Living in California vs Florida: Pros and Cons in 2023

Think before you leap to fumble your life by picking up golden poppies in Eden or kissing the sunshine in paradise. Let’s find out, which state is better California vs Florida. 

Yes, you are a guy of eulogizing to think of either living in California vs Florida. You have made up your mind to land either in Eden or in Paradise, either to capture Sunset to hold an angel’s wings with abated bath or to live in the healing place of miraculous light. 

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No place is perfect; there are pros and cons of living in Florida and also pros and cons of living in California. But your mind is rocking between California vs Florida because you want to live a comfortable life and your dream can not be null and void. 

Therefore, here I will discuss the cost of living in California vs Florida, affordable places to live in California, and living in California vs Florida because offering a little difference can attain an enormous. Know what California is known for!

Save Your Pie, Fulfilling Your Fantasy: California vs Florida

Before putting in your belongings go through the following treasure land of pearls of words perceptively to balance the offerings and attainments, Florida vs California living. If you can acquire a basket of natural wealth you are richer than the others who is having crores of money or worldly wealth. But, I’ve to agree that both places have some amazing zoos.

Recommended Read:

• 12 Best Zoos in California: Experience the Magic of Wildlife
• Kids’ Choice: 9 Best Zoos in Florida for Family Adventures

Take a deep look into these factors and choose which is better for you California or Florida. 

Cost of Living in California vs Florida: Which State is Cheaper?

Yes, Florida is much cheaper than California because the cost of living is just 1% higher than the national average. Some places in Florida have been ranked 8% lower to 18% higher in cost compared to the average American city. At the beginning of 2023, the median home price was around $400K. 

Growing up in California is ‘super fun’ but the cost of living and expenses on housing, tax, food, transport, and others are relatively high. According to the 2020 Cost of Living Index, California has a 38% higher cost of living than the average other cities in the nation.

In California, the median home price is around $800,000. Ouch! Sometimes it becomes unaffordable. You can also read this article if you don’t know how do average people afford to live in the Golden State.

You have to pay $20 for a basic meal with a drink at an inexpensive restaurant in California whereas you can get the same in Florida for $22. In California, fast food or combo meals at McDonald’s, or similar cost $12, and in Florida, you must pay at least $10 for those. For Groceries like Bread-$3.30 in California whereas in Florida it costs $2.84. Cheese costs in Florida $5.44 and in California it takes $6.58. 

You can buy milk for $0.95/liter in Florida and $0.99/liter in California. If you want to take an internet connection you will have to spend $67.23 in Florida and $65.82 in California. The most important thing is that you have to spend an average monthly electricity bill of $101.49 and in Florida $126.44. As for the expenditure of Gasoline, you will have to pay in California $0.92/liter whereas in Florida it is $0.63.

Recommened Read: Live the Dream on a Budget: Affordable Living in the Florida Keys

California vs Florida: Job Opportunities

Having personally experienced the job markets of both California and Florida, I can attest to the diverse employment opportunities each state offers. California, with its thriving tech industry centered in Silicon Valley, presents an exciting landscape for technology professionals.

I had the opportunity to work for a cutting-edge startup in San Francisco, surrounded by innovative minds and limitless potential. The state also boasts a robust entertainment industry, where I witnessed firsthand the fast-paced world of film and television production.

On the other hand, Florida’s job market surprised me with its vibrant tourism sector. I found employment in the hospitality industry in Orlando, working at a renowned resort and witnessing the constant influx of tourists. Additionally, the healthcare industry in Florida is growing rapidly, providing ample opportunities for medical professionals.

Ultimately, both states offer unique career prospects. California shines in technology and entertainment, while Florida excels in tourism and healthcare. The decision between the two depends on one’s field of interest, desired lifestyle, and personal aspirations.

California vs Florida Weather

California experiences scorching hot summers with cool winters; luckily Californians enjoy four distinct seasons – summer, winter, spring, and monsoon. The landscape is diverse – hilly areas, mountains, valleys, wine farms, cliffs, and beaches. You don’t have to always run to the beach; there is snow in the northern part of California. 

Florida is termed as a ‘humid subtropical’ climate zone, experiences around 38-40 degrees, and is warm all-round the year. Florida is a lot more humid! Florida has subtropical with mild winters and sunny hot summers. It has a tendency toward hurricanes from June to November as the disasters and in California tendency toward floods and earthquakes. 

California is typically dryer whereas Florida has more rain and humidity. On the California coast temperatures are around 70 degrees F, summers are hot and dry winters are colder and wetter. In winter, the cold is enough to freeze puddles on the ground.

California vs Florida Beaches 

California Beaches:

Malibu

It is a unique, miraculous romantic, and luxurious beach in California. This is home to many Hollywood celebrities from the world of music, cinemas, and sports. Malibu is famous for its beautiful beaches and Mediterranean climate. The 21 miles of the Malibu coast are very scenic. Some of the most beautiful beaches in Malibu are Carbon Beach, Malibu Lagoon State Beach, Surfrider Beach, and Zuma Beach.

