New Jersey Local Expert
Diane Briante
“I’ve been rooted in New Jersey since day one and have lived everywhere from Hillside to Elizabeth to Springfield before…”
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Moving to Florida from NJ: The Price Tag Most People Don't Expect
Two states that sit on opposite ends of the East Coast offer more contrasts than most people expect when they first consider the move. New Jersey delivers dense neighborhoods, four full seasons, and a cost of living that keeps many residents perpetually searching for an exit ramp, while Florida tempts with sunshine, no state income tax, and a pace of life that takes some serious adjustment. The cultural gap between a Jersey diner at midnight and a beachside tiki bar at happy hour is wider than the miles on the highway suggest. Our Snappy Scout team (Diane & Vanessa) broke down the real costs, the logistics, and the lifestyle realities you need to understand before you hand over your last plate of pork roll and point the moving truck south.
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The Moving Truck Drive from New Jersey to FL
Average distance
1,150miles
Typical route
The drive from New Jersey to Florida typically takes you south along I-95, the primary interstate corridor running along the East Coast. Depending on your origin and destination, you may also travel portions of I-295, I-75, or the Florida Turnpike.
Popular moving routes (approx. driving distance):
Newark, NJ → Miami, FL
~1300 miles
Newark, NJ → Orlando, FL
~1100 miles
Trenton, NJ → Jacksonville, FL
~950 miles
Atlantic City, NJ → Tampa, FL
~1150 miles
Jersey City, NJ → Fort Lauderdale, FL
~1250 miles
Should You Move From New Jersey to Florida Quiz
Take this 10 question quiz to find out if the move to Florida from New Jersey 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 Long-Distance Movers Charge from New Jersey to FL?
Moving 1,150 miles from New Jersey to Florida 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
$1,080.00
1 Bedroom
$1,590.00
2 Bedrooms
$2,610.00
3 Bedrooms
$3,770.00
4 Bedrooms
$5,400.00
5+ Bedrooms
$5,990.00
| Home Size | Moving Cost | Volume (ft³) | $/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,080.00 | 300 | $3.6 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,590.00 | 450 | $3.53 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,610.00 | 750 | $3.48 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $3,770.00 | 1,100 | $3.43 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $5,400.00 | 1,600 | $3.38 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $5,990.00 | 1,800 | $3.33 |
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.
That's the average.
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Who Is the New Jersey to FL Move Really For?
Well, it depends. If you're a Cowboy, Adventure Junkie, or Yoga Instructor, you'll thrive in your move to Florida. But if you're more of a Stay at Home Mom, Binge Shopper, or Wall Street Exec, 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 New Jersey to Florida.
Top 3 winners and losers moving from NJ to FL
Cowboys
New Jersey
2
/10
Florida
6.5
/10
New Jersey
Giving up
Cowtown Rodeo thrills, but spurs feel lonely off Turnpike
Florida
Gaining
Rodeos, cattle drives, and swampy boots meet tropical heat.
Recommended FL cities/areas for Cowboys
OkeechobeeKissimmeeOcala
New Jersey
2
/10
Florida
6.5
/10
Adventure Activities
New Jersey
6
/10
Florida
9
/10
New Jersey
Giving up
Appalachian Trail miles, Pine Barrens paddles, High Point views
Florida
Gaining
Paddleboarding, hiking, camping, theme parks, and pirate-themed boat rides meet your adrenaline needs.
Recommended FL cities/areas for Adventure Junkies
OrlandoOcalaTampa
New Jersey
6
/10
Florida
9
/10
Yoga
New Jersey
7
/10
Florida
8.5
/10
New Jersey
Giving up
Pier A sunrise flows, Gratitude Yoga calm, beach classes
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
New Jersey
7
/10
Florida
8.5
/10
Stay At Home Moms
New Jersey
8
/10
Florida
4.5
/10
New Jersey
Giving up
Mindowaskin Park playdates, Paper Mill shows, Whole Foods and Trader Joes runs
Florida
Gaining
Great schools and sunshine, but theme park chaos looms close.
