Skip to content

Free comparison

Moving from California to Florida

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Tech, beaches, mountains — and the country's highest housing costs. vs. No income tax, beaches, hurricanes, retiree haven.

CA state flag
Living now

California

Capital: Sacramento

Median household income $91,905 · winter low 45°F · 258 sunny days

Tech, beaches, mountains — and the country's highest housing costs.

FL state flag
Moving to

Florida

Capital: Tallahassee

Median household income $67,917 · winter low 53°F · 237 sunny days

No income tax, beaches, hurricanes, retiree haven.

Florida has an overall price level 103.4 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
California
110.7
Florida
103.4
Florida has 6.6% lower overall price level
Housing index
California
154.3
Florida
122.1
Florida has 21% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
California
102.7
Florida
100.9
Florida has 1.8% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
California
101.6
Florida
100.5
Florida has 1.1% lower utilities
Electricity rate
California
33.4 ¢/kWh
Florida
14.9 ¢/kWh
Florida has 55% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
California
102.1
Florida
100.7
Florida has 1.4% lower transportation
Median home value
California
$759,500
Florida
$396,900
Florida is 48% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
California
$1,835/mo
Florida
$1,589/mo
Florida is 13% cheaper to rent

Sources: NOAA Climate Normals · EPA AirNow (live) state-level

Summer high 91°F · Winter low 53°F · 237 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
California
84°F
Florida
91°F
Florida is 8.3% more summer highs
Avg winter low
California
45°F
Florida
53°F
Florida is 18% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
California
59°F
Florida
72°F
Florida is 22% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
California
258
Florida
237
Florida has 8.1% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
California
26 in
Florida
55 in
Florida is 115% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
California
68
Florida
43
Florida has 37% lower AQI
Snow / year
California
16 in
Florida
0 in
Florida is 100% less annual snowfall

Get the full CaliforniaFlorida report

Schools, healthcare, taxes, transportation, lifestyle, crime, family fit, move logistics, AI assistant, and 90-day timeline.

See the full comparison

Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in Florida than California?

Florida's overall price level is roughly 99.6 (US avg = 100), vs about 113 for California — based on BEA Regional Price Parities. Housing is the dominant driver of the difference. Run a comparison for the full, current breakdown.

What's the income tax difference?

California tops out at 13.3% income tax. Florida tops out at 0%.

How long do I have to register my vehicle in Florida?

Most Florida residents must register a vehicle within 30-60 days of moving. Check the piomover report for state-specific deadlines.

Related comparisons