Moving from Canada To Florida

Are you ready to trade in your cozy Canadian winters for warmer weather? Florida is a vibrant state, filled with pristine beaches, family-friendly entertainment and affordable housing. The state offers a high quality of life and is a top choice for individuals and families who enjoy spending time outdoors. There's also a booming job market, with growing possibilities in various sectors.

If you're ready to wave goodbye to cold winters and the Rocky Mountains of Canada for a Florida lifestyle, we're here to help. However, before moving from Canada to Florida, there are a few cost and location factors you'll need to consider. We have created this guide to help you prepare and ensure you're ready for the international transition.

Here's what to know before moving to Florida:

What’s the Price of Relocation? Estimating Your Move to Florida

The first factor to consider before moving to Florida is the cost of moving. International relocations can get expensive, especially if you plan to DIY the move on your own. If you DIY your move, you'll need to ensure you have enough time to commit to the moving process. You'll also need to ensure you can meet the physical demands and have a flexible budget.

When hiring a moving company, all of the heavy lifting is handled for you. Movers will help pack, load, and transport your items across state lines. They'll even help ensure you have the necessary paperwork for the relocation. While the cost to hire movers will be higher upfront, knowing the total cost will help you budget accordingly.

Here are some quick tips for cutting costs when moving to Florida:

Relocate during the off-season, between September and April
Plan your move-out day on a weekday instead of a weekend
Recycle, donate and throw away items you no longer use
Compare moving estimates between two to three moving companies to find the best price

If you're ready to start planning your move, try our moving cost calculator for an accurate estimate of expenses.

What’s the Cost of Living in Florida

When comparing the cost of living in Canada vs. Florida, you'll find that Canada is actually more expensive to live in. The overall cost of living is significantly higher than in most cities and towns in Florida. You can expect to pay less for utilities, groceries and housing.

According to Zillow, the average cost of buying a home in Florida is $382,136, and the average cost of renting an apartment or house is $2,400. If you're planning to relocate permanently to Florida, buying a home may be worth the investment, and the monthly payments may be more affordable than renting. Florida also has remarkably low property taxes. The state average is around 0.82%, which is significantly lower than the national average.

It's important to note that there is no free healthcare in the United States. If your employer does not provide healthcare as part of your employment package, you'll need to set some funds aside to cover healthcare and insurance expenses. Florida also doesn't have the best public transportation system, so you'll need a vehicle to get to work or to explore the state.

Popular Cities to Move to in Florida

If your moving plans are flexible, you'll want to explore the different cities in the state before you relocate. Here's a quick look at five of the most popular cities in Florida:

Miami: If you want to be close to the beach and a vibrant nightlife scene, Miami is the city for you. Miami has a slightly higher cost of living, but it has endless outdoor attractions and entertainment to enjoy. It's a great spot for recent college graduates or working professionals.
Tampa: If you're looking for a slower pace but want to be close to the water still, Tampa might be a better option. Tampa is a vibrant city with family-friendly neighborhoods and a variety of entertainment options.
Jacksonville: Jacksonville is known for its affordability and diverse culture. There are many different neighborhoods, so you'll never get bored exploring. It's also close to the beach and has over 450 parks throughout the area.
Orlando: This city is known for its theme parks and outdoor recreational activities. There are also many affordable suburbs and a growing job market in tech, hospitality, and aerospace.
Naples: Naples is a retirees' paradise. There are pristine beaches, world-class golf courses, and the weather is great year-round!

Climate Differences Between Canada and Florida

One factor you can look forward to when moving from Canada to Florida is the weather. You'll no longer need to worry about freezing temperatures and snowy winters! Florida is known for its warm, tropical climate. You can enjoy outdoor activities and the beach in the winter and fall. The coldest it gets in most places is around 50 degrees during the winter in Central Florida.

However, the summers are hot and humid. If you decide to live near the coast, you'll need to prepare yourself and your family for tropical storms and hurricanes. Hurricane season in Florida runs from June to November. You'll need an evacuation plan and supplies set aside in case of an emergency. It's best to familiarize yourself with hurricane best practices to ensure you're prepared for the unexpected before you relocate.

What Is Florida Known For?

There's a lot to look forward to when moving to Florida, but the one thing the state is known for is the pristine beaches. The state boasts over 832 miles of coastline, featuring numerous beaches and coastal cities worth exploring.

Florida beaches are known for their breathtaking white sand and warm water. There are also places to enjoy various water activities, such as boating, diving, swimming, and kayaking. Once you make the move, you'll get to live like a tourist every day.

Make Your Move Easy with North American Van Lines

Moving to Florida? Whether you're moving to a suburb in Orlando or a condo in Miami, North American Van Lines is here to help. Our international movers are here to help you successfully relocate anywhere in Florida. We provide affordable and customizable packing, unpacking, and transportation services. We also have affordable storage units for rent in most major cities.

In addition to our 5-star services, we also provide unmatched customer service. From the day we move you out of your Canadian house to the moment you can call Florida your new home, our team is here to help.