Post by californialiving on May 23, 2020 19:40:45 GMT
Is it Better to Live in California or Florida?
Updated on November 26, 2019 by Ron Stack
Home - Which State is Better, Florida or... - Is it Better to Live in California or Florida?
Which is a Better State to Live or Retire, Florida or California?
To find out, I did a state to state comparison of the differences between California and Florida on 10 quality of life factors.
I used factors that important to most of us such as a state’s healthcare quality and cost of living.
These factors have been measured and reported by reputable government and nonprofit sources.
Here’s a comparison of living in Florida vs California, based on these 10 quality of life factors.
Cost of living
Economy
Taxes
Health care quality
Crime rates
Education
Weather
Beaches
Resident happiness
Natural disasters
Our first quality of life comparison: The cost of living
people shopping farmers market
1) California Vs Florida Cost of Living
The cost of living in Florida in 2017 is higher than it is in most US states according to public government reporting, including the US Census Bureau. The cost of living in California is the 2nd highest in the entire country. Only Hawaii is more expensive. So although Florida is an expensive place to live compared to most states, it still is less expensive than living in California.
Cost of Living Advantage: Florida.
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2) California vs Florida Which has the Better Economy?
The majority of people reading this article are probably not independently wealthy. Most of you will probably have to find employment to pay your bills, or you’re retired counting on fixed income payments to pay your bills. So a good economy for those who need jobs and those who who are retired who may think they will never need another job (unfortunately this can change), may consider the state that offers better job opportunities, as the state with the best economy for them.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate in California in October 2017 in Florida was 3.6%. This was the 16th lowest rate in the US. California’s unemployment rate was 4.9%, putting it in 41st place.
Better Economy Advantage: Florida
florida move guide book cover and discription
Next comparison: Taxes
3) California vs Florida on Taxes
According to the Tax Foundation, Florida’s combined state and local tax burden is 8.9%. This places Florida at the 34th highest rate out of the 50 states. So taxes take a lower bite out of your income in Florida than in most US states. California’s overall tax rate is estimated at 11% total making it the 6th highest of all US states. Florida also does not require citizens to file a personal income tax because it doesn’t collect one which makes it easier and cheaper for Florida residents at tax filing time. The higher your income, the more of an advantage living in Florida is when it comes to taxes.
Tax Advantage: Florida.
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Next comparison: Health Care
hospital emergency entrance
4) California Vs Florida Health Care
According the US Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Florida’s healthcare quality is lower than most states, coming in with a #30 ranking out of 50 states. This is an improvement over much lower rankings in years past, so the state seems to be on the right track even though it’s still ranked lower than most states in the country. The quality of care in California is rated even lower than Florida at #42.
Better Health Care Quality Advantage: Florida.
_____
Next comparison: Crime Rates
5) California Vs Florida Crime rate
How safe will you be as you walk along the beach or take a walk in your neighborhood? According to public reporting by the FBI, the overall crime rate in Florida makes it the 39th safest state in which to live. California has a higher crime rate overall that most other US states, but its 31rst place ranking puts it ahead of Florida.
Lower Crime Advantage: California.
_____
Next comparison: Education
6) California vs Florida Education K-12
If you have school-age children, the education you kids will get from kindergarten through high school in both California and Florida will be below average according to the research center Education Week. The report does place Florida a few notches above California.
However, ratings of individual schools can vary widely by school district, and even within the same district. Ratings also vary greatly from one rating organization to the next. I recommend through before moving kids away from family, friends and schools until you consider the effects it may have as well as the chances of the move working out. Too many move to Florida only to move again after realizing it was a mistake.
Education advantage Florida
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Next comparison: Weather…
7) California Vs Florida Weather
Many people think of California and Florida as both being warm and sunny. However, if you look at National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration data on humidity and days of sunshine, these two states do not have very similar weather. California has far more sunny days per year, and the humidity is far more likely to be in our human comfort range daily.
Better Weather Advantage: California.
_____
Next comparison: Beaches
sunny day white sand beach
8) California Vs Florida Beaches
Dr Beach has named more Florida beaches on his top 10 best beach’s list for both 2016 and 2017, than California beaches. Actually, Coronado Beach, San Diego, California is the only California beach named. Florida had multiple beaches named.
Better Beach Advantage: Florida.