Recommended FL cities/areas for Stay at Home Moms
WellingtonWestonWindermere
New Jersey
8
/10
Florida
4.5
/10
Shopping
New Jersey
8.5
/10
Florida
6.5
/10
New Jersey
Giving up
Paramus has more malls per mile than anywhere
Florida
Gaining
Outlet heaven, but your credit card might melt in the sun.
Recommended FL cities/areas for Binge Shoppers
OrlandoAventuraPalm Beach
New Jersey
8.5
/10
Florida
6.5
/10
Wall Street Life
New Jersey
6
/10
Florida
4
/10
New Jersey
Giving up
NJ Transit Midtown Direct, Summit clubs, financial district across Hudson
Florida
Gaining
Deals happen poolside, but NYC energy is definitely missing.
Recommended FL cities/areas for Wall Street Execs
MiamiFort Lauderdale
New Jersey
6
/10
Florida
4
/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 New Jersey and living in Florida
New JerseyFlorida
The Food Culture Between New Jersey and FL
Eating 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 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 ExpertFlorida looking like
the right move?
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What the Move to FL from New Jersey Costs You for Your Tax Burden
New Jersey
Florida
New JerseyvsFlorida
State Income Tax
State Income TaxProgressive 1.4% to 10.75%, top rate over $1M, multiple brackets
None. Sunshine is free, and so is your paycheck.
New Jersey
Progressive 1.4% to 10.75%, top rate over $1M, multiple brackets
VS
Florida
None. Sunshine is free, and so is your paycheck.
Property Taxes
Property TaxesNorth Jersey suburbs like Bergen and Essex pricier, South Jersey lower, Jersey City abatements
Moderate overall; Miami-Dade higher, Panhandle pleasantly lower.
New Jersey
North Jersey suburbs like Bergen and Essex pricier, South Jersey lower, Jersey City abatements
VS
Florida
Moderate overall; Miami-Dade higher, Panhandle pleasantly lower.
Moving from New Jersey to FL: The Values, Beliefs, & Politics Reality
New Jersey
Florida
New JerseyvsFlorida
People
PeopleDirect, fast talking, proudly diverse, neighborhood loyal, bagel and pizza opinions unshakeable
Friendly but eccentric; equal parts laid-back, loud, and lightning-fast with opinions.
New Jersey
Direct, fast talking, proudly diverse, neighborhood loyal, bagel and pizza opinions unshakeable
VS
Florida
Friendly but eccentric; equal parts laid-back, loud, and lightning-fast with opinions.
Politics
Reliably blue statewide, GOP strength in Ocean Monmouth Sussex, suburban moderates swing
A wild beach party of red and blue—expect flip-flops and fiery debates.
New Jersey
Reliably blue statewide, GOP strength in Ocean Monmouth Sussex, suburban moderates swing
VS
Florida
A wild beach party of red and blue—expect flip-flops and fiery debates.
Religion
ReligionLargely Christian, many Catholics, notable Jewish in Lakewood and Teaneck, growing Hindu Muslim unaffiliated
Mostly Christian, with Catholic and evangelical strongholds; growing Jewish and nonreligious communities.
New Jersey
Largely Christian, many Catholics, notable Jewish in Lakewood and Teaneck, growing Hindu Muslim unaffiliated
VS
Florida
Mostly Christian, with Catholic and evangelical strongholds; growing Jewish and nonreligious communities.
What Hits Different About the Climate When You Move to FL from New Jersey
SUMMER
New Jersey
boardwalk waffle iron (sticky 90s inland, ocean breeze tempers the Shore)
Florida
Just plain hot (triple digits and 98% humidity in Miami)
WINTER
New Jersey
puffer coat roulette (High Point bites, Cape May shrugs)
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 Expert✧ You've researched the move ✧
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Next 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 New Jersey, 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
