- How much will your move cost?: This cost calculator will provide an immediate free moving quote of what your move should cost. Just plug in your moving dates, the size of your move, where you’re moving to/from, and let the calculator do the rest.
- The best Miami neighborhoods: This list breaks down the best places to live in Miami if you plan on calling that part of Florida home.
How Much Does it Cost to Move from Massachusetts to Florida?
Do you have a large family or a spacious apartment? Are you on a tight moving deadline, or do you have a little extra time to put everything together? How much your move costs depends heavily on what your unique situation looks like.
When moving from Massachusetts to Florida, it’ll cost you between $1,056-$7,340.
Below is a handy chart breaking down the move by home size and moving resource, all the better to help you budget as soon as possible.
| Home Size | Professional Movers | Container | Freight | Rental Truck |
| Studio/1 Bedroom | $1,680-$2,455 | $1,799-$2,273 | $1,520-$2,160 | $1,056-$1,459 |
| 2-3 Bedroom | $2,200-$4,632 | $2,286-$3,410 | $2,185-$3,180 | $1,107-$1,706 |
| 4+ Bedroom | $3,885-$7,340 | $3,054-$4,265 | $2,850-$4,200 | $1,386-$2,036 |
*The price above doesn’t include lodging, gas, tolls, and other moving-related expenses.
Concerned about whether or not the moving company you’re considering is legit? We take a look at what regulation for moving companies actually looks like so you can choose wisely.
Why Do Moving Costs Vary So Much?
That can look like a pretty alarming price range. The thing is: no two moves look alike.
Moving costs vary depending on the moving service you use, whether it’s a small rental truck or a full-scale professional moving service. If you own a large alcohol collection, a boat, or a mobile home, expect your costs to rise even more. Professional moving services work hard to provide you a safe and seamless transition from your old home to the new.
Fortunately, there are a few details you can keep in mind to shave off moving costs. These include analyzing the details of your move and keeping an eye on the calendar.
Don’t calculate all your moving costs at the last second. We put together a Moving Cost Calculator to help you crunch numbers ahead of schedule.
What Is an Inbound Move?
An inbound move refers to people moving into a state. A high volume of inbound moves often reflects economic demand, such as a low-cost housing market or a surge in job opportunities. Florida has seen an impressive volume of inbound moves lately for several reasons, which will be detailed further below.
What Is an Outbound Move?
On the other hand, an outbound move refers to people leaving a given state. The states with the highest volume of outbound moves include New Jersey, New York, and Illinois.
Both Massachusetts and Florida exist in the middle ground: neither have the highest volume of inbound or outbound moves.
Seasonal Variances To Keep in Mind
Timing is everything, and nowhere is this clearer than when you move to a new place. Summer is the most popular season to move in, particularly June and July.
Federal holidays, such as the Fourth Of July and Memorial Day, should be considered when you’re moving to a new place. The high influx of people on vacation and children with free time means many hotels and motels will be packed to the brim.
Events in Massachusetts and Florida you should be aware of before planning your move include:
Massachusetts Events
- Boston Wine Expo (January)
- St. Patrick’s Day Parade (March)
- Boston Marathon (April)
- Tanglewood Music Festival (August)
- Marshfield Fair (August)
Florida Events
- Fellsmere Frog Leg Festival (January)
- Florida Folk Festival (Memorial Day weekend)
- Florida Strawberry Festival (March)
- Jazz In The Gardens Musicfest (March)
- Sugar Sand Festival (April)
Professional Packing Services
It’s a lot to keep in mind, huh? Not only do you have to consider professional long-distance movers, but there are also professional packing services.
The thing is: professional packing services are extremely helpful. Packing professionals come with state-of-the-art packing equipment to efficiently pack and label your belongings. If you have many belongings or are strapped for time, consider giving your local packing services a call.
Additional Personal Expenses
Just like your move, your personal expenses will look very different from someone else. As you budget moving costs, consider what you can and can’t live without on the way to your new home. It might be worth saving a few hundred dollars now to put toward new furniture in your bedroom or kitchen.
Lodging
Some don’t mind bunking in a low-cost motel, while others prefer a spacious hotel with amenities for their children. Figure this step out as early as possible, as rooms tend to go fast on weekends and tourist season.
Vehicle Transportation
If you have a car, boat, or mobile home, it’s vital you start planning vehicle transportation. It takes around a day to drive from Massachusetts to Florida by car, making personal transport an ordeal.
Most moving companies offer these services, though often with an extra fee.
Personal Property Insurance
Have you ever lost your belongings in a move? Are you worried that more fragile items could be damaged? Personal property insurance is a resource most moving companies can point you to under the umbrella of moving insurance.
Even the most skilled mover has to navigate other drivers on the road, as well as unpredictable weather patterns. If you’re worried about even the faintest possibility of damaged items, personal property insurance might be worth looking into.
Items you should consider for property insurance include:
- Expensive computer equipment
- Antiques
- Wine collection
- Fishing boats or yachts
- RV
Moving insurance doesn’t cover every kind of item, with some requiring additional coverage on top of a base cost. Ask your moving company what their valuation policy is. Valuation is the amount of financial liability a moving business will take on your behalf should your items become damaged or go missing.
Why Are People Moving From Massachusetts to Florida?
According to a recent study, an impressive 900 people are heading to Florida every day, and this figure shows little sign of slowing. Families make up the bulk of this demographic alongside people tired of paying too much in tax.
Popular reasons to seek out Florida include:
No State Income Tax
This is a major plus for the budget-conscious, especially if you’re a small business or a student. The Massachusetts state income tax, on the other hand, is 5%.
More Cultural Diversity
Florida is among the most culturally diverse states in the country. This includes religious, ethnic, and socio-economic diversity.
Consistently Sunny Weather
Florida is situated as the Sunshine State for a very good reason. The majority of the year is bright and warm, perfect for outdoorsy types and anyone with a vitamin D deficiency.
A Wealth of Parks, Recreational Activities, and Festivals
Simply put? Florida is fun. The state is well-known for its wealth of amusement parks and annual festivals (it’s home to Disney World!), giving families and couples alike plenty of opportunities for weekend getaways.
Plenty of Job Opportunities in Several Sectors
Thanks to its vibrant tourism industry and high volume of inbound moves, Florida is ripe with job opportunities. Their food and beverage industry, in particular, is expected to hit $55 billion in just a few years.
Cities And Towns To Check Out In Florida
You’re taking the leap from one state to another because you want to improve your life. As such, you can sometimes settle for less if it means leaving sooner.
Take your time scoping out the best cities and towns in Florida.
Most Walkable
Walkable neighborhoods have many necessities and conveniences within a brief walking distance. If you want to have beautiful beaches, grocery stores, clinics, and a vibrant cultural touchstone within a stone’s throw, these are your best bet.
- Fort Lauderdale
- Miami Beach
- Bartow
- Palm Beach
- St. Augustine
Most Affordable
When it comes to affordability, it’s hard to find affordable housing or apartments these days. These are widely considered the best places to go if you’re on a tight budget, going to school, or starting a family.
- Cape Coral
- Fort Meade
- Lakeland
- Tallahassee
Best Place For Raising a Family
Family-friendly locations have low crime rates and convenient services right next door. These are some of the most popular places to raise a family in Florida.
- Orlando
- Gainesville
- Dunedin
- Tampa
- Jacksonville
Moving can feel like a massive risk at the best of times. With proper planning and resources, your next move can be the smoothest one yet. Get free quotes from movers to start budgeting (with factors like weekends and seasons taken into account).