_____
Next comparison: Happiness
9) California Vs Florida Happiness
Despite all of the advantages in individual quality of life factors discussed above, more Californians report being happy with their lives and where they live, than do Floridians. More California residents said their state was the best to live in in a national Gallup poll in 2013, than Floridians answered that way about their state. When recent community well-being surveys were conducted by the same long time pollster, California easily bested Florida with positive responses. These polls were taken prior to the devastating hurricanes in Florida and wildfires in California.
People Are Happier Here Advantage: California.
_____
Next: Natural Disasters
10) California Vs Florida Natural Disasters
Florida homeowners pay the highest homeowners insurance rates in the country according to Insurance Business Magazine. Why? Because Florida homes face higher rates of catastrophe. California wasn’t on the list of ten states with the highest rates. Florida has a hurricane season that can include devastation and multiple evacuations every year. Florida also has wildfire and drought issues of its own.
Fewer Natural Disasters Advantage: California.
_____
Living in California Vs Florida, Which is a Better Place to Live?
In the quality of life comparison above, Florida had more advantages, but surveys show that people living in California are happier overall.
The Bottom Line…
Both California and Florida are popular high growth states during better economic times, drawing new residents from other states that push home prices skyward.
Both states lose residents, bleed jobs and see real estate values plummet during recessions and tough economic times.
Both states are perceived to be “warm and sunny”, although there are far more possible days of sunshine and comfortable lower humidity levels in California. That could be why Californians may be more satisfied with where they live overall than Florida, despite Florida having slightly better quality of life ratings on financial matters.
I have researched and compared quality of life factors of all 50 states.
There is a strong association with high quality of life scores and resident satisfaction.
Both California and Florida rank lower than most states overall on quality of life factors (such as crime rates, healthcare, etc.) and resident satisfaction.
There are other states that you may be far happier living in, but aren’t even considering.
I’ve worked with lots of buyers moving from California to Florida.
Right after the move, most were happy with their move but that’s typical with people from all states during the first few years of the “Florida honeymoon”.
This changes for many as they realized what living in Florida is really like, compared to what they pictured it would be like.
Florida is not just like California, only cheaper.
Florida and California are two very different states with different climates that share a few similarities such as beaches and palm trees.
Do California Wildfires, Taxes, Droughts, Etc., Have You Thinking Of Moving? Perhaps to Florida?
There are some states that we ship a lot of Florida Move Guide books to, because there always seems to be a lot of people from those states thinking about making a change. New York State is one.
There are also other states that we rarely ever get an order from from. Utah is one of those.
For the first few years after the first edition of the book was first published in 2011, California was a state that we would get some orders from occasionally but the number was extremely small for its size.
After all, California is the most populated state in the US, yet very few people seemed interested in moving from there to Florida. Then something changed.
When the not too long ago California drought hit, the number of orders from California didn’t change right away.
However, as the drought and the water use restrictions began to bite the citizens of the state, the orders started to flow in.
I suspect that may be the case again due to the recent wildfires and evacuations.
Additionally, I predict the the number of Californians thinking about moving from the state will be higher and the exodus will last longer this time.
Here’s a few reasons why…
Wildfires, droughts, etc. in California Will Be the New Normal. Even California’s Governor Jerry Brown has been quoted as saying as much. Climate change produces winners and losers. If there will be more drought conditions and wildfires in California’s future than in the past, people who lose all of their possessions to fire or are continually forced to evacuate to save their lives will eventually decide there has got to be a better place to live.
Someone will pay for the all of that wildfire damage. It may be the insurance companies now, but ultimately it will be California homeowners, if they stay. Large wildfires that burn 1000’s of homes and vehicles cost insurance companies a lot of money. As those larger bills to cover increasing damage come in, these companies are going to have to raise their rates. Or leave the state if they feel it has become to risky to insure. Higher homeowners insurance rates could make many California homes even more unaffordable. Leaving California could mean reducing or eliminating the risk of wildfires (and those evacuations) while also reducing their housing expense.
The recent change to a $10,000 deduction limit of state and local taxes on federal tax returns.
Good luck!
_____
Ron Stack “That Best Places Guy”
Want to be certain if moving to Florida is right for you or your family? You’ll know after reading the Florida Move Guide.
Is there a better state to relocate to or a better retirement lifestyle for you than moving to Florida? You’ll know after reading How to Retire Happier.
Categories Which State is Better, Florida or...
16 Comments
16 thoughts on “Is it Better to Live in California or Florida?”
yes
at
I live in California and I have never been to Florida. I think California is beautiful in my opinion but I can not compare it to Florida yet. If you are going to comparing these two states, please go there first to many cities there.
