Hialeah Gardens

Hialeah Gardens is a family-friendly neighborhood with a suburban feel. Downtown Miami can be accessed via the Okeechobee Road and Palmetto Expressway.

Housing prices are also lower than in many other neighborhoods, but it also has its share of multimillion-dollar homes for sale.

Are you a foodie? This will be a great neighborhood for you as some say the Cuban restaurants here are among the best in the city.

There are also plenty of community parks located in Hialeah Gardens. So if you’re looking for diversity within the community this suburb of Miami might be for you.

Pinecrest

Pinecrest is known for having very large homes on huge lots. The area is one of Miami’s most desired neighborhoods for families, as it has an A-rated public school and it’s close to some of the best private schools in Miami.

Compared to the more expensive Coral Gables and Coconut Grove, Pinecrest is much more affordable. 

The area has a great sense of community and offers many parks. If you worry about safety, Pinecrest is considered 58% safer than all of the cities in the US.

So if you love old family values and community activities like farmers’ markets, park playdates, and family picnics, Pinecrest is the neighborhood for you.

Selling Your Property in New York City

The first step when planning to sell your property in New York City is finding the right realtor. You also have to consider when to sell your home. Housing prices can fluctuate by thousands of dollars depending on what time of year you sell your home.

June is the best month to sell in New York for speed. While July is the best month to sell for a better price in New York.

Figuring out what your house is worth is a vital task to ensure a financially favorable and speedy sale.

Gauging your home’s value compared to the area’s market value is the best way to confidently price your home. An experienced real estate agent can provide a market analysis.

A good, reliable realtor will guide you through the whole process and can really help you alleviate the stresses that come with selling your home.

Finding a Job in Miami Before You Move There

Before you move to Miami, it’s advised to try and find a job before your move, so that you’ll have one less thing to worry about. Miami is a massive city and its location makes it a hub for a wide range of businesses.

Finance is a major industry, as Miami is home to the largest concentration of international banks in the country. Miami is also home to several tourism corporations including American Airlines, Carnival Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean Cruises. Some ideas of where to start the job search would be

Miami Careers and Employment

The City of Miami is constantly hiring for various positions, and you shouldn’t overlook it.

This is a great resource in Miami that provides assistance to residents looking for jobs within different sectors. The page contains information on where residents can find job opportunities in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors.

Indeed

Indeed is always a great place to find job listings no matter where you are based. You can use the tools to filter your search to certain areas in Miami and there are always new job listings posted daily.

Word of Mouth

Do you know anyone living in the area? Ask them if they know anyone looking to hire! It’s such a simple concept but yet we forget to use it.

Moving From New York City to Miami Checklist

The following checklist will allow you to assess what needs to be done before trading in the Big Apple for the Magic City.

At Least 4 to 6 Weeks Before the Move

2 Weeks Prior to the Move

– It is imperative to clean and/or make needed repairs on your old home before moving out, since leaving your place an absolute mess may leave your security deposit in jeopardy.

– Because of the abundance of fragile items in your kitchen, you’ll want to pack these items away long in advance, with protective bubble wrap to ensure nothing gets broken in transit.

– You will also want to begin packing your things from bedrooms and bathrooms, except for your essential items that you will be using until you move.

– If necessary, you will want to arrange a babysitter for your kids and/or pets for parts of the move that you need to be able to focus and get things done.

A Couple of Days Before Your Move

– Clean up your home completely, double checking any cracks and crevices that may have your stuff hidden away.

– Unless your movers will do it for you, dissassemble your furniture to make your move a smoother process, and ensure to keep any screws, brackets, or other small items that are needed for reassembly. Pro tip: tape these smaller items in a bag to the bottom of the furniture.

– Print out the floor plan of your new home and have enough for the movers as well.

– You may want to hit the ATM before moving day, as you’ll need to have enough cash to tip your movers. Generally speaking, you’ll want to tip $20-$30 per mover.

– Make sure that you confirm with your movers the details of your move. The last thing that you want is to have moving day come around, and you and your movers aren’t on the same page.

– Get in touch with the landlord or current homeowner of your new place, and ensure that you’ll be able to get the keys to your new place when you arrive.

– Document the condition of your old place through pictures and videos, to ensure that you have proof of its state. This will come in handy if your landlord tries to keep your deposit, based on incorrect facts.

Moving Day

– Hand over your old home’s keys to the necessary people, such as landlord or building management.

– Do a quick run-through of your home to ensure that nothing gets left behind, whether it’s just a smaller item, or an entire box of stuff.

– Ensure that everything you packed up is in your new home before unpacking everything.

– If the moving company you are working with is going to assemble your furniture, make sure that they reassemble it in the correct room to avoid unnecessary work.

– Be sure to thank everyone helping you move, and leave them a tip!

You did it! Congrats and enjoy your new home!