Moving From New York to Florida in 2026: Taxes, Lifestyle & Boca Raton Homes

Written by Cory Levine, Life Insurance Expert ✅

Founder of The Life Insurance Professionals · Licensed since 2018 · Boca Raton, FL, serving families nationwide

Licensed ExpertHundreds of Families Helped4 min read

Last updated: October 30, 2026 ·

Editorial disclosure

This article was written by Cory Levine, a licensed independent life insurance agent, for general education. It is not financial, tax or legal advice. Cory may earn a commission if you buy a policy through him, and that never changes what he recommends. Rates, benefits and availability vary by company, state and underwriting.

Helping families since 2018. Content follows our editorial standards to protect consumers.

View more about Cory ▾

Cory Levine is an independent life insurance agent in Boca Raton, Florida, serving families nationwide. After losing his wife in 2017 and raising his children on his own, he helps families compare term life with living benefits, indexed universal life, permanent coverage and annuities, with honesty and no pressure. Read Cory’s full bio

If you’re a New Yorker eyeing the exits in 2026, you’re in very good company. Every year, tens of thousands of families trade New York’s winters — and its tax bills — for Florida’s sunshine and lower cost of living. If you’re thinking about moving from New York to Florida, here’s the honest breakdown: the taxes, the lifestyle, and what your money actually buys in a place like Boca Raton.

New York vs. Florida Taxes: The Real Numbers

This is the reason most people start looking, so let’s be specific.

State income tax: New York’s top rate is 10.9% — and New York City residents pay an additional local tax, pushing the combined top rate to nearly 15%. Florida? Zero. No state income tax on wages, pensions, retirement withdrawals, or Social Security.

Property tax: New York’s effective rates commonly run 1.5%–2%+, and on Long Island the typical bill lands around $10,000–$12,000 a year. Florida averages about 0.8% — and once a home is your primary residence, the Homestead Exemption and the 3% “Save Our Homes” cap keep it predictable.

For a retiree or high earner, the combined savings often run well into the thousands — sometimes tens of thousands — per year.

Cost of Living and Housing

Beyond taxes, your dollar generally stretches further in Florida. Statewide home prices tend to run lower than New York’s, and you’ll often get newer construction and more space for the money. The trade-off to budget for: Florida homeowner’s insurance is among the highest in the country, so factor that in honestly when you run your numbers.

The Boca Raton Lifestyle

For New Yorkers, Boca Raton is a natural landing spot. There’s a large Northeast-transplant community, so it feels familiar — but warmer. You get beaches, golf, world-class dining, strong healthcare, and easy access to three major airports. It’s the kind of place where a relocation feels less like starting over and more like upgrading.

The Fine Print Before You Move

Because the savings are real but not automatic:

• Your New York income tax doesn’t stop by itself. You must properly establish Florida as your legal domicile — and New York is known for auditing people who leave. Do it right.
• Claim your Homestead Exemption once the Florida home is your primary residence — up to $50,000 off assessed value plus the 3% cap.
• Insurance and HOA costs should be in your budget from day one.

What $415,000 Buys You in Boca Raton

To make it concrete: there’s a 3-bedroom, 2-bath townhome in West Boca Raton currently offered at $415,000 — a genuinely rare price point in Boca. It’s an ideal landing spot for a New York family making the move: lower taxes, no state income tax, and a move-in-ready home in a sought-after community close to schools, shopping, and the beaches.

The Bigger Picture

Making the move is step one. The families who do this best also use the moment to get their full financial picture right — because relocating changes your income, your taxes, and your estate. The money you save leaving New York can fund a stronger, more secure retirement if you plan it rather than just letting it happen.

Thinking About Leaving New York?

Let’s talk through your real numbers — taxes, housing, and the plan behind the move. I help New York families relocate to South Florida every week, right here in Boca Raton. Reach out anytime; no pressure, just a clear picture.

This article is for general educational purposes only and is not tax, legal, or financial advice. Figures are approximate and vary by county, income, home, and year. Confirm current rates with the relevant tax authorities and consult a qualified tax professional about establishing domicile and your specific situation.

About Cory Levine

Cory Levine is an independent life insurance agent and founder of The Life Insurance Professionals, based in Boca Raton, Florida and serving families nationwide. Licensed since 2018, he has helped hundreds of families protect what matters most. After losing his wife in 2017 and raising his children on his own, he knows firsthand what the right coverage means to a family. Guided by his faith, Cory treats every family he helps as a responsibility, not a sale, with honesty, transparency and no pressure. He compares top-rated companies to find honest options: term life with living benefits, indexed universal life, permanent coverage, and annuities, including 401(k) rollovers and retirement income you can’t outlive. Florida License W526357.

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” — Philippians 2:3 (NIV)