Craig
at
These comparisons are good but they aren’t thorough. Florida is the sunshine state. It’s perfect if you love to boat, swim, spend hours at the beach and swat flies. I lived on the panhandle, the west coast and east coast of Florida. Loved it very much.
California is more of a separate country than a state. I don’t hate LA but I don’t recommend it to anyone. Unless you already live here stay out. We rarely go to the beach. Time off means going to the desert. Jaw-dropping beautiful desert. We have mountains, skiing, hiking. We have Vegas. We have Palm Springs. There must be a thousand miles of hiking trails in Hollywood alone. We have forrest. Unlike any forests in the world. Yosemite, giant sequoias and the giant coastal redwoods. No one mentioned wine. You can spend days in wine country floating on the river. Back to the coast. Much of the coast isn’t beach at all. The mountains drop a thousand feet in into the sea. Big Sur, Carmel. I’ve never met anyone who visited San Francisco to complain about the lack of beaches. Cost? You could buy a 2,000 sq ft home for under $200,000 in California- the desert, the northern coast, even mountains. I don’t recommend it but you can. Most homes that size will cost you over a million bucks. CA is unlike any other place in the US. It’s completely independent in character. I will just mention the miles and miles of marijuana fields in northern California, it would blow most people’s minds. In 30 years I’ve tried leaving many times. After a few months I always return to So Cal. I do visit Florida often but it’s no longer home.
Ron Stack
at
Craig, thanks for taking the time to add your valuable input.
I agree, California is one of, if not the most, varied and beautiful states in the US. That’s just an opinion of course, not an established fact.
However, my state to state comparisons use quality of life factors that are important to most people, and have actually been studied, quantified and reported by well known respected government and nonprofit organizations.
So my comparisons are based on accepted facts such as crime data publicly reported by the FBI.
I use these comparisons so people can see factual differences that can be compared “apples to apples” between states.
Everyone has an opinion, but opinions can be easily disputed. However, disputing facts can make someone look foolish. Maybe I’m lucky because I’ve talked with 1000’s of buyers of 30+ years selling real estate, but I’ve learned that most people value facts over opinions when they trust the source of those facts.
Much of what you stated in your comment is an opinion or a personal preference. For instance, you said…
“It’s perfect if you love to boat, swim, spend hours at the beach and swat flies”
“California is more of a separate country than a state”
“Unless you already live here stay out”
“We rarely go to the beach”
“Time off means going to the desert”
“Jaw-dropping beautiful desert”
Don’t get me wrong, many readers will find the opinions you expressed on both Florida and California helpful.
Seeing facts from trusted well respected sources and reading the opinions of people who have lived in both states, can both play a part in helping people make better decisions. Actually, people probably find the opinions more entertaining. Thanks again for the comment and have a nice day.
_____
Ron Stack “That Best Places Guy”
Want to be certain if moving to Florida is right for you or your family? You’ll know after reading the Florida Move Guide.
Is there a better state to relocate to or a better retirement lifestyle for you than moving to Florida? You’ll know after reading How to Retire Happier.
Ana Maria F.
at
There is no way at all that you can compare California to Florida. I’ve lived in both states long enough just to be able to compare. Let’s not say that Florida is cheaper, let’s say: It is not that expensive.
#1 – California is dry. I went from San Diego to San Francisco, East to West and any place in between… very dry. California is a huge desert!
#2 – If you live near San Diego in cities like Wildomar, Temecula, Murrieta, etc… they are very humid, as in Florida and if you happen to live near San Francisco, or even Apple Valley or Acton, Temperature could go as low as 20F in Winter and 114F in summer. It never happens in Florida. Taxes are a lot higher! If you travel around Miami, Palm Coast, Orlando, etc… you will NEVER see those amount of homeless people under bridges as you see in California. Los Angeles alone has over 45,000 homeless people living in miserable conditions.
#3 – You cannot prevent a hurricane; but you can prevent wildfires and California does nothing to prevent them.
#4 – Florida is GREEN. Wherever you go, you will see lakes, green grass and Palm trees!
#5 – Racism… YES, racism. Floridians welcome you and helpyou when you move! Californians, as soon as you say something that they don’t like, they will teel you: “Go back to Florida, then”…
#6 – People think that because they get to live in nice neighborhoods, it makes them important and some even think that they are movie stars. People in Fla are a more humble!
#7 – Driving… I’ve driven in both states for long periods of time. Florida is a lot safer. People drive like crazy in California. It scares me!
