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Moving from Florida to California

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

FL state flag
Living now

Florida

Capital: Tallahassee

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

No income tax, beaches, hurricanes, retiree haven.

CA state flag
Moving to

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.

California has an overall price level 110.7 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Florida
103.4
California
110.7
California has 7.1% higher overall price level
Housing index
Florida
122.1
California
154.3
California has 26% higher housing costs
Groceries index
Florida
98.1
California
106.1
California has 8.2% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Florida
100.5
California
101.6
California has 1.1% higher utilities
Electricity rate
Florida
15.4 ¢/kWh
California
35.3 ¢/kWh
California has 129% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Florida
100.7
California
102.1
California has 1.5% higher transportation
Median home value
Florida
$396,900
California
$759,500
California is 91% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Florida
$1,812/mo
California
$2,104/mo
California is 16% more expensive to rent

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

Summer high 84°F · Winter low 45°F · 258 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Florida
91°F
California
84°F
California is 7.7% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Florida
53°F
California
45°F
California is 15% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Florida
72°F
California
59°F
California is 18% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Florida
237
California
258
California has 8.9% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Florida
55 in
California
26 in
California is 53% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Florida
59
California
56
California has 5.1% lower AQI
Earthquakes (M3+, past yr)
Florida
0
California
302
Snow / year
Florida
0 in
California
16 in

Get the full FloridaCalifornia report

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

See the full comparison

Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in California than Florida?

California's overall price level is roughly 113 (US avg = 100), vs about 99.6 for Florida, 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?

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

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

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

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