Florida is the most popular interstate destination for northerners. If you’re ready to leave behind the mittens for The Sunshine State, this article is for you. How much will it cost to move from Michigan to Florida?
Quick Answer: The average cost to move from Michigan to Florida is $3,000-$5,450 depending on the size, route, and timing of the move. Hiring a professional moving company will be on the more expensive side. Renting a truck or using a moving container will save you money but also require a lot more work.
The Best Michigan to Florida Movers
How much will your move cost?: This cost calculator will provide an immediate calculation 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.
How Much Does It Cost to Move from Michigan to Florida?
| Moving Company | Moving Container | Freight Company | Truck Rental* | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio/1 bedroom | $1,790-$2,455 | $1,923-$2,429 | $1,710-$2,160 | $1,118-$1,509 |
| 2-3 bedroom | $2,970-$4,632 | $2,890-$3,650 | $2,518-$3,180 | $1,306-$1,763 |
| 4+ bedroom | $3,923-$7,340 | $3,620-$4,573 | $3,325-$4,200 | $1,571-$2,121 |
*Estimates for truck rentals include fuel costs only. Other costs may include lodging, tolls, or parking.
What are the best Michigan to Florida movers?
| Company | Price | Quoting options | Storage | Minimum Move Size |
| American Van Lines | $$ | Phone/virtual estimate | Yes | 1 bedroom |
| Phoenix Van Lines | $$ | Phone/virtual estimate | Yes, free 30 days | 1 bedroom |
| Safeway Moving | $$$ | Phone/virtual estimate | Yes, free 30 days | 1 bedroom |
Why Do the Prices Vary So Much?
The range of prices depends on how much of the move you complete yourself and how much is passed onto professional movers.
For example, moving containers and freight companies only move your stuff, you must complete the packing and unpacking.
If you rent a truck you are responsible for every step of the moving process, which can be both physically and mentally stressful. Professional movers on the other hand do all the heavy lifting, door to door, which costs more.
Inbound vs. Outbound State Demands Impacts Price
If more people are moving to your inbound state from your outbound state, you may save on costs. Moving companies, container companies, and freight companies can offer reduced rates for shared moves with other customers.
Florida continues to have a high inbound demand but from where people are moving matters. About 55 percent of migration in Michigan in 2018 was outbound.
Offseason vs Peak Moving Season Impacts Price
When you move also affects your cost. If you move during peak moving season you will pay more. Offseason moves will save you a lot if you can choose your moving dates. Compare the costs of a moving season move (late spring and summer) to an offseason move in March.
- March 1: A five-bedroom house with professional movers: $3,923-$7,340
- July 1: A five-bedroom house with professional movers: $7,137-$11,350
Use the moving cost calculator to get an estimate based on your moving dates and the size of your move.
Why Are People Moving from Michigan to Florida?
A need for better job growth is driving most residents out of Michigan. The economic impact of the collapse of the auto industry decades ago is still being felt. Michigan residents are seeking prosperity elsewhere.
Also, an aging Michigan population has many retirees leaving the state for warmer weather in places like Florida.
Tourism, hospitality, and retirement are the economic anchors for the state of Florida. Anyone in these fields will find more job opportunities in the state.
Economic powerhouses like Disney offer a stable job market for hospitality professionals in Florida. Florida also offers more in terms of cultural diversity and things to do.
Best Places to Move in Florida
Miami
At the state’s southern tip, Miami continues to attract a wide range of migrates from retirees to single people looking to make a fresh start in a warm climate. A lively nightlife and diverse culture are major attractions.
Daytona Beach
Others are choosing the more reasonable cost of living in Daytona Beach. If you don’t need the party atmosphere of Miami, you can find more affordable housing and peaceful living in this community.
Port St. Lucie
South Florida’s Port St. Lucie gives you a blend of both quiet suburban living with easy access to metro areas. That might be the reason Port St. Lucie is experiencing a housing boom. Urban professionals are finding the reasonable cost of living perfect for raising families while commuting to urban West Palm for work.
Orlando
Everything in Orlando is a Disney focus. Disney World and Universal Studios provide year-round theme park entertainment for those who love the brand. Because of Disney’s economic equity, Orlando offers a robust job market.
Lakeland
Lakeland Florida ranks sixth out of 125 most populous metro Florida areas. While migration to the area is increasing, the city of Lakeland continues to be praised as a safe, low crime Florida location. Residents love the parks and lakes. And you save on the cost of living as you are not located near the beach. The farther you get from the ocean in Florida the less expensive life becomes.
While the job market isn’t as strong as neighboring Orlando, the peaceful and secure reputation of Lakeland is a draw for retirees.
Tampa
One of the strongest employment magnets in Florida is Tampa. The booming urban center near the Gulf of Mexico is experiencing considerable growth in population and economic development. The metro area includes three distinctively different regions that include Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater, all with something unique to offer residents.
Jacksonville
Families are moving to Florida and one attraction is a strong educational foundation to a destination community. Jacksonville may be that destination.
Ranked as having some of the best high schools in the nation, Jacksonville has received well-deserved praise for better preparing young people for college than many schools in the country. Georgia is just across the way, for those who want a quick road trip to new locales.
For most Jacksonville has everything for a good life including diverse neighborhoods, beaches, a thriving art scene, and natural settings for hiking and kayaking.
Pensacola
Tourism revenues help keep Pensacola, Florida an ideal destination for low cost of living. Locals spend just 23.79% of their income on housing. While Pensacola is far removed from the hustle of the urban centers in the state it offers all the perks that Florida has to offer. Beautiful weather, beaches and diverse neighborhoods abound.
Employment is also strong with growth in healthcare, manufacturing and tourism driving the local economy.
Sarasota
Migrants with higher incomes may not need to worry so much about the cost and living. For those who want style over savings, Sarasota has a lot to offer. This growing community attracts both retirees and inbound families. A good job market and lots of local flair make Sarasota a go-to destination if you can afford it.