#8 – Safety … I feel safer in Florida. I know it depends on the city you’re living in but for example in San Francisco it is very dangerous even leaving your car outside. There is more robbery and assassination in California than in Florida.
DO YOU ME TO KEEP ON GOING?
Ethan
at
Florida is way better than California I live in palm beach(west) right now and it’s great nothing compares in California not too mention I bought a 2100 square foot house for 189,000 can you find that in California?
Are you kidding me?
at
West Palm Beach is mostly a high crime dump and just like high crime dump areas anywhere including California, home prices are low because no one wants to live there. By the time you realize the mistake you made by buying in an area you knew nothing about, 2100 square foot homes in your neighborhood may only be worth 149,000.
Ana Maria F.
at
REALLY?
I have lived in both states in different cities long enough to give my opinion, and Florida is WAY BETTER than California. Florida has lower cost of living, lower taxes, everything is green, not dry like in CA. In CA for you to buy a house at $189,000 it would have to be in a very bad neighborhood, 300 years old and falling apart in pieces. Also, California is dirty, a giant desert, and people are nasty! Also… Moving from Florida with a salary of $33/hour and being offered $15/hour in CA, it really SUCKS!!!
Julie
at
Julie.
I have lived 4 years in Florida after spending 30 plus years in New Hampshire. Those 4 years were the happiest of my life. I had to move back to New Hampshire for family and then left again after a couple of years. I just can’t take the long cold winters. I then moved to San Diego and spent 4 years there. I hated it. The comfortable weather all year round is the only positive. I did work for the best company ever though. A great job and comfortable year round weather. But I was unhappy. I just never could get into the people, places and sights. I had been to Florida. Nothing else was going to make me happy again, until I could get back there. Now after 4 years, I tried to get a job in Florida and couldn’t get anyone interested. I accepted a position in Virginia Beach instead. At least it got me away from San Diego and back on the east coast. Now my employer from San Diego would like me to move back and resume my position. I don’t know what to do. Great job, financially and people I totally respect and enjoy but a city I dislike. My hopes was to eventually get back to Florida.
And yes, to Anonymous who who asked if it was worth it to loose everything from a Hurricane. Absolutely. Certainly better than losing everything to fire.
A dilema!! I don’t know what to do. Got any advice,
Anonymous
at
How could it be “absolutely” better to lose everything to a hurricane than a fire?
So your choices are employed in Virginia Beach, employed with a “great” job and comfortable year round weather in San Diego, or jobless and broke in Florida?
Robert
at
I have lived in Florida for the last 3 years, and I have to admit, it is simply paradise and heaven. I simply love Florida from all my heart. I am living in Palm Beach Garden. Everything is great over here. Also for children, in my opinion is a great place to be. I am a father of 5 children, and all of them simply like it here. I really can’t think of a single negative thing that I can say about living in Florida. I have some relatives that are living in New York, and once a year I do visit them for few days, and every time I visit NY, after few days staying in NY I have a depression. If I have to move from Florida, the only other place that I would like to live with my family is California. God bless you all!
faith
at
Florida has the most beautiful weather, tropical paradies. Where else can you get this. Calif? where prices are crazy and the grounds are brown from drought and fire. I dont think so. Florida is the bomb!!
dontjudge
at
have you ever even been to California? I get that you are exaggerating, but there are several areas that there are no fires. I’m sure Florida is as beautiful as well.
Lynn
at
I bought a house in Homosassa, FL in December with a plan to retire there in a few years. I live in California, one of the most expensive, populated, and over-taxed states. Unless you are a multi-millionaire, retiring in CA is not an option. I have family in Florida who have lived there for years. So, before FL real estate continues to climb, I bought a house — with cash!! Something I could never do in California. And now I have rental income until the day I retire. I did not like reading the negative comments about Florida. So, I am simply going to make the best of my life once I get there. If I stayed in CA, I would need to work past 70. Moving to FL will allow me to retire at 62. I’ll take my chances in Florida. Wish me luck.
Anonymous
at
you could loose everything when one hurricane hits your area. Worth the risk?
Anonymous
at
He could also lose everything in a California wildfire or earthquake. Nothing in life is promised. Gotta roll the dice and pray for the best. God bless.
Anonymous
at
They have wildfires in Florida too. They just lower the risk with controlled burns better than California. Florida has the highest risk from natural disasters of any state, that’s why the insurance rates are also the highest. If you have money, California beats Florida easily with the best weather, scenery that isn’t flat and boring like all of Florida. Florida is the poor mans California where you pay for the cheaper price with sweat from high humidity. Everyone loves both states for the first few years, but long term California is the better bet if you can afford it.
