Florida Local Expert
Vanessa Leikvoll
“She fosters dogs but answers to the two parakeets who clearly run her house.”
See full bio
Making the Move from FL to New York: Who Wins, Who Struggles, and Who Shouldn't Bother
Florida and New York could not feel more different on paper, and the reality of relocating between them tends to reinforce that impression quickly. You are trading year-round sunshine and no state income tax for four genuine seasons and a cost of living that will demand a second look at your budget. The cultural pace shifts too, from the laid back rhythms of beach towns and sprawling subdivisions to the relentless energy of dense urban neighborhoods and commuter culture. Our Snappy Scout team (Vanessa & Alexa) dug into the costs, logistics, and lifestyle adjustments you should expect before you start loading the truck.
Who's Behind This Guide
The Moving Truck Road from Florida to NY
Average distance
1,250miles
Typical route
I-95 N and I-75 N are the major highways you'd drive to get from Florida to New York
Popular moving routes (approx. driving distance):
Miami, FL → New York City, NY
~1300 miles
Orlando, FL → New York City, NY
~1100 miles
Tampa, FL → New York City, NY
~1150 miles
Jacksonville, FL → New York City, NY
~950 miles
Tallahassee, FL → Buffalo, NY
~1250 miles
Should You Move From Florida to New York Quiz
Take this 10 question quiz to find out if the move to New York 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 Actual Cost of a Florida to NY Relocation
Moving 1,250 miles from Florida to New York 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
4–11days
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.
Who Wins After Moving from Florida to NY?
Well, it depends. If you're a Tech Bro, Hipster, or Coffee Snob, you'll thrive in your move to New York. But if you're more of a Beach Bum, Surfer Dude, or Adventure Junkie, 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 York.
Top 3 winners and losers moving from FL to NY
Tech Scene
Florida
3.5
/10
New York
9
/10
Florida
Giving up
Startup buzz is rising, but Silicon Valley still owns the crown.
New York
Gaining
VC chatter, AWS lofts, NYU Tandon meetups
Recommended NY cities/areas for Tech Bros
FlatironDUMBOHudson Yards
Florida
3.5
/10
New York
9
/10
Hipsters
Florida
5
/10
New York
9.5
/10
Florida
Giving up
Art murals pop, but ironic beards wilt in the humidity.
New York
Gaining
Vintage finds, rooftop sets, Rough Trade vinyl binges
Recommended NY cities/areas for Hipsters
WilliamsburgBushwickBeacon
Florida
5
/10
New York
9.5
/10
Coffee Culture
Florida
7
/10
New York
9.5
/10
Florida
Giving up
Cuban espresso rules, but the third-wave scene’s still brewing.
New York
Gaining
Third wave temples, Devocion to Joe Coffee pilgrimages
Recommended NY cities/areas for Coffee Snobs
WilliamsburgSoHoRochester
Florida
7
/10
New York
9.5
/10
Beach Culture
Florida
10
/10
New York
4
/10
Florida
Giving up
Year-round surf, sand, and Margaritaville moods everywhere you go.
New York
Gaining
Fun Montauk days, but chilly Atlantic and LIE traffic
Recommended NY cities/areas for Beach Bums
MontaukFire IslandJones Beach
Florida
10
/10
New York
4
/10
Surfing
Florida
9
/10
New York
3
/10
Florida
Giving up
Ron Jon Surf Shop was practically built for you
New York
Gaining
Rockaway waves exist, but wetsuits and winter winds bite
Recommended NY cities/areas for Surfer Dudes
Rockaway BeachLong BeachMontauk
Florida
9
/10
New York
3
/10
Adventure Activities
Florida
9
/10
New York
6
/10
Florida
Giving up
Paddleboarding, hiking, camping, theme parks, and pirate-themed boat rides meet your adrenaline needs.
New York
Gaining
Gunks climbs, High Peaks bagging, Letchworth's canyon thrills
Recommended NY cities/areas for Adventure Junkies
Adirondack High PeaksShawangunksLetchworth
Florida
9
/10
New York
6
/10
Local Perspective
What moment, smell, or ritual captures the soul of New York?
