There are several reasons why you might want to relocate to Florida. You may want a fresh start, to get away from the snow and ice, or to improve the quality of life for yourself and your family. Many people consider the reasons listed above before moving to Florida from New Jersey.
Is moving to Florida worth it?
Yes, moving to Florida is worth it if you want to experience living in the sunshine state with beautiful weather all year round, stunning beaches, a slow-paced life, and renowned theme parks. moving from NJ to FL will also be lighter on your pocket as New Jersey is more expensive than Florida.
Is it better to live in NJ or Florida?
Relocating to Florida is better than living in NJ due to several reasons. These include fantastic weather, a better job market, a lower cost of living, and so on.
In this article, we are going to talk about various aspects of moving to Florida, including the benefits of doing so, things to know before moving, and the cheapest way to move from New Jersey to Florida.
1. Cost of Living in New Jersey vs Florida
The cost of living in Florida is above the national average, but it is still 15.6% cheaper than in New Jersey.
While some cities in the state may be more expensive than New Jersey cities, if we compare the largest cities of Florida with that of New Jersey, the former would be a clear winner.
How much cheaper is Florida than New Jersey?
The average cost of living in Florida is $50689 per year, whereas the average cost in New Jersey is $54700.
How much do you need a month to live in Florida?
While this depends on the city in Florida you are living in and your family situation, according to an MIT report a single person needs to earn $2500 monthly to $3000 to qualify for minimum wage in Florida.
How much does it cost to live in Florida?
The cost of living in Florida is $50689 yearly, and that’s how much it costs to live in Florida.
A detailed comparison of the cost of living in the states of Florida and New Jersey has been given below:
| Expenses | Average cost New Jersey | Average cost Florida |
| Transportation | $8941 (one adult, no children) | $5477 (one adult, no children) |
| Grocery | $3433 (this doesn’t include eating out in restaurants) | $3886 (This doesn’t include eating out amount) |
| Housing | $440368 (average house value) | $377706 (average house value) |
| Energy | $1380 | $909 |
| Rent | $1370 (2-bedroom apartment) | $1790 (2-bedroom apartment) |
| Health care | $4273 | $7676 |
Source- Zillow and Bureau of Economic Analysis
2. Things to Know Before Moving From NJ to Florida
While planning to move to Florida from New Jersey, you must research and know a few important things such as the safest places to live in Florida, moving costs, tax rates, lifestyle in Florida, and so on.
What are the benefits of living in Florida?
There are many benefits of living in Florida including pleasant weather throughout the year, reduced cost of living, better job opportunities, and reduced tax rates.
Is living in Florida worth it?
Yes, living in Florida is worth it if you want to move to a state that can provide with you a high-quality life with reduced cost of living, superb amenities, affordable utility prices, low tax rates, and a lucrative job market.
I) Fantastic Weather
The weather of Florida is beautiful all year round with sunny summers and mild winters. However, in New Jersey, you will experience extreme winters that are cold and icy and hot summers.
| seasons | Average temperature New Jersey | Average temperature Florida |
| Winter | 25 degrees F- 39 degrees F | 57 degrees F- 65 degrees F |
| Summer | 75-85 Degrees F | 70-82 degrees F |
II) Beaches
In New Jersey, there are 60 beaches, but Florida beaches are widely regarded as among the best in the world. The Sunshine State has over 350 miles of coastline, with various types of beaches.
Some beaches are popular with partygoers, but there are also many family beaches. There are 189 beaches in Florida, with Daytona Beach in Volusia County being the most popular.
III) Taxes
Florida is a better state to move to than New Jersey if you want to reduce your tax liability. Florida’s state-level income tax is nil whereas New Jersey charges state income tax ranging from 1.40-10.75% as well as sales tax of 6.625% from its residents.
Is Florida completely tax-free?
Florida’s state income tax is nil, however, it does charge a sales tax of 6% and a property tax of 0.98% from its residents.
Why are Taxes so cheap in Florida?
The main reason why taxes are low in Florida is the state income tax on its residents is nil. This means that residents of Florida only have to pay federal income taxes. The state sales tax is also quite low at 6%.
Why is Florida so tax tax-friendly
Residents of Florida can save a lot of tax money as the state’s income tax rate is nil, which means they don’t have to pay any tax on their social security, 401(k) income, and pension income, making Florida a tax haven for people.
IV) Transportation
Florida’s public transportation system is great and many trains run here on several routes owned by private companies such as Amtrak and Brightline.
Cabs can also be hired through ride-sharing apps such as Uber and Lyft. The state has a well-developed bus and transit system, so getting from one point to another is quite easy and less time-consuming.