Updated on November 26, 2019 by Ron Stack
Home - Which State is Better, Florida or... - Is it Better to Live in California or Florida?
Which is a Better State to Live or Retire, Florida or California?
To find out, I did a state to state comparison of the differences between California and Florida on 10 quality of life factors.
I used factors that important to most of us such as a state’s healthcare quality and cost of living.
These factors have been measured and reported by reputable government and nonprofit sources.
Here’s a comparison of living in Florida vs California, based on these 10 quality of life factors.
Cost of living
Economy
Taxes
Health care quality
Crime rates
Education
Weather
Beaches
Resident happiness
Natural disasters
Our first quality of life comparison: The cost of living
people shopping farmers market
1) California Vs Florida Cost of Living
The cost of living in Florida in 2017 is higher than it is in most US states according to public government reporting, including the US Census Bureau. The cost of living in California is the 2nd highest in the entire country. Only Hawaii is more expensive. So although Florida is an expensive place to live compared to most states, it still is less expensive than living in California.
Cost of Living Advantage: Florida.
_____
2) California vs Florida Which has the Better Economy?
The majority of people reading this article are probably not independently wealthy. Most of you will probably have to find employment to pay your bills, or you’re retired counting on fixed income payments to pay your bills. So a good economy for those who need jobs and those who who are retired who may think they will never need another job (unfortunately this can change), may consider the state that offers better job opportunities, as the state with the best economy for them.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate in California in October 2017 in Florida was 3.6%. This was the 16th lowest rate in the US. California’s unemployment rate was 4.9%, putting it in 41st place.
Better Economy Advantage: Florida
florida move guide book cover and discription
Next comparison: Taxes
3) California vs Florida on Taxes
According to the Tax Foundation, Florida’s combined state and local tax burden is 8.9%. This places Florida at the 34th highest rate out of the 50 states. So taxes take a lower bite out of your income in Florida than in most US states. California’s overall tax rate is estimated at 11% total making it the 6th highest of all US states. Florida also does not require citizens to file a personal income tax because it doesn’t collect one which makes it easier and cheaper for Florida residents at tax filing time. The higher your income, the more of an advantage living in Florida is when it comes to taxes.
Tax Advantage: Florida.
_____
Next comparison: Health Care
hospital emergency entrance
4) California Vs Florida Health Care
According the US Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Florida’s healthcare quality is lower than most states, coming in with a #30 ranking out of 50 states. This is an improvement over much lower rankings in years past, so the state seems to be on the right track even though it’s still ranked lower than most states in the country. The quality of care in California is rated even lower than Florida at #42.
Better Health Care Quality Advantage: Florida.
_____
Next comparison: Crime Rates
5) California Vs Florida Crime rate
How safe will you be as you walk along the beach or take a walk in your neighborhood? According to public reporting by the FBI, the overall crime rate in Florida makes it the 39th safest state in which to live. California has a higher crime rate overall that most other US states, but its 31rst place ranking puts it ahead of Florida.
Lower Crime Advantage: California.
_____
Next comparison: Education
6) California vs Florida Education K-12
If you have school-age children, the education you kids will get from kindergarten through high school in both California and Florida will be below average according to the research center Education Week. The report does place Florida a few notches above California.
However, ratings of individual schools can vary widely by school district, and even within the same district. Ratings also vary greatly from one rating organization to the next. I recommend through before moving kids away from family, friends and schools until you consider the effects it may have as well as the chances of the move working out. Too many move to Florida only to move again after realizing it was a mistake.
Education advantage Florida
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Next comparison: Weather…
7) California Vs Florida Weather
Many people think of California and Florida as both being warm and sunny. However, if you look at National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration data on humidity and days of sunshine, these two states do not have very similar weather. California has far more sunny days per year, and the humidity is far more likely to be in our human comfort range daily.
Better Weather Advantage: California.
_____
Next comparison: Beaches
sunny day white sand beach
8) California Vs Florida Beaches
Dr Beach has named more Florida beaches on his top 10 best beach’s list for both 2016 and 2017, than California beaches. Actually, Coronado Beach, San Diego, California is the only California beach named. Florida had multiple beaches named.
Better Beach Advantage: Florida.
_____
Next comparison: Happiness
9) California Vs Florida Happiness
Despite all of the advantages in individual quality of life factors discussed above, more Californians report being happy with their lives and where they live, than do Floridians. More California residents said their state was the best to live in in a national Gallup poll in 2013, than Floridians answered that way about their state. When recent community well-being surveys were conducted by the same long time pollster, California easily bested Florida with positive responses. These polls were taken prior to the devastating hurricanes in Florida and wildfires in California.
