The fact that you need to be very aware of all aspects when moving from one location to another holds a lot more weightage when you’re moving from North Carolina to Florida. There are a few similarities between the places, and a few stark differences as well, and understanding them will make or break your experience after moving. Keep on reading our guide for moving from North Carolina to Florida to know everything you might need!
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Residents of North Carolina know the interesting and occasionally beautiful weather that this state offers. It ranges from medium continental in the North, with cooler summers and heavy showers, to subtropical conditions in the Southeast.
On average, the annual temperature lands around 55°F in the mountains, 60°F in the central region, and 66°F in the eastern part of the state. Occasionally, the coast of North Carolina sees hurricanes, while the inland sees tornadoes. However, they are rarely severe.
Florida, on the other hand, has very different climatic conditions throughout the year. Most of the state experiences subtropical conditions with mild winters and hot, sunny summers. More often than not, the time between June to September becomes very muggy, and sees a lot of thunderstorms.
In the summer season, the Sunshine State sees temperatures averaging between 88°F and 91°F during the day. It also gets intensely humid. However, afternoon breezes and thunderstorms bring in some relief from the heat and humidity.
On the contrary, the winters in this state see a different range of temperatures altogether. In the coldest month, i.e. January, the temperatures usually range between 52°F and 68°F. So, it is safe to say that the winters are very mild. Although, you will see short patches of dipping temperatures, making it chilly for a short time.
Because of the thunderstorms, tornadoes, and proper showers during the winter months, you can expect rains for most of the year in Florida. Snowfall, on the other hand, is extremely rare and is only seen in the northern part of the state.
When it comes to the cost of living, the state of North Carolina is much more affordable than Florida. However, when pitted against the overall average cost of living for the entire country, both states land very close on either side of it.
In fact, Bestplaces puts the average overall cost of living for the USA at 100. On the same scale, North Carolina lands at 90.6, while Florida ranks at 102.8. So, you will feel a pinch when you move from North Carolina to Florida. However, these costs are not very high when compared to a majority of the other states in the US.
See Also: Hidden Moving Costs and Expenses
The housing market in both the states is vastly different, yet has two similarities: the prices are going up and the inventory is limited. However, even though Florida is attracting more people than NC, this problem is much more pronounced in the latter. The strong economy and diversity in the housing market in Florida make it easier for people to find housing. To give you a clear idea of what these two housing markets look like in terms of money, here’s a table with data taken from Zillow.
| North Carolina | Florida | |
| Median Home Value | $295,340 | $356,349 |
Also Read: Things to Buy for a New House
The thing with the rental market across the US is that the prices are increasing faster than ever before. However, North Carolina sees a steeper increase in rent costs. This is mostly tied to the increasing house prices, which have forced more people into renting, consequently amplifying the shortage of available rental properties. This has also made finding a good house much more difficult.
In Florida, while there are more houses available, the base cost of housing is much higher than in North Carolina. So, even if you find a good deal without a lot of hassle, there’s a very high chance you’ll almost certainly pay more than you would in North Carolina. Here’s a table from Bestplaces to give you a very clear idea of the rental market in both states.
| City | 1 Bedroom | 2 Bedroom | 3 Bedroom |
| North Carolina | $824 | $974 | $1,273 |
| Florida | $1,103 | $1,350 | $1,790 |
When you compare the tax burdens in North Carolina and Florida, you’ll realize that both the states are very similar, with Florida being the one to have fewer expenses in terms of taxes. To give you a very clear idea of the taxes and tax rates, here’s a breakdown of the sales taxes, property taxes, and income taxes in North Carolina as well as Florida.
Starting with the sales tax, North Carolina levies sales tax at a base rate of 4.75%. Depending upon what county and city you live in, it might go as high as 7.5%. On the other hand, Florida has a general sales tax rate of 6%. Moreover, the state of Florida also has a few exceptions with lowered tax rates on certain goods and services.
Next, both states have an average effective property tax rate that is lower than the national average of 1.07%. In North Carolina, the residents pay property taxes at a rate of 0.77%. On the other hand, Floridians pay about 0.83% as their effective property tax rate. So, residents in both places end up paying almost the same amount for their property tax.
Lastly, the situation with income taxes is poles apart in these two states. In North Carolina, the effective statewide income tax is levied at a rate of 4.16%. On the other hand, the people living in Florida don’t have to worry about income tax at all! However, they still have to file federal income taxes and their returns.
The operational expenses incurred while living in a place can become one of the biggest stressors, or the biggest boons. Comparing the cost of utilities in both states, the cost of things like electricity, water, heating, and garbage disposal is around $168 in NC, while the same will cost around $185 in Florida. If you add a decent internet connection to the utility bill, both of them go up by $60.
