Living in Florida vs Texas in 2023 – Honest Comparison Guide
What is it like living in Florida vs Texas now in 2023 and which state delivers a better experience? Our inside scoop will give you all the latest details.
For example, what are the key factors in comparing the Florida vs Texas living experience? After all, moving into another state is a big step. Here, the details matter.
It’s easy to just say that both states offer hot weather and cheap living.
But that’s not enough to make a decision now in 2023. What about the latest prices for housing, the tax rates, and things to do? In this case, you need to move past the stereotypes and outdated information to uncover the real situation today.
So, we gathered the newest information and developed a database with the latest insights on the following criteria: reputation, climate, cost of living, job market, and things to do.
Additionally, we made sure to cover subtle facts that are not easy to find through a simple Google search and made them as easy as possible to understand.
So, let’s get into the details and find out if you belong living in Texas or Florida in 2023.
1. Living in Florida vs Texas – Overview
Let’s start with a general overview about living in Florida vs Texas.
When you think of Florida, you may first think of its beautiful beaches. And, that’s a great introduction to the state as Florida is located in the southeastern region of the United States and is the only state that borders both the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, which means hundreds of miles of sandy shores.
With a population of over 21 million people nestled into roughly 65,000 square miles of land, it is the 3rd most populated state in the US. The 5 biggest cities in Florida are:
- Jacksonville
- Miami
- Tampa
- Orlando
- St. Petersburg
Meanwhile, Texas is located in the south central region of the United States and is the 2nd largest US state, both by population and area, with more than 29 million residents spread over 268,000 square miles of land. The 5 biggest cities in Texas are:
- Houston
- San Antonio
- Dallas
- Austin
- Fort Worth
But, what makes these states unique and what makes living in Texas vs Florida so different? Let’s uncover some more details.
2. Living in Florida vs Texas – Reputation
To determine the reputation between Florida vs Texas living, let’s get into the vibe and culture of each state.
Let’s start with Texas, which has many stereotypes. Most people think they only listen to country music and wear cowboy boots all the time. But, life in Texas offers a lot more than that.
The official nickname of Texas is “The Lone Star State” because of its original status as an independent republic from Mexico and the US.
One great part about Texas is its great food scene, which is actually an instrument that helps build its societal bonds.
For example, there is its legendary barbecue culture, which is quite unique. Whether it is served at a locally-owned restaurant or at a neighborhood cookout, you can always feel a sense of community around Texas BBQ.
Tex-Mex dishes are also an extremely popular (and tasty) meal that you can find virtually anywhere in the state.
Texas is also the home of Southern hospitality. You won’t find a more warm and welcoming place than in the heart of Texas.
Another part of Texas that flies a bit under the radar is its diverse music scene. For instance, the city of Austin is known as the Live Music Capital. You can find anything, including country, honky tonk, blues, or jazz music across the whole state.
On the other hand, what do you get when you combine fantastic beaches, orange orchards, and alligators? The answer is Florida and these are not just stereotypes, but its actual reality.
Florida offers almost everything, such as warm and sunny weather all-year round, affordable prices, and many outdoor activities to keep people busy.
Florida is also home to many national parks and the alligator is the official state reptile.
What’s it like living in Florida? The state’s history has been heavily influenced by immigrants from places like Latin America and the Caribbeans. Today, it is a melting pot of cultures that gives the state a warm and inviting feeling wherever you go.
Of course, it is also known for its strong tourism and travel industries. Over 120 million people visit the Sunshine State every year to take advantage of its theme parks, beaches, and warm climates.
As a result, residents need to be prepared for the influx of tourists and snowbirds that arrive every season.
3. Living in Florida vs Texas – Climate
In terms of the weather, Texas vs Florida living conditions seem similar. After all, both areas get plenty of sunshine and are pretty hot locations.
But, there are many nuances that actually make these their only similarities.
The climate of Florida is classified as humid subtropical. The average temperatures vary between highs of 60°F to 90°F throughout the year.
But, there is the issue of heavy humidity that potential residents need to consider. It is one of the most humid states in the country and it can really be bothersome in the summer.