People Are Happier Here Advantage: California.
_____
Next: Natural Disasters
10) California Vs Florida Natural Disasters
Florida homeowners pay the highest homeowners insurance rates in the country according to Insurance Business Magazine. Why? Because Florida homes face higher rates of catastrophe. California wasn’t on the list of ten states with the highest rates. Florida has a hurricane season that can include devastation and multiple evacuations every year. Florida also has wildfire and drought issues of its own.
Fewer Natural Disasters Advantage: California.
_____
Living in California Vs Florida, Which is a Better Place to Live?
In the quality of life comparison above, Florida had more advantages, but surveys show that people living in California are happier overall.
The Bottom Line…
Both California and Florida are popular high growth states during better economic times, drawing new residents from other states that push home prices skyward.
Both states lose residents, bleed jobs and see real estate values plummet during recessions and tough economic times.
Both states are perceived to be “warm and sunny”, although there are far more possible days of sunshine and comfortable lower humidity levels in California. That could be why Californians may be more satisfied with where they live overall than Florida, despite Florida having slightly better quality of life ratings on financial matters.
I have researched and compared quality of life factors of all 50 states.
There is a strong association with high quality of life scores and resident satisfaction.
Both California and Florida rank lower than most states overall on quality of life factors (such as crime rates, healthcare, etc.) and resident satisfaction.
There are other states that you may be far happier living in, but aren’t even considering.
I’ve worked with lots of buyers moving from California to Florida.
Right after the move, most were happy with their move but that’s typical with people from all states during the first few years of the “Florida honeymoon”.
This changes for many as they realized what living in Florida is really like, compared to what they pictured it would be like.
Florida is not just like California, only cheaper.
Florida and California are two very different states with different climates that share a few similarities such as beaches and palm trees.
Do California Wildfires, Taxes, Droughts, Etc., Have You Thinking Of Moving? Perhaps to Florida?
There are some states that we ship a lot of Florida Move Guide books to, because there always seems to be a lot of people from those states thinking about making a change. New York State is one.
There are also other states that we rarely ever get an order from from. Utah is one of those.
For the first few years after the first edition of the book was first published in 2011, California was a state that we would get some orders from occasionally but the number was extremely small for its size.
After all, California is the most populated state in the US, yet very few people seemed interested in moving from there to Florida. Then something changed.
When the not too long ago California drought hit, the number of orders from California didn’t change right away.
However, as the drought and the water use restrictions began to bite the citizens of the state, the orders started to flow in.
I suspect that may be the case again due to the recent wildfires and evacuations.
Additionally, I predict the the number of Californians thinking about moving from the state will be higher and the exodus will last longer this time.
Here’s a few reasons why…
Wildfires, droughts, etc. in California Will Be the New Normal. Even California’s Governor Jerry Brown has been quoted as saying as much. Climate change produces winners and losers. If there will be more drought conditions and wildfires in California’s future than in the past, people who lose all of their possessions to fire or are continually forced to evacuate to save their lives will eventually decide there has got to be a better place to live.
Someone will pay for the all of that wildfire damage. It may be the insurance companies now, but ultimately it will be California homeowners, if they stay. Large wildfires that burn 1000’s of homes and vehicles cost insurance companies a lot of money. As those larger bills to cover increasing damage come in, these companies are going to have to raise their rates. Or leave the state if they feel it has become to risky to insure. Higher homeowners insurance rates could make many California homes even more unaffordable. Leaving California could mean reducing or eliminating the risk of wildfires (and those evacuations) while also reducing their housing expense.
The recent change to a $10,000 deduction limit of state and local taxes on federal tax returns.
Good luck!
_____
Ron Stack “That Best Places Guy”
Want to be certain if moving to Florida is right for you or your family? You’ll know after reading the Florida Move Guide.
Is there a better state to relocate to or a better retirement lifestyle for you than moving to Florida? You’ll know after reading How to Retire Happier.
Categories Which State is Better, Florida or...
16 Comments
16 thoughts on “Is it Better to Live in California or Florida?”
yes
at
I live in California and I have never been to Florida. I think California is beautiful in my opinion but I can not compare it to Florida yet. If you are going to comparing these two states, please go there first to many cities there.