Laguna Beach

Flora, Fauna, wildflower, and coastal parks enhance the elegance of Laguna beach. You can enjoy sightseeing with your loved ones by trolley at free of cost. Undoubtedly, it is one of the best places to live in California for families.

Pfeiffer Beach

You can enjoy the windy Rocky Beach or magical views by bathing in the golden rays at sunset. 

East Beach, Manhattan Beach, Santa Monica, Pismo Cataline, Monterey Huntington, Santa Cruz New Port, Half moon bay – beaches are there to be your jocund company of yours during your holidays.

Florida Beaches:

Biscayne Beaches 

Beautiful Biscayne Bay is adventurous itself, far from the hustle-bustle of the city in Florida. You can take part in adventurous activities like kayaking, swimming, playing golf and many more. You can arrange a day trip to Biscayne National Park and enjoy the local culture of Florida. 

Sarasota Beach 

This alluring beach is hugged by waters of the glimmering, quartz, crystal, pure Gulf Coast. You can allow your kids to make the sandcastle at the Siesta Key Crystal classic and make unforgettable memories. Take a tour to see the Ringling Museum of Art, a 66-acre museum complex. Sarasota Beach is gifted with sparkling water and pristine sands. 

Cedar Key

Welcome to the enchanting little island about three miles off the Florida coast. Enjoy and visit in April when more than 100 artists come for the annual festival. It is a popular bird and wildlife sanctuary where the white pelicans, majestic bald eagles, and vibrantly pink roseate spoonbills live peacefully. 

You can enjoy the immaculate beachcombing, hiking, fishing, boating, or canoeing in Naples, Miami Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Key West, Clearwater Beach, Pensacola Beach, Jacksonville Beach or Daytona Beach, Jupiter Island, Anna Maria Island, Marco Island, Delray Beach, Amelia beach and many more. These beaches are so beautiful that you will never regret moving to Florida. 

Check out these wonderful North Florida beaches if you are a beach person. You can also check out some wonderful warm beaches in December in Florida.

Disneyland California vs Disney World Florida

I would call Disneyland the happiest place on the Earth near Anaheim, California which is less than 30 miles from Los Angeles. And Walt Disney World, the most magical place on Earth is in Florida near Orlando. Disneyland and Disney World are alluring for Disney lovers but there are vast distinctions between them. 

Disneyland covers 500 acres of land whereas Disney World covers more than 43 square miles of land, much larger. You can enjoy Disneyland, spending the days in three various resort hotels (choices are limited). You can choose among more than two dozen resort hotels in Disney World (unlimited choice). 

About 77 feet tall sleeping beauty castle attracts the kids at Disneyland and the magical 189 feet tall Cinderella Castle is iconic at Disney World. Disney land was opened on the 17th of July in 1955 whereas Disney World was opened on the 1st of October in 1971.

Disneyland has Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure Park, and Downtown Disney District. Disney World has Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood studios, EePCOT, and ESPN wild world of the sports complex. 

Once you are here in Disneyland you can go for Matterhorn, Bobsleds, Mr.Toad’s Wild Ride, and many more. Whereas in Disney World you can go for Spaceship Earth, Rock and Roller coaster, and many more. Will you ever regret moving to California? 

Taxes in California vs Florida 

In California, the highest state-level sales tax is to be paid at 8%, and the state income tax of 13.3% whereas Florida has no state-level income tax (it has a combined state and local tax which is around 8.9%.

The tax rate is low in Florida so you can start a business in Florida easily because of low tax returns. Florida is extremely tax-friendly – from social security, and income, to pension all go untaxed. Additionally, Florida has no inheritance tax. 

California has the highest taxes in the nation but effective property tax rates are below the national average. The total tax burden in California is 11 % while it is 6.56 % in Florida. Florida’s economy is really interesting, the more your income, the less tax you need to pay. So, earn more in Florida and enjoy your fruit!

Crime Rate in Florida vs California

In Florida, the property crime rate is 2302.4 per 100,000 people which exceeds the national average. Property crime breaks down to 76.7% larceny thefts 14.8% burglaries and 8.5% auto thefts. California has a crime rate above the national average as well as in Florida.

Violent crime rates in California are about 430 crimes per 100,000 residents. This rate is higher than the national average which is 367 per 100,000 residents. According to data analysis, 60% are aggravated assaults, 30% robberies, 9% rape, and 1% homicides. The different property crimes rate is about 2,272 per 100,000 people. The national average is lower than that or 2,110 per 100,000 people. 

Read Also: 11 High Crime Rate Cities in California

California vs Florida: Vacation

Both California and Florida offer beautiful coastal flavors, unique climates, and cultural diversity. Although Florida offers limited landscape views mostly focusing on beaches and beautiful cities. 

