Moving from Chicago to Florida in 2026 costs about $2,500 to $6,300 for a full-service move of a two or three-bedroom home, and covers roughly 1,100 to 1,380 miles depending on your Florida city. Most moves take two to eight days. The draw is clear: no state income tax, warm winters, and a strong job market. This guide covers the cost, the route, the top Florida cities, and the steps to settle in.
At Collins Family Movers, Florida is one of our most requested long-distance routes. Every winter, more Chicagoans trade snow and heating bills for sunshine. Below we break down real 2026 pricing, distances to each major Florida metro, and the residency and weather details you need before you load the truck.
How Much It Costs to Move from Chicago to Florida
Long-distance moves are priced by weight and distance, plus any packing or storage. Here is what a Chicago to Florida move runs in 2026 with a full-service mover.
| Home Size | Full-Service Cost |
|---|---|
| 1-bedroom | $1,400–$4,500 |
| 2-bedroom | $2,533–$5,799 |
| 3-bedroom | $3,800–$6,293 |
| 4-bedroom+ | $5,000–$8,500+ |
Figures come from 2026 data by Nelson Westerberg and moveBuddha. Budget carriers and shared-load moves can run lower. Allied reports an average Chicago to Florida move near $2,959.
Cheaper do-it-yourself options exist:
- Rental truck: starts around $873 for a small load, but you drive and load it yourself.
- Moving container: ranges from about $1,062 to $5,197, where you pack and the company hauls.
Peak season, May through September, adds 15% to 25% to any option. Shipment weight drives most of the cost. A two-bedroom apartment weighs 5,000 to 7,000 pounds, while a three-bedroom home runs 8,000 to 11,000 pounds.
Distance and Route to Each Florida City
Chicago sits well north of Florida, so the drive is long. The exact mileage depends on your destination.
| Florida City | Distance from Chicago | Approx. Drive |
|---|---|---|
| Tampa | ~1,100 miles | 16–18 hrs |
| Orlando | ~1,133 miles | 17–19 hrs |
| Jacksonville | ~1,050 miles | 15–17 hrs |
| Fort Lauderdale | ~1,300 miles | 20–22 hrs |
| Miami | ~1,380 miles | 21–23 hrs |
The typical route runs south on I-65 through Indianapolis and Nashville, then onto I-24 and I-75 into Florida. The gap in cost between Gulf Coast and South Florida cities is usually $300 to $600. A professional carrier delivers in two to eight days, and shared loads can add several more.
Best Florida Cities for Chicago Transplants
Florida offers a city for every stage of life. These metros draw the most Chicagoans.
- Tampa: a top-ten most-moved-to city with a strong economy, Gulf beaches, and lower costs than Miami.
- Orlando: more than theme parks, with a big-city feel, growing tech and healthcare jobs, and family appeal.
- Miami: an international business hub with beaches, nightlife, and a warm, global culture.
- Jacksonville: the largest city by area, with affordable housing and a slower pace.
- Sarasota and Fort Myers: Gulf Coast favorites for retirees and second-home buyers.
- St. Augustine: historic charm for those who want a smaller coastal town.
Why Chicagoans Choose Florida
The financial case is straightforward. Florida has no state income tax, while Illinois applies a 4.95% flat rate to every dollar earned. For high earners and retirees, that gap alone can justify the move. Add lower property taxes, warm weather, and over 300 days of sun, and the math works for many families.
Illinois lost a net 40,017 residents to other states in a recent year, and Florida absorbed a large share of those moving out of Chicago for the South and Sun Belt. If Florida is not the fit, many Chicagoans also weigh moving to Texas from Chicago or moving to Phoenix from Chicago for the same tax and weather reasons.
What to Know Before You Go
Florida life comes with a few adjustments Chicagoans should plan for:
- Heat and humidity. Summers are hot and sticky, and air conditioning is a must.
- Hurricane season. It runs June through November. Learn evacuation routes and insurance basics.
- Car dependence. Unlike Chicago, most Florida cities have limited transit, so you will drive more.
Setting Up Residency in Florida
Move fast on the paperwork to claim Florida residency and its tax benefits:
- Get a Florida driver's license within 30 days of establishing residency.
- Register your vehicle within 10 days if you take a job or enroll kids in school.
- Set up utilities, healthcare, and schools before or right after arrival.
- Update your address with USPS, your bank, and your employer.
Verify any long-distance mover through the federal FMCSA SAFER database and check Florida movers with the state's FDACS registry before you sign a contract.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to move from Chicago to Florida?
A full-service move runs about $2,533 to $6,293 for a two or three-bedroom home in 2026. Rental trucks start near $873, and containers range from about $1,062 to $5,197.
How long does the move take?
Professional carriers deliver in two to eight days. Shared-load moves can add three to seven days, and winter weather on the northern leg can add one to three more.
How far is Chicago from Florida?
It ranges from about 1,050 miles to Jacksonville to roughly 1,380 miles to Miami. Tampa is near 1,100 miles and Orlando about 1,133 miles.
Do you save money moving to Florida?
Often yes. Florida has no state income tax, while Illinois charges 4.95%. Lower property taxes and warm weather add to the appeal, though home insurance can cost more due to hurricanes.
What is the best time to move from Chicago to Florida?
Fall through early spring is cheaper and cooler for the drive. Summer is peak season and adds 15% to 25%, plus heat and hurricane risk on arrival.
Move to Florida With Collins Family Movers
Our Chicago Moving Company handles long-distance moves from Chicago to every corner of Florida. We are licensed and insured, with clear binding estimates and careful handling for a 1,000-plus mile haul. From packing to delivery, we keep your belongings safe and your timeline on track. Contact us for a free Chicago to Florida quote and start your Sunshine State chapter.