Moving from San Francisco, CA to Miami, FL

Tap into the vibrant, sun-soaked spirit of The Magic City 

If you love the beach and all that goes with it, Miami could be your dream residence. There’s also the world’s largest collection of Art Deco architecture, Cuban coffee, multicultural flavors and booming nightlife to enjoy. Just imagine the possibilities. 

Now, consider how you’ll get there from San Francisco. You have options, but fortunately, there’s an easy, cost-effective way to do it that doesn’t involve driving a rental truck 3,000 miles across the country. We’ll cover that later. For now, let’s explore some of the similarities and differences you’ll encounter with life in Miami. 

Ahh, the beaches 

While noted for its scenic skyline and rugged coastline, San Francisco has its share of beautiful beaches. But the chilly Pacific waters are not the most inviting for swimmers. In Miami, where it’s almost always hot and sunny, tourists and locals alike enjoy the miles of white sand beaches and warm waters. 

Miami offers more for your money than San Francisco 

Living in Miami is by no means cheap, but you’ll find it’s significantly less expensive than San Francisco. The median home cost in Miami ($329,000) is 75 percent less than in San Francisco (nearly $1.4 million) and property taxes are 63 percent lower in Miami as well. Plus, Florida has no income tax. 

Both cities continue to grow 

Used to sharing space with lots of people? Expect that to continue when you head east. San Francisco and Miami have two of the highest population densities in the country. San Francisco, with a metro area of 4.7 million, has 18,562 people per square mile — second only to New York City. Miami (6.1 million metro) has a population density of 13,512 people per square mile.  

Neighborhoods add spice to life 

Much like in San Francisco, Miami’s neighborhoods help tell the story of the city. More than two dozen neighborhoods make up the city’s unique cultural footprint. Miami’s large Cuban community is reflected in Little Havana. Other key neighborhoods include the Design District, an international destination for architecture, art, fashion and fine dining, and South Beach, known as the iconic Miami waterfront backdrop. 

Don’t leave your vehicle behind 

While getting around San Francisco is easy without a car (and often preferred), you’ll definitely need one in Miami — just don’t expect to get anywhere in a hurry. According to the 2020 TomTom Traffic Index, which rates urban congestion, Miami ranks fifth in North America while San Francisco ranks seventh. Miami’s average commute time is 30 minutes. Local public transit is available, but it’s not as extensive as San Francisco’s system and coverage is limited for those who live farther inland. However, ride-share options are plentiful. 

Find your career fit on the Atlantic Coast 

Real estate and tourism are two of the most prominent economic sectors in Miami, but technology startups are growing quickly. Millions fly into Miami International Airport and board cruise ships at PortMiami each year, making the city a major business hub. Other key industries with growing opportunities include trade, manufacturing and finance. 

Choose U-Pack and relocate the easy way 

Moving across the country is a huge undertaking. Think about how much harder it would be behind the wheel of a rental truck. With U-Pack®, through our nationwide network of service centers, you just have to pack and load your belongings into our equipment and we’ll transport it for you. Travel on your own, at your own pace, and meet your stuff at your new home in less than a week. Get a free quote today and find out how our service compares to traditional movers.