Mississippi Local Expert
Katherine Mines
“She’s a devoted Disney gal, happily enduring long lines, hot pavement, and goofy mouse ears.”
Read more about me
Moving from MS to Florida: Read This Before You Pack a Single Box
Two Southern states sharing a border might seem like an easy transition, but trading Mississippi's slower pace and lower costs for Florida's coastal energy and tourist driven economy comes with more adjustments than most people anticipate. Mississippi offers affordable land, tight knit communities, and a cost of living that is hard to beat anywhere in the country, while Florida brings year round sunshine, no state income tax, and a lifestyle built around beaches and busy beach towns. Our Snappy Scout team (Katherine & Vanessa) dug into the real costs, logistics, and lifestyle shifts you should expect before you start loading the truck.
Our Local Experts Guiding Your Move
Could You Rent a Moving Truck from MS to FL?
Average distance
550miles
Typical route
Driving from Mississippi to Florida typically takes you along I-10 E as the primary corridor, with I-65 S and US-98 E serving as common connecting routes depending on your origin and destination cities.
Popular moving routes (approx. driving distance):
Jackson, MS → Jacksonville, FL
~650 miles
Biloxi, MS → Pensacola, FL
~100 miles
Hattiesburg, MS → Tampa, FL
~550 miles
Jackson, MS → Orlando, FL
~650 miles
Gulfport, MS → Miami, FL
~750 miles
Should You Move From Mississippi to Florida Quiz
Take this 10 question quiz to find out if the move to Florida from Mississippi 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.
How Much Do Reputable Movers Quote to FL from MS?
Moving 550 miles from Mississippi to Florida will typically cost between $2,500.00 and $5,500.00 to hire full service movers. See the breakdown below by home size.
Expected Range
$2,500.00–$5,500.00
Expected Time
2–9days
Cost by home size
Studio
$1,530.00
1 Bedroom
$2,270.00
2 Bedrooms
$3,750.00
3 Bedrooms
$5,440.00
4 Bedrooms
$7,830.00
5+ Bedrooms
$8,720.00
| Home Size | Moving Cost | Volume (ft³) | $/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,530.00 | 300 | $5.1 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,270.00 | 450 | $5.04 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $3,750.00 | 750 | $5 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $5,440.00 | 1,100 | $4.95 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $7,830.00 | 1,600 | $4.89 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $8,720.00 | 1,800 | $4.84 |
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.
MS vs FL: Which Lifestyle Wins?
Well, it depends. If you're a Surfer Dude, Yoga Instructor, or Adventure Junkie, you'll thrive in your move to Florida. But if you're more of a Stay at Home Mom, Retired Military, or Cowboy, 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 Mississippi to Florida.
Top 3 winners and losers moving from MS to FL
Surfing
Mississippi
3
/10
Florida
9
/10
Mississippi
Giving up
Ship Island boasts tiny breaks, Biloxi Beach or the Back Bay are best for paddle outs.
Florida
Gaining
Ron Jon Surf Shop was practically built for you
Recommended FL cities/areas for Surfer Dudes
Cocoa BeachNew Smyrna Beach
Mississippi
3
/10
Florida
9
/10
Yoga
Mississippi
5
/10
Florida
8.5
/10
Mississippi
Giving up
Sunrise flows at Sardis Lake, Ocean Springs beach meditations.
Florida
Gaining
Beach sunrise flows to start the day. You don't need an indoor gym for hot yoga!
Recommended FL cities/areas for Yoga Instructors
Mississippi
5
/10
Florida
8.5
/10
Adventure Activities
Mississippi
7.5
/10
Florida
9
/10
Mississippi
Giving up
Sandstone bluffs, Clark Creek falls, Mississippi Gulf breezes.
Florida
Gaining
Paddleboarding, hiking, camping, theme parks, and pirate-themed boat rides meet your adrenaline needs.
Recommended FL cities/areas for Adventure Junkies
OrlandoOcalaTampa
Mississippi
7.5
/10
Florida
9
/10
Stay At Home Moms
Mississippi
8.5
/10
Florida
4.5
/10
Mississippi
Giving up
Top schools, Ross Barnett Reservoir parks, Saturday SEC fun.
Florida
Gaining
Great schools and sunshine, but theme park chaos looms close.
Recommended FL cities/areas for Stay at Home Moms
WellingtonWestonWindermere
Mississippi
8.5
/10
Florida
4.5
/10
Military Culture
Mississippi
8
/10
Florida
5
/10
Mississippi
Giving up
Keesler AFB access, VA care, Gulf Coast tee times.
Florida
Gaining
Strong bases, beaches, and VA care make it feel like home.