3. Best Places to Live In Florida For Families
While there are many safe cities in Florida with low crime rates, easy accessibility, and quality living neighborhoods, a few of the best cities are mentioned below.
I) Jacksonville
- Home Price to Income Ratio: 4.85
- Median Household Income: $58263
- Average Cost of Living: 3470$ monthly for a family of four
Jacksonville is the most populous city in Florida and the second-largest city by area. Jacksonville is also an affordable city and its average cost of living is 7% lower than that of Florida. A good salary in Jacksonville for a single person would be $34033 annually, and to live comfortably here one must earn $60000 or more. The average rent here ranges from$900-$1500, which is quite affordable as well.
II) Pensacola
- Home Price to Income Ratio: 2.41
- Median Household Income: $59119
- Average Cost of Living: 3530$ monthly for a family of 4
Known as the city of 5 flags, Pensacola is an affordable place to live in Florida. It is a great place to live and a good choice for people who want to spend less yet enjoy a high-quality lifestyle. The cost of living here is 5% less than the country’s average and it is mainly due to low state income taxes, and lower median home values.
III) Orlando
- Home Price to Income Ratio: 4.47
- Median Household Income: $58968
- Average Cost of Living: $5663 monthly for a family of 4
Orlando is one of the most famous cities here, and also quite expensive. There are many things to do in Orlando for adults as well as children. It is expensive to live in Orlando when compared with most other cities in the state. To live comfortably here, a single person must be making $67740 or more annually post-tax.
4. Moving Cost from NJ to Florida
The average moving cost from NJ to Florida would range from somewhere between $800-$8000. However, this cost will vary due to several factors such as the size of the vehicle, the type of rental vehicle hired by you, and the time of the year.
Hiring a moving truck can cost you around $1500 for a one-bedroom apartment while hiring a pod can cost you around $2200. Thus, hiring a rental truck would be the most affordable option for you.
| size | Moving company cost | POD container cost | Rental truck cost |
| 1 bedroom | $1200-$4600 | $1000-$2200 | $800-$1500 |
| 2-3 bedroom | $2500-$6000 | $1600-$3200 | $800-$1600 |
| 4+ bedroom | $4200-$8000 | $2200-$4250 | $1000-$2000 |
5. Moving to Florida from the NJ checklist
If you are planning to move from New Jersey to Florida, make sure to follow the below checklist for a smooth and hassle-free relocation.
- Get Rid of Things You Do Not Need- Before moving, discard the things that you no longer need. You can do this either by donating these items, giving them to friends or family, or organizing a yard sale.
- Update your address- You’ll need to update your new address with the post office, the DMV, and your financial institutions. This will ensure you do not miss any important communication sent to you.
- Registering your car- You also need to register your car in Florida and get a new license plate. You get 10 days to do so after becoming a resident of Florida by submitting certain documents and paying an initial registration fee of $100.
- Getting Florida driver’s license- Getting a Florida driver’s license is easy. You can convert your New Jersey license to a Florida license by providing certain identification documents
- Registering to vote- You also need to register to vote in Florida which will allow you to vote in local elections. This can be done in person, via mail, or online.
- Getting health insurance- Moving to Florida means you can’t keep the old health insurance of New Jersey. Inform your move to the health insurance company and request them to enroll you in a new plan.
6. Pros and Cons of Moving to Florida from NJ
Florida is a great state to live and raise your family but just like any other place it has its shortcomings which have been discussed below
What is the downside of Florida?
The downside of Florida include high humidity during summers, prone to hurricanes, and a high crime rate compared to New Jersey
What are the 6 reasons not to move to Florida?
- A large number of tourists
- Expensive car and home insurance
- Summers can turn very hot with high humidity
- The healthcare system is poor
- High humidity makes it tough to go out and enjoy beaches
- Hurricanes frequently occur here
Moving From New Jersey to Florida FAQs
Why are people from New Jersey moving to Florida?
People are moving from NJ to Florida due to many reasons such as amazing weather, reduced cost of living, and the creative job market.
Is Florida a good place to raise a family?
Yes, Florida is a great place to raise a family.
Do I pay New Jersey income tax if I live in Florida?
No, you don’t have to pay New Jersey income tax if you live in Florida and are its resident.
How far is Florida from new jersey?
Florida is 1100 miles far from New Jersey.
Conclusion
Florida is a beautiful state where several amenities are available for its residents. The reduced tax rate, high-quality infrastructure, and low cost of living make it an ideal living choice for people all across the country.