Furthermore, Florida is notorious for being the most hurricane-prone state in the US, with plenty of strong storms that bring significant threats during the hurricane season that lasts from June to November.
Meanwhile, the climate of Texas is quite varied since it is so large, with several types of climates converging in the Lone Star State.
The average high temperature in most of Texas ranges from around 50°F to 60°F in the winter to around 90°F in the summer. It can easily surpass 100°F in the Rio Grande Valley as well.
Also, thunderstorms represent a common phenomenon in Texas and the state experiences the most tornadoes in the US, with an average of 139 every year.
As you can see, both the climate in Florida and Texas has its pros and cons, so you should consider what is important to you weather-wise.
4. Living in Florida vs Texas – Cost of Living
One major difference between living in Florida or Texas is the cost of living in each state.
Overall, the average cost of living in Florida is about 3% higher than the national US average, with the median home cost in Florida being about $300,000.
But, we have to look into the details for each city. For example, the cost of living index in popular Florida cities like Jacksonville and Tampa is somewhere around 7.5% lower than the national average, while in Miami and Fort Lauderdale, it is about 11.5% higher.
However, Florida is one of the few US states that doesn’t levy a personal income tax on its residents.
If we look at Texas, we see that the cost of living is about 6% lower than the rest of the US.
Additionally, the cost of living index in most Texas cities is lower than the national average. Austin is the only major city with a cost of living index that is higher than the national average, and it is only about 9% more expensive.
If you would like to learn more about why Texas is so cheap to live in, we detailed 4 main reasons in our latest research article.
5. Living in Florida vs Texas – Job Market
What are the chances of finding a well-paid job if you are living in Texas vs Florida? Well, it will hinge on what industries you are looking into.
U.S. News ranks Texas as the 31st best economy in the country. But, the job growth in Texas has been positive in recent years, and the job market has expanded by almost 3% over the past year.
In addition, the average salary in Texas is slightly above $52,000, with a median household income around $57,000.
In comparison, U.S. News ranks Florida as the 10th economy in America, though it is not that far from Texas in terms of its absolute numbers.
The job growth in Florida has also been positive, and the unemployment rate here is less than the national average.
The average salary in Florida is about $47,000 and the median household income is around $50,000.
6. Living in Florida vs Texas – Things to Do
How is living in Texas or Florida in terms of the entertainment and amenities around each state? After all, it’s crucial to balance work and personal life.
Let’s look at Florida. There are so many things to do in Florida that it’s challenging to choose from.
First, there are the world famous beaches of Florida that are located on almost every shoreline of the state. Some of the best include Destin Beach on the Panhandle, Sanibel Island and Clearwater Beach on the warm shores of the Gulf, and the legendary Miami Beach in South Florida.
If you want to have some fun, you can always bring the family to Disney World, Universal Studios, LEGOLAND, or Seaworld.
For sports fans, Florida is home to 11 professional sports teams in baseball, basketball, football, hockey, and soccer. Some of the most popular teams that you can watch home games for are the Miami Heat, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Florida Panthers.
It’s not such a big state, either. You can get from Jacksonville in the north to Miami in the south in about a 5 hour drive. That means that, wherever you are in the state, you can always go on a weekend trip to one of Florida’s major cities. Find out more about these Florida’s cities in this article.
There are also many things to do in Texas. Its cities are the epicenter of great entertainment, live music, and an energetic bar scene.
In addition, some of the best nature destinations in Texas include Big Bend National Park, Mustang Island, and the majestic landscape all across the Texas Hill Country.
Texans also are crazy about sports. It is home to 11 professional teams, including the Dallas Cowboys, Houston Astros, Dallas Mavericks, San Antonio Spurs, and Texas Rangers.
Living in Florida vs Texas – Summary
Considering all these facts, you can see that living in Florida or Texas can be the right place for the right person.
Florida offers great beaches and a thriving tourism industry that is good for its job market and for your own entertainment. On the other hand, Texas is a bit more affordable and offers many opportunities in big cities and in the countryside.
Ultimately, everything depends on your preferences and desires. The good thing is that there really isn’t a wrong choice between living in Florida or Texas.