Whereas in California, you can witness the neverending beautiful Pacific coastline, and warm climate, click photos in front of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, and Alcatraz, hike to Hollywood Hills, explore La Jolla beach in San Diego, and many more. If you are in California then tasting pink hot dogs is a must. I would recommend you to visit Tacos Villa Corona in Los Angeles and give your taste buds a taste of Mexican food. 

If kayaking is your dream come to Florida’s Weeki Wachee River, you can never forget the beauty there. Most people love to visit these natural springs in Florida to cool off during the summer months.

If you are here for the first time and an ice cream lover like me then come to Jaxson’s in Dania Beach. There are many dog-friendly beaches in Florida, good news for all pet owners. Florida is a dream for many children for the Walt Disney World Resort, the Magic Kingdom, and many more.

Read Also: 8 Best Walkable Beach Towns in Florida for Vacation

Universal Studios: California vs Florida

Universal Studios Hollywood is a place to taste and experience film studios and theme parks. L.A culture, located in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles County. And the Universal Studio in Florida or Orlando is a theme park.

Universal Studio Hollywood has Hogsmeade but Orlando has Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley both. You can enjoy A class water world. 

Orlando is larger so you have to spend more money to enjoy it here. You can take glimpses of amazing sightseeing and attractions around LA but not a single place. Due to the vast space, you can roam by Hogwart Express in Orlando. Orlando has two theme parks, one water park and a volcano bay. 

The Time Difference in California vs Florida

When you are in Florida, you sleep early because it is 3 hours ahead of California. If it is midnight in California, then 3 am in Florida. 

Pros and Cons of Living in California vs Florida

Pros of Living in Florida

No state can offer only good things; it is a mixture of both good and bad. No matter if it is California or Florida, you should not be worried about putting your belongings comfortably. Come to the city of Sunshine, as during winter also you can take bath in warm water in Florida. There is a little fear of rain or thunderstorm from November to March. 

Whether you are retired or not, you won’t have to flow away from your hard-earned money by giving taxes to State or Local Governments. Moreover, your assets will be protected by the Government. It is an impeccable city for tourists; roads are well smooth, flat, straight path hole free. You can drive comfortably whether you are old or young.

Disadvantages of Living in Florida

The overall cost of living is higher than in other cities. Be alert, crime rates are higher in Florida. These are some of the worst Florida cities that you should always avoid. According to healthcare research, Florida City is ranked 36th out of 50 states in terms of safety. Except winter weather is not comfortable rather a combination of Sunshine with humidity.

Pros of Living in California 

You can hug nature by roaming and enjoying the nine National Parks in California including Alaska. You can enjoy the mountains, beaches, desert, or forest not at a stone’s throw distance but from anywhere in California. You can bath in the constant sunshine or more than 260 days of sunshine per year. The weather is tolerable around the year. 

If you are a food lover, go and enjoy in over 7000 restaurants and international hubs. Ample job opportunities are available in California (especially in the tech+film industry). There are 12 international airports in California (including LAX, the second largest airport in America). 

Disadvantages of Living in California

Nearly 12 million acres were burned by devastating wildfire which is becoming a common disaster here in California due to drought, and lack of water. High taxes are a fatal burden in California. You will have to pay for nearly everything; expensive cities are all reasons to dislike California.

You should be aware of various disasters like hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, flooding, and droughts. After the pandemic, it has become more crowded which reduces the quality of life. There are some dangerous creatures like alligators and snakes in the area. You should be alert of old drivers aged 60 – 70.  Accidents are very frequent due to their poor vision. These are the things you must know before moving to California.

Final Words

Florida and California are the two magical states of the United States of America. Both states have vast sightseeing, great tolerable weather, and tourist spots. These two states are familiar to enthrall you but I am more inclined towards Florida. You can get the roof on your head easily at a cheap rate in Florida.

I Hope, California vs Florida article clears all your doubts and you can plan your future move accordingly. 

Recommended Read if You’re Planning to Move to California

• What are The Pros and Cons of Living in California
• 7 Fastest-Growing Cities in California
• 9 Most Inexpensive Beach Towns in California
• 15 Best Places to Live in Northern California
• 10 Best Places to Live in Southern California
• 8 Most Affordable & Best Places to Retire in California
• 9 Cheapest Places to Live in The Bay Area
• 10 Budget-Friendly Places to Travel in California

Recommended Read if You’re Planning to Move to Florida

• 10 Best Places to Live in Florida for Families
• 11 Safest Cities in Florida to Live
• 10 Fastest-Growing Areas in Florida
• Top 10 Places to Live on The Gulf Coast of Florida
• Best Places to Live in The Panhandle of Florida
• 10 Best Places in Florida for Retirees
• Top 7 Places To Live In Northern Florida
• Your Complete Moving to Florida Checklist

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