Moving from Boston to Florida sounds very exciting, and it should be! You’re moving to a new place, new vibe, new people, all of which makes it sound like a great new start.
Boston to Florida Distance
The distance from Boston to Florida is 1,364 miles. It takes approximately 20 hours and 44 minutes on average via the I-95 S route, but the exact time can vary depending on the traffic and route too.
The distance can also vary based on your specific destinations, like whether you want to go to Jacksonville in the north vs. Miami in the south.
Here is a detailed look at the distance from Boston to Florida via different routes:
The fastest way to reach Florida from Boston is by taking a direct flight. You may get a good price for the flight tickets if you book in advance. However, this is only suitable for personal travel. If you’re moving, you will mostly prefer a moving truck.
It’s also important to consider that most trains from Boston to Florida are not direct and require a transfer, usually at Moynihan Train Hall (Penn Station) in New York City. As a result, trains are not practical for movers.
Cost of Living In Florida
The average cost of living in Florida is $60,204 per year or $5,017 per month per person. The median income of Florida is $41,459.
While the cost of living may sound quite high, you’re also getting more sunny days, some of the top beaches, exploring the city of Miami, and, most importantly, residing in the 6th best state in America.
Here are the basic living costs by category in Florida:
We have not included miscellaneous costs that involve personal expenses like going out, dining out, travelling, etc.
Source: SoFi
Housing Cost in Florida
The median gross rent per month in Florida is $1,719, and the average mortgage cost is $1,860. However, the pricing of housing varies based on the city you are living in.
For instance, Homosassa Springs is usually one of the cheapest cities in Florida, with an average home value of $232,578. On the other hand, Miami ranks as the most expensive city in Florida, with an average home value of around $585,611.
Considering rent and housing are one of the major expenses you will take care of, here is what the average housing cost will look like:
Source: SoFi, Living Wage
Boston vs Florida – Cost of Living Compared
Boston has higher housing and utility costs compared to Florida’s lower taxes and more affordable real estate.
Here is a quick table of comparison between the living costs of Boston and Florida:
Overall, Florida is approximately 30–40% cheaper compared to Boston if we look at the state averages. Even a city like Miami is comparatively 18% cheaper than Boston overall.
Another important factor is that Florida has no state income tax, whereas if you’re in Boston, you pay 5% state tax.
Sources: Apartments.com, Zillow, Consumer Affairs, Salary, Tax Foundation
How Long Does it Take to Move from Boston to Florida?
The moving time for relocating from Boston to Florida can vary based on multiple factors. However, it typically takes longer than short-distance moves. The moving truck can take anywhere between 2 to 3 days, depending on your destination in Florida.
For a professional move, here is a rough timeline that you can expect:
- Packing and Loading Day: 4 to 8 hours based on the home size.
- Transit Time: 2 to 3 days
- Delivery and Unloading: 4 to 8 hours
Some factors that can affect the timeline include:
- Amount of belongings and size of your home
- Traffic on the routes and weather conditions
- Summer months may take longer (if you move in peak season)
For exact timings, you will have to talk to experienced Boston to Florida movers who regularly handle long-distance moves. They are experienced and can give you a proper timeline based on all the factors. And if you are in search of reliable movers, you can always rely on 617 Boston Movers!
Moving Cost From Boston to Florida
For a complete professional move from Boston to Florida, you can expect to pay anywhere between $6,000 and $9,500+. However, the price depends on multiple factors, such as the size of your home, the amount of belongings, the time of year, and the additional services (like packing) you need for the move.
DIY rental trucks, on the other hand, might seem like a cheaper option (usually $1,500 to $3,000), but the cost of fuel, labor, loading, tolls, meals, etc can quickly add up to the cost and sometimes cost more than hiring a professional mover.
To get the best price, you can request quotes from multiple moving companies and analyze the services included to find which moving company aligns with your budget and needs.
Perks of Living in Florida
Florida offers numerous advantages than you can think of, which is one of the reasons why thousands of people move to Florida each year.
Out of all the perks, here are some of the reasons why living in Florida is worth it:
No state income tax
For professionals moving from the 5% Massachusetts tax, Florida offers a massive savings opportunity since it is one of the states with no state income tax. This becomes more important for high-income earners and retired people.
Affordable cost of living
Compared to Boston, Florida offers a quite affordable cost of living overall. The combination of no state tax, affordable housing, and lower property taxes makes it perfect for young professionals and even retired and older people to live comfortably without stressing about the money factor.
Warm weather and year-round sunshine
If you crave sunny days and love summer, Florida is the perfect state to live in for you. Throughout the year, you get warm sunshine and weather with an average temperature ranging from 65°F to 90°F (called the Sunshine State for a reason!). Due to this, you get to enjoy more time outside, explore new activities, and have leisure time compared to the harsh winter conditions of Boston.
Stunning beaches
Florida is home to some of the amazing water sports, marine activities, and beaches, thanks to its 1,350 miles of coastline. From Atlantic waves to the Gulf Coast’s calm waters, you will have plenty of options for swimming, diving, fishing, etc.
Tips For A Smooth Relocation From Boston to Florida
Moving from Boston to Florida is a long-distance move, and when it comes to moving long-distance, it’s always a challenge. You will need extra preparations and planning.
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Research Florida properly: Before moving, thoroughly check your local area and surroundings. You can research online about nearby grocery stores, shops, medical facilities, roads, and other details.
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Start looking for professional movers early: Make sure to book your move at least 6 to 8 weeks in advance, since it is a long-distance move and your moving company also needs time to prepare.
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Prioritize moving insurance: Since it is going to be a long journey, basic insurance with minimum coverage may not suffice. Make sure to explore proper insurance options. You can also refer to our guide on moving insurance , as it will help you get a better understanding.
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Be prepared for weather changes: Florida’s weather can be unpredictable and change quickly. Therefore, be prepared with hurricane supplies, lightweight clothes, and other essentials.
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Arrange utilities and services before going: If it is not possible to visit in person, you can pre-book everything in advance. You want to make sure that when you arrive at your new home in Florida, electricity, water, and gas are already running.
Wrapping Up!
Moving from Boston to Florida offers exciting changes and, in fact, one of the most incredible opportunities. From lifestyle improvements to financial benefits, you can experience almost everything Florida has to offer.
While realistically there are challenges involved, you can easily tackle them with proper and prior planning, setting clear expectations, and working with the right experts.
Florida’s weather and cities await to welcome you. So, take your time when planning your move to the Sunshine State of the US.
