Florida Local Expert
Vanessa Leikvoll
“She fosters dogs but answers to the two parakeets who clearly run her house.”
See full bio
Moving to New Jersey from FL: Which Type of Person Actually Thrives
Florida's year-round sunshine and no state income tax make it easy to forget that life looks very different just a few states north. New Jersey brings denser neighborhoods, four distinct seasons, and a cost of living that will likely catch you off guard if you are used to Florida prices. The cultural shift alone, from laid-back beach towns to the fast-paced energy of the tri-state area, is something many movers underestimate until they are already unpacking boxes. Our Snappy Scout team (Vanessa & Diane) dug into the costs, logistics, and lifestyle changes you should expect before you start planning your move north.
Who's Behind This Guide
The Moving Truck Route from FL to NJ
Average distance
1,150miles
Typical route
I-95 N and I-295 N
Popular moving routes (approx. driving distance):
Miami, FL → Newark, NJ
~1300 miles
Orlando, FL → Newark, NJ
~1100 miles
Jacksonville, FL → Trenton, NJ
~950 miles
Tampa, FL → Jersey City, NJ
~1200 miles
Fort Lauderdale, FL → Atlantic City, NJ
~1250 miles
Should You Move From Florida to New Jersey Quiz
Take this 10 question quiz to find out if the move to New Jersey from Florida is the right call for your lifestyle and preferences.
Progress1 of 10 questions
Question 1 of 10
What kind of weather makes you happiest?
0/10answered
Live score
Collecting your answers and forming an opinion. Answer another question to see the results.
The Unfiltered Cost of a FL to NJ Long-Distance Move
Moving 1,150 miles from Florida to New Jersey will typically cost between $2,500.00 and $4,000.00 to hire full service movers. See the breakdown below by home size.
Expected Range
$2,500.00–$4,000.00
Expected Time
3–10days
Cost by home size
Studio
$1,070.00
1 Bedroom
$1,580.00
2 Bedrooms
$2,600.00
3 Bedrooms
$3,760.00
4 Bedrooms
$5,390.00
5+ Bedrooms
$5,980.00
| Home Size | Moving Cost | Volume (ft³) | $/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,070.00 | 300 | $3.57 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,580.00 | 450 | $3.51 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,600.00 | 750 | $3.47 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $3,760.00 | 1,100 | $3.42 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $5,390.00 | 1,600 | $3.37 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $5,980.00 | 1,800 | $3.32 |
How we calculated these numbers: We reached out to the owners and operators of more than a dozen nationwide moving companies to figure out how they factor in mileage, weight, volume, timing, origin & termination locations, and approximate home sizes to determine a moving estimate. The results above are what the data nerds at Snappy Scout created based on that info.
What Kind of Person Regrets It After Moving from FL to NJ?
Well, it depends. If you're a Tech Bro, Hipster, or Garden Club Lifetime Member, you'll thrive in your move to New Jersey. But if you're more of a Surfer Dude, Retired Snowbird, or Homesteader, settling into your new home state may be a bit of a challenge. We scored a variety of different “personalities” on a 10-point scale to show you what to expect from a lifestyle perspective with a relocation from Florida to New Jersey.
Top 3 winners and losers moving from FL to NJ
Tech Scene
Florida
3.5
/10
New Jersey
8.5
/10
Florida
Giving up
Startup buzz is rising, but Silicon Valley still owns the crown.
New Jersey
Gaining
PATH to Manhattan, Princeton startups, Bell Labs Holmdel echoes
Recommended NJ cities/areas for Tech Bros
Florida
3.5
/10
New Jersey
8.5
/10
Hipsters
Florida
5
/10
New Jersey
8
/10
Florida
Giving up
Art murals pop, but ironic beards wilt in the humidity.
New Jersey
Gaining
Stone Pony, White Eagle Hall, vintage on Bloomfield Ave
Recommended NJ cities/areas for Hipsters
Florida
5
/10
New Jersey
8
/10
Gardener
Florida
5
/10
New Jersey
7
/10
Florida
Giving up
Tropical plants thrive (sorry, not in the panhandle), but summer heat wilts your patience.
New Jersey
Gaining
Presby Iris strolls, Reeves-Reed blooms, Grounds For Sculpture teas, Duke Gardens
Recommended NJ cities/areas for Garden Club Lifetime Members
Florida
5
/10
New Jersey
7
/10
Surfing
Florida
9
/10
New Jersey
3.5
/10
Florida
Giving up
Ron Jon Surf Shop was practically built for you
New Jersey
Gaining
Belmar breaks happen, but wetsuits rule and hurricane swells tease
Recommended NJ cities/areas for Surfer Dudes
BelmarManasquanLong Branch
Florida
9
/10
New Jersey
3.5
/10
Snowbirds
Florida
9.5
/10
New Jersey
5
/10
Florida
Giving up
Golf carts, palm trees, and perpetual sunshine never get old.
New Jersey
Gaining
Locals say the "Cape May bubble" keeps that area calm, but winters are colder than Boca Raton
Recommended NJ cities/areas for Retired Snowbirds
Ocean CityToms RiverCape May
Florida
9.5
/10
New Jersey
5
/10
Homesteading
Florida
6
/10
New Jersey
3
/10
Florida
Giving up
Growing mangoes beats corn, but hurricanes test your grit.