When it comes to food, the state of Florida is marginally more expensive than North Carolina. In the latter, a single individual will end up spending an average of $3,103 on food annually, while a family of four will end up spending around $8,960. When it comes to Florida, the food costs in this state are almost in line with the national average. In this state, a single adult might be shelling out around $3,411 annually, while a family of four might spend about $9,850. While these prices are close to the national average, they do fall slightly above it.
Lastly, when it comes to healthcare, Florida is much more affordable than North Carolina. This is because of the extensive system in place in the state as well as the high number of private healthcare entities operating in the area.
According to 24/7WallSt., in North Carolina, insurance premiums and out-of-pocket costs will add up to about $6,101. The same for a family of four might end up somewhere around $18,378. On the other hand, Florida residents only have to pay about $4,213 for insurance premiums and out-of-pocket costs, while a family of four will spend somewhere around $12,763.
To give you a clear scale of comparison, the countrywide average costs for these healthcare entities are $4,266 for a single individual, and a family of four will pay somewhere around $12,950.
North Carolina as a state sees a higher total crime rate when compared to Florida. According to NeighborhoodScout, the total crime rate in North Carolina is 26.87, while that in Florida is 21.73. For comparison, the national median for total crime rates is 23. For an even clearer picture, here’s a breakdown of the property and violent crimes in North Carolina and Florida.
Starting with North Carolina, the state has a violent crime rate of 3.87, while the national median for the same is 4. This brings the chances of becoming a victim of violent crimes in North Carolina to 1 in 258. On the other hand, the rate of property crimes in this state is 17.85, which also falls below the national median of 19. This brings the chances of becoming a victim of property crimes in North Carolina to 1 in 56.
The state of Florida suffers from a crime rate that is slightly above the national median. Starting with violent crimes, Florida has a crime rate of 4.26, while the property crime rate is 22.61. This brings the chances of becoming a victim of violent crimes to 1 in 235 and the chances of becoming a victim of property crimes to 1 in 44.
Yes, the overall crime rate in Florida is a little more than that in North Carolina. However, that is not a reflection of the entire state. In fact, most places are safe enough for you and your family to live happily and not worry about the crimes taking place in the area.
The economies in both these states are very diverse and have their own set of strengths. However, when you put the statistics in place, it becomes evident that the economy of Florida is stronger than the economy of North Carolina. In fact, US News ranks the economy of North Carolina at 17 and the economy of Florida at 8, when economies of all states are pitted against each other.
Speaking of Florida specifically, it is home to the fourth-largest economy in the US, and the 16th largest economy in the world. It is an economy that is majorly driven by tourism, hospitality, agriculture, real estate, and transportation. These industries collectively brought the GDP of Florida to about $1,106,035 million in 2021.
| North Carolina | Florida | |
| Average Income Per Year | $65,000 | $64,000 |
There are more than a few huge employers in this state that have brought the unemployment rate down to 4.6% and the average salary to $51,908. However, a good salary in Florida is anything above $62,516. That being said, here’s a list of some of the biggest employers in the Sunshine State.
Florida is known to set the pace for the quality of education in the USA. You get to choose between private and public schools, as well as colleges, that are ranked at the very top in the entire country. According to the Florida Department Of Education, the education system ranked 2nd for the high school graduation rate, 3rd for middle school mathematics, and 4th in high school vocabulary for the year 2021. These were accompanied by high rankings in many more categories.
Here’s a list of some of the best schools and colleges in Florida, with data taken from GreatSchools.
See Also: How Can I Keep My Child In The Same School If I Move
Getting into and around both states is a very easy task due to the three major modes of transport: roadways, railways, and airways. In both North Carolina and Florida, if you are traveling from specific parts to other similar ones, you might also be able to take advantage of water-based transportation.
Starting with the airways, North Carolina is home to eight major airports, out of which Charlotte Douglas, Piedmont Triad, Raleigh-Durham, and Wilmington are international airports. On the other hand, Florida is home to more than 10 major airports. Out of these, Orlando, Miami, Tampa, and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood are international airports. All of these airports are very well connected and will give you easy access to all other regional airports in the state.
Secondly, you can use railways to get in and around North Carolina and Florida. In North Carolina, Amtrak runs twelve trains that serve 17 cities. Moreover, you also have light-rail systems in multiple cities, making it easier for you to get around.
On the other hand, Florida has a limited number of Amtrak trains. These trains are mostly useful only for getting in and out of the state. However, a part of the Amtrak Silver Star does service many Floridian cities. So, you can use that service to get around the state.