Recommended FL cities/areas for Retired Militaries
PensacolaJacksonvilleTampaDaytona Beach
Mississippi
8
/10
Florida
5
/10
Cowboys
Mississippi
8.5
/10
Florida
6.5
/10
Mississippi
Giving up
Dixie National Rodeo thrills at Mississippi Coliseum.
Florida
Gaining
Rodeos, cattle drives, and swampy boots meet tropical heat.
Recommended FL cities/areas for Cowboys
OkeechobeeKissimmeeOcala
Mississippi
8.5
/10
Florida
6.5
/10
Local Perspective
What moment, smell, or ritual captures the soul of Florida?
All the festivals and outdoor events! That's why I moved here. I wanted to get outside more, and this state caters to that perfectly. No matter what city you're in, rest assured every weekend there is some big market, festival, event, sports club, or other attraction happening somewhere near you (or a short-ish drive away), all year long.
– Vanessa Leikvoll
Florida Local
Lifestyle differences between living in Mississippi and living in Florida
MississippiFlorida
How the Way Locals Eat Has Changed Between MS and FL
Eating Like a Local in Mississippi
When you're in Mississippi, it's essential that you "get in a pinch" and suck some guts out of a crawfish at least once. Wear a shirt you can get messy, and don't even think about donning one of those plastic bibs--the locals will definitely lose respect for you.
Katherine MinesMississippi Local ExpertEating 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 ExpertIs FL a More Tax-Friendly State for Your Tax Wallet?
Mississippi
Florida
MississippivsFlorida
State Income Tax
State Income TaxFlat 5% phasing toward 4% by 2026
None. Sunshine is free, and so is your paycheck.
Mississippi
Flat 5% phasing toward 4% by 2026
VS
Florida
None. Sunshine is free, and so is your paycheck.
Property Taxes
Property TaxesJackson millage higher, Madison and Rankin moderate, Gulf Coast manageable, rural counties lower
Moderate overall; Miami-Dade higher, Panhandle pleasantly lower.
Mississippi
Jackson millage higher, Madison and Rankin moderate, Gulf Coast manageable, rural counties lower
VS
Florida
Moderate overall; Miami-Dade higher, Panhandle pleasantly lower.
The Honest People, Politics, & Religion Reality: MS vs FL
Mississippi
Florida
MississippivsFlorida
People
PeopleIn no hurry, deeply hospitable, church supper devotees, porch chat pros, generous to neighbors and newcomers alike
Friendly but eccentric; equal parts laid-back, loud, and lightning-fast with opinions.
Mississippi
In no hurry, deeply hospitable, church supper devotees, porch chat pros, generous to neighbors and newcomers alike
VS
Florida
Friendly but eccentric; equal parts laid-back, loud, and lightning-fast with opinions.
Politics
Solidly conservative statewide, with blue pockets in Jackson, the Delta, Oxford, Starkville
A wild beach party of red and blue—expect flip-flops and fiery debates.
Mississippi
Solidly conservative statewide, with blue pockets in Jackson, the Delta, Oxford, Starkville
VS
Florida
A wild beach party of red and blue—expect flip-flops and fiery debates.
Religion
ReligionMostly Protestant Baptist and nondenominational, strong Black churches, more Catholic and Pentecostal presence on Coast
Mostly Christian, with Catholic and evangelical strongholds; growing Jewish and nonreligious communities.
Mississippi
Mostly Protestant Baptist and nondenominational, strong Black churches, more Catholic and Pentecostal presence on Coast
VS
Florida
Mostly Christian, with Catholic and evangelical strongholds; growing Jewish and nonreligious communities.
Leaving MS Summers Behind: What FL Climate Really Feels Like
SUMMER
Mississippi
swamp sauna deluxe (Delta sizzles, Biloxi breathes through a wet towel)
Florida
Just plain hot (triple digits and 98% humidity in Miami)
WINTER
Mississippi
light-medium jacket weather, long pants optional (Tupelo gets surprise ice, the Coast freaks out when temps dip below 60)
Florida
Sweater optional (unless you're in the Panhandle, then it's gloves and regret)
My Favorite Thing About Winter/Spring/Summer/Fall in Florida
I personally love the holiday season in Florida. No matter where in the state you are, every city seems to go all-out with its decorations, lights, festivities, and holiday markets. Everyone thinks Florida is just year-long summer vibes, but we sure know how to put on our holiday best.
Vanessa LeikvollFlorida Local ExpertNext Steps
Learn More About Moving to Florida
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 Mississippi, take a deeper dive into the specifics of moving to Florida. No boring census stats... we promise! Just practical real advice from Florida local experts.
Moving toSt. Petersburg
Glow Shuffle, IPAs, HOAs, Flood Maps