New Jersey
Gaining
Pine Barrens acres exist, but taxes tame off grid dreams
Recommended NJ cities/areas for Homesteaders
MontaguePilesgroveChatsworth
Florida
6
/10
New Jersey
3
/10
Local Perspective
What moment, smell, or ritual captures the soul of New Jersey?
The smell of the ocean. The sound of the seagulls down the shore. The train whistles from the local commuter lines.
– Diane Briante
New Jersey Local
Lifestyle differences between living in Florida and living in New Jersey
FloridaNew Jersey
FL vs NJ: What's on Your Plate
Eating Like a Local in Florida
This really varies by where in Florida you are. But, generally, Cuban and Latin-inspired food here is very popular, as well as what I refer to as "beach bar food:" coconut shrimp, grouper bites, crab cakes, gator bites, fish tacos, and of course, margaritas (especially spicy ones with a Tajin rim).
I don't think there are any unspoken rules here, per se, except that you always want to get the freshest fish available, such as mahi mahi or grouper, and skip the conventional white fish.
Vanessa LeikvollFlorida Local ExpertEating Like a Local in New Jersey
Every diner has something they're famous for. Order that. Don't order something too fancy. Avoid the red sauce unless you have inside information that it doesn't come from a can. Splurge on those amazing looking cakes or pies. And we judge diners by their fries. If their fries aren't good, we might not be back.
Diane BrianteNew Jersey Local ExpertIs NJ a Smarter State for Your Tax Burden?
Florida
New Jersey
FloridavsNew Jersey
State Income Tax
State Income TaxNone. Sunshine is free, and so is your paycheck.
Progressive 1.4% to 10.75%, top rate over $1M, multiple brackets
Florida
None. Sunshine is free, and so is your paycheck.
VS
New Jersey
Progressive 1.4% to 10.75%, top rate over $1M, multiple brackets
Property Taxes
Property TaxesModerate overall; Miami-Dade higher, Panhandle pleasantly lower.
North Jersey suburbs like Bergen and Essex pricier, South Jersey lower, Jersey City abatements
Florida
Moderate overall; Miami-Dade higher, Panhandle pleasantly lower.
VS
New Jersey
North Jersey suburbs like Bergen and Essex pricier, South Jersey lower, Jersey City abatements
How Values, Beliefs, & Politics Stack Up Between FL and NJ
Florida
New Jersey
FloridavsNew Jersey
People
PeopleFriendly but eccentric; equal parts laid-back, loud, and lightning-fast with opinions.
Direct, fast talking, proudly diverse, neighborhood loyal, bagel and pizza opinions unshakeable
Florida
Friendly but eccentric; equal parts laid-back, loud, and lightning-fast with opinions.
VS
New Jersey
Direct, fast talking, proudly diverse, neighborhood loyal, bagel and pizza opinions unshakeable
Politics
A wild beach party of red and blue—expect flip-flops and fiery debates.
Reliably blue statewide, GOP strength in Ocean Monmouth Sussex, suburban moderates swing
Florida
A wild beach party of red and blue—expect flip-flops and fiery debates.
VS
New Jersey
Reliably blue statewide, GOP strength in Ocean Monmouth Sussex, suburban moderates swing
Religion
ReligionMostly Christian, with Catholic and evangelical strongholds; growing Jewish and nonreligious communities.
Largely Christian, many Catholics, notable Jewish in Lakewood and Teaneck, growing Hindu Muslim unaffiliated
Florida
Mostly Christian, with Catholic and evangelical strongholds; growing Jewish and nonreligious communities.
VS
New Jersey
Largely Christian, many Catholics, notable Jewish in Lakewood and Teaneck, growing Hindu Muslim unaffiliated
Seasons in FL vs NJ: A Local's Unfiltered Perspective
SUMMER
Florida
Just plain hot (triple digits and 98% humidity in Miami)
New Jersey
boardwalk waffle iron (sticky 90s inland, ocean breeze tempers the Shore)
WINTER
Florida
Sweater optional (unless you're in the Panhandle, then it's gloves and regret)
New Jersey
puffer coat roulette (High Point bites, Cape May shrugs)
My Favorite Thing About Winter/Spring/Summer/Fall in New Jersey
The first day warm enough to hang out on the beach, the leaves changing in the fall - and the taste of my first Curley fries in Wildwood. The best!
Diane BrianteNew Jersey Local ExpertNext Steps
Learn More About Moving to New Jersey
By now, you're hopefully fully aware that at Snappy Scout, our moving guides aren't like the rest! Now that you've compared the aspects of leaving behind Florida, take a deeper dive into the specifics of moving to New Jersey. No boring census stats... we promise! Just practical real advice from New Jersey local experts.
Moving toElizabeth
EWR Roar, 13A, Pastéis, And Port Crane Views
Moving toJersey City
A Deep Look At The Only City To Have Two PATH Stops In Its Limits
Moving toNewark
Ironbound Eats, PATH Zips, Branch Brook Park Blooms