The smell of soft pretzels and dirty water dogs, the sound of waves crashing at Jones beach, and the sight of the Manhattan skyline as you cross the Throgs Neck Bridge after a roadtrip.
– Alexa Matthews
New York Local
Lifestyle differences between living in Florida and living in New York
FloridaNew York
How Locals Actually Eat in Florida and NY
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 York
BECSPK is a Sunday ritual. Also, half and half is not something you put in your coffee - it's half iced tea, half lemonade, and it's basically mandatory for a beach day.
Alexa MatthewsNew York Local ExpertIs NY a Smarter State for Your Tax Reality?
Florida
New York
FloridavsNew York
State Income Tax
State Income TaxNone. Sunshine is free, and so is your paycheck.
Progressive 4% to 10.9%, plus NYC and Yonkers local income taxes
Florida
None. Sunshine is free, and so is your paycheck.
VS
New York
Progressive 4% to 10.9%, plus NYC and Yonkers local income taxes
Property Taxes
Property TaxesModerate overall; Miami-Dade higher, Panhandle pleasantly lower.
Long Island and Westchester highest, NYC lower effective rates, upstate counties moderate
Florida
Moderate overall; Miami-Dade higher, Panhandle pleasantly lower.
VS
New York
Long Island and Westchester highest, NYC lower effective rates, upstate counties moderate
How Values, Beliefs, & Politics Break Down Between Florida and NY
Florida
New York
FloridavsNew York
People
PeopleFriendly but eccentric; equal parts laid-back, loud, and lightning-fast with opinions.
Direct, impatient in lines, generous in crises, subway savvy, opinionated, surprisingly neighborly
Florida
Friendly but eccentric; equal parts laid-back, loud, and lightning-fast with opinions.
VS
New York
Direct, impatient in lines, generous in crises, subway savvy, opinionated, surprisingly neighborly
Politics
A wild beach party of red and blue—expect flip-flops and fiery debates.
Deep blue statewide, NYC progressive, suburbs swingy, upstate mixed, local races unpredictable
Florida
A wild beach party of red and blue—expect flip-flops and fiery debates.
VS
New York
Deep blue statewide, NYC progressive, suburbs swingy, upstate mixed, local races unpredictable
Religion
ReligionMostly Christian, with Catholic and evangelical strongholds; growing Jewish and nonreligious communities.
Plurality Christian, large Catholic, sizable Jewish in NYC, growing Muslim, Hindu, nonreligious
Florida
Mostly Christian, with Catholic and evangelical strongholds; growing Jewish and nonreligious communities.
VS
New York
Plurality Christian, large Catholic, sizable Jewish in NYC, growing Muslim, Hindu, nonreligious
Seasons in Florida vs NY: A Local's Unfiltered Opinion
SUMMER
Florida
Just plain hot (triple digits and 98% humidity in Miami)
New York
subway sauna chic (sticky in NYC, kinder in the Adirondacks)
WINTER
Florida
Sweater optional (unless you're in the Panhandle, then it's gloves and regret)
New York
parka plus sass required (lake effect buries Buffalo, slush auditions in Manhattan)
My Favorite Thing About Winter/Spring/Summer/Fall in New York
The "ber" months in New York are unmatched. Whether you're apple picking in Hudson valley or cruising the parkway on Long Island to get to your favorite brewery, the vibrant foliage is an instant serotonin boost. And most of the fall months bring impeccable weather -- dry with moderate temperatures -- which give limitless potential to your fall pumpkin patch photoshoot wardrobe.
Alexa MatthewsNew York Local ExpertNext Steps
Learn More About Moving to New York
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 York. No boring census stats... we promise! Just practical real advice from New York local experts.
Moving toAlbany
Shovel Wars, Stewart's Runs and Egg Lit Sunsets
Moving toBinghamton
Pack Spiedies. LUMA Dazzles. Free Carousels
Moving toBrooklyn
Pack Your Fixie and Your Rent Anxiety