Craig
at
These comparisons are good but they aren’t thorough. Florida is the sunshine state. It’s perfect if you love to boat, swim, spend hours at the beach and swat flies. I lived on the panhandle, the west coast and east coast of Florida. Loved it very much.
California is more of a separate country than a state. I don’t hate LA but I don’t recommend it to anyone. Unless you already live here stay out. We rarely go to the beach. Time off means going to the desert. Jaw-dropping beautiful desert. We have mountains, skiing, hiking. We have Vegas. We have Palm Springs. There must be a thousand miles of hiking trails in Hollywood alone. We have forrest. Unlike any forests in the world. Yosemite, giant sequoias and the giant coastal redwoods. No one mentioned wine. You can spend days in wine country floating on the river. Back to the coast. Much of the coast isn’t beach at all. The mountains drop a thousand feet in into the sea. Big Sur, Carmel. I’ve never met anyone who visited San Francisco to complain about the lack of beaches. Cost? You could buy a 2,000 sq ft home for under $200,000 in California- the desert, the northern coast, even mountains. I don’t recommend it but you can. Most homes that size will cost you over a million bucks. CA is unlike any other place in the US. It’s completely independent in character. I will just mention the miles and miles of marijuana fields in northern California, it would blow most people’s minds. In 30 years I’ve tried leaving many times. After a few months I always return to So Cal. I do visit Florida often but it’s no longer home.
Ron Stack
at
Craig, thanks for taking the time to add your valuable input.
I agree, California is one of, if not the most, varied and beautiful states in the US. That’s just an opinion of course, not an established fact.
However, my state to state comparisons use quality of life factors that are important to most people, and have actually been studied, quantified and reported by well known respected government and nonprofit organizations.
So my comparisons are based on accepted facts such as crime data publicly reported by the FBI.
I use these comparisons so people can see factual differences that can be compared “apples to apples” between states.
Everyone has an opinion, but opinions can be easily disputed. However, disputing facts can make someone look foolish. Maybe I’m lucky because I’ve talked with 1000’s of buyers of 30+ years selling real estate, but I’ve learned that most people value facts over opinions when they trust the source of those facts.
Much of what you stated in your comment is an opinion or a personal preference. For instance, you said…
“It’s perfect if you love to boat, swim, spend hours at the beach and swat flies”
“California is more of a separate country than a state”
“Unless you already live here stay out”
“We rarely go to the beach”
“Time off means going to the desert”
“Jaw-dropping beautiful desert”
Don’t get me wrong, many readers will find the opinions you expressed on both Florida and California helpful.
Seeing facts from trusted well respected sources and reading the opinions of people who have lived in both states, can both play a part in helping people make better decisions. Actually, people probably find the opinions more entertaining. Thanks again for the comment and have a nice day.
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Ron Stack “That Best Places Guy”
Want to be certain if moving to Florida is right for you or your family? You’ll know after reading the Florida Move Guide.
Is there a better state to relocate to or a better retirement lifestyle for you than moving to Florida? You’ll know after reading How to Retire Happier.
Ana Maria F.
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There is no way at all that you can compare California to Florida. I’ve lived in both states long enough just to be able to compare. Let’s not say that Florida is cheaper, let’s say: It is not that expensive.
#1 – California is dry. I went from San Diego to San Francisco, East to West and any place in between… very dry. California is a huge desert!
#2 – If you live near San Diego in cities like Wildomar, Temecula, Murrieta, etc… they are very humid, as in Florida and if you happen to live near San Francisco, or even Apple Valley or Acton, Temperature could go as low as 20F in Winter and 114F in summer. It never happens in Florida. Taxes are a lot higher! If you travel around Miami, Palm Coast, Orlando, etc… you will NEVER see those amount of homeless people under bridges as you see in California. Los Angeles alone has over 45,000 homeless people living in miserable conditions.
#3 – You cannot prevent a hurricane; but you can prevent wildfires and California does nothing to prevent them.
#4 – Florida is GREEN. Wherever you go, you will see lakes, green grass and Palm trees!
#5 – Racism… YES, racism. Floridians welcome you and helpyou when you move! Californians, as soon as you say something that they don’t like, they will teel you: “Go back to Florida, then”…
#6 – People think that because they get to live in nice neighborhoods, it makes them important and some even think that they are movie stars. People in Fla are a more humble!
#7 – Driving… I’ve driven in both states for long periods of time. Florida is a lot safer. People drive like crazy in California. It scares me!
#8 – Safety … I feel safer in Florida. I know it depends on the city you’re living in but for example in San Francisco it is very dangerous even leaving your car outside. There is more robbery and assassination in California than in Florida.