Driving is a rather easy task in both states. However, Florida does take the cake in this department. Because of the terrain and weather, driving in North Carolina is much more complex, while driving around Florida is easier due to the flat terrain and relatively low precipitation.
Lastly, Florida has a few areas that can be accessed by boat, while North Carolina has a rather extensive ferry system. In Florida, you can travel between Port Canaveral, Tampa, and Miami, while North Carolina has the second-largest ferry system in the nation. While it may not be as extensive, Florida’s water taxis make sure you won’t miss those in North Carolina too much.
See Also: Moving From Connecticut To Florida – A Detailed Guide
Being home to theme parks like Universal Studios and Walt Disney World, Orlando is a beautifully energetic city that is blessed with a gorgeous skyline. It is also home to an aggressively-recovering tourism industry. However, that is not the only industry making waves in this city.
It is a hub for healthcare, manufacturing, and clean energy. The residential part of the city is a stunning collection of lakefront bungalows, planned communities, and multiple amenities that make it perfect for professionals and families.
Population: 280,832
Median Home Value: $240,000
Monthly Median Rent: $1,196
Annual Median Household Income: $51,757
There wouldn’t be a list of the best places to live in Florida without the city of Miami. Fondly called ‘Little Cuba’ and ‘Magic City’, this is a city that is a unique combination of culture, fun, and the chance at a fulfilling life.
Miami has a booming economy that is driven by hospitality, tourism, transportation, nightlife, and finance. So, you can very easily find a suitable job in this city. You are also welcomed by about 20 distinct neighborhoods in this city, and all of them offer a different kind of beauty and family-friendly amenities.
Population: 454,279
Median Home Value: $317,700
Monthly Median Rent: $1,183
Annual Median Household Income: $39,049
Sitting along Florida’s west coast, Tampa is a city that does not get the credit we think it deserves. There are excellent healthcare institutions, great schools, and multiple Fortune 1000 companies that ensure amazing job opportunities for the people living here.
Moreover, Tampa also has a lot of biking and hiking trails accompanied by a lot of family-friendly venues like aquariums, zoos, and museums. Two things that make Tampa stand out even more are its colorful Cuban culture and its inclusivity toward the LGBTQ+ community.
Population: 387,916
Median Home Value: $238,900
Monthly Median Rent: $1,131
Annual Median Household Income: $53,833
Fort Lauderdale is relatively very small for the amount of life it holds. It is home to the sixth-largest school district in the country, as well as several public and private colleges and universities. Moreover, the city boasts of a strong economy that is driven by travel-related industries, finance, retail trade, and healthcare.
Residents of Fort Lauderdale have a lot of choices when choosing a place to live. However, the ones that choose to live in homesteads are eligible to get exemptions on their property taxes.
Population: 180,124
Median Home Value: $334,000
Monthly Median Rent: $1,293
Annual Median Household Income: $59,450
Also Read: 13 Largest Cities in Florida
Depending upon the number of things you need to carry, the movers that you choose, and the exact distance of your move, the total expense of moving is going to differ drastically. However, on average, the 670-mile move between North Carolina and Florida will cost you anywhere between $1,650 and $5,750.
Summing Up
Moving from North Carolina to Florida can be a lot of things. The one thing it cannot be is rushed. Florida does seem very inviting with a sturdier job market, better standards of education, and lots and lots of sunshine.
However, there are also pitfalls to moving to the Sunshine State. Everything is a little more expensive and the crime rates are relatively higher. So, make sure you have done the maximum amount of research you can, figure out what part of the state works for you, and live happily ever after!
See Also: Moving From Virginia To Florida – A Detailed Guide
On average, the cost of moving from North Carolina to Florida can be anywhere from $1,650 and $5,750. However, factors like the price of the movers, the exact distance of the move, and the route they take will make a huge difference to the effective price.
All things considered, it is safe to say that the state of Florida is about 2.3% more expensive than North Carolina. This high price that is seen in Florida is a result of the large number of tourists as well as the high housing prices.
To enjoy a comfortable life in the state of Florida, you will have to earn at least $15.60 per hour. This translates to an average annual salary of $32,448. However, a ‘good’ salary in this state would be around $62,500 annually.
When compared to the rest of the country, the rent in Florida does fall above the national average. For example, the city of Miami holds a medium rent price of $2,340 for a one-bedroom apartment, while Fort Lauderdale is a close second with a median listing of $1,940.
Alex Sherr is the founder of My Long Distance Movers, a blog that provides moving information and resources for people who are relocating. He has more than two decades of experience in the moving and relocation industry, and he is passionate about helping people relocate smoothly and efficiently. When he's not writing or blogging, Alex enjoys spending time with his wife and two young children.
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