DO YOU ME TO KEEP ON GOING?
Ethan
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Florida is way better than California I live in palm beach(west) right now and it’s great nothing compares in California not too mention I bought a 2100 square foot house for 189,000 can you find that in California?
Are you kidding me?
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West Palm Beach is mostly a high crime dump and just like high crime dump areas anywhere including California, home prices are low because no one wants to live there. By the time you realize the mistake you made by buying in an area you knew nothing about, 2100 square foot homes in your neighborhood may only be worth 149,000.
Ana Maria F.
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REALLY?
I have lived in both states in different cities long enough to give my opinion, and Florida is WAY BETTER than California. Florida has lower cost of living, lower taxes, everything is green, not dry like in CA. In CA for you to buy a house at $189,000 it would have to be in a very bad neighborhood, 300 years old and falling apart in pieces. Also, California is dirty, a giant desert, and people are nasty! Also… Moving from Florida with a salary of $33/hour and being offered $15/hour in CA, it really SUCKS!!!
Julie
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Julie.
I have lived 4 years in Florida after spending 30 plus years in New Hampshire. Those 4 years were the happiest of my life. I had to move back to New Hampshire for family and then left again after a couple of years. I just can’t take the long cold winters. I then moved to San Diego and spent 4 years there. I hated it. The comfortable weather all year round is the only positive. I did work for the best company ever though. A great job and comfortable year round weather. But I was unhappy. I just never could get into the people, places and sights. I had been to Florida. Nothing else was going to make me happy again, until I could get back there. Now after 4 years, I tried to get a job in Florida and couldn’t get anyone interested. I accepted a position in Virginia Beach instead. At least it got me away from San Diego and back on the east coast. Now my employer from San Diego would like me to move back and resume my position. I don’t know what to do. Great job, financially and people I totally respect and enjoy but a city I dislike. My hopes was to eventually get back to Florida.
And yes, to Anonymous who who asked if it was worth it to loose everything from a Hurricane. Absolutely. Certainly better than losing everything to fire.
A dilema!! I don’t know what to do. Got any advice,
Anonymous
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How could it be “absolutely” better to lose everything to a hurricane than a fire?
So your choices are employed in Virginia Beach, employed with a “great” job and comfortable year round weather in San Diego, or jobless and broke in Florida?
Robert
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I have lived in Florida for the last 3 years, and I have to admit, it is simply paradise and heaven. I simply love Florida from all my heart. I am living in Palm Beach Garden. Everything is great over here. Also for children, in my opinion is a great place to be. I am a father of 5 children, and all of them simply like it here. I really can’t think of a single negative thing that I can say about living in Florida. I have some relatives that are living in New York, and once a year I do visit them for few days, and every time I visit NY, after few days staying in NY I have a depression. If I have to move from Florida, the only other place that I would like to live with my family is California. God bless you all!
faith
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Florida has the most beautiful weather, tropical paradies. Where else can you get this. Calif? where prices are crazy and the grounds are brown from drought and fire. I dont think so. Florida is the bomb!!
dontjudge
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have you ever even been to California? I get that you are exaggerating, but there are several areas that there are no fires. I’m sure Florida is as beautiful as well.
Lynn
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I bought a house in Homosassa, FL in December with a plan to retire there in a few years. I live in California, one of the most expensive, populated, and over-taxed states. Unless you are a multi-millionaire, retiring in CA is not an option. I have family in Florida who have lived there for years. So, before FL real estate continues to climb, I bought a house — with cash!! Something I could never do in California. And now I have rental income until the day I retire. I did not like reading the negative comments about Florida. So, I am simply going to make the best of my life once I get there. If I stayed in CA, I would need to work past 70. Moving to FL will allow me to retire at 62. I’ll take my chances in Florida. Wish me luck.
Anonymous
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you could loose everything when one hurricane hits your area. Worth the risk?
Anonymous
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He could also lose everything in a California wildfire or earthquake. Nothing in life is promised. Gotta roll the dice and pray for the best. God bless.
Anonymous
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They have wildfires in Florida too. They just lower the risk with controlled burns better than California. Florida has the highest risk from natural disasters of any state, that’s why the insurance rates are also the highest. If you have money, California beats Florida easily with the best weather, scenery that isn’t flat and boring like all of Florida. Florida is the poor mans California where you pay for the cheaper price with sweat from high humidity. Everyone loves both states for the first few years, but long term California is the better bet if you can afford it.