From my experience, auto insurance is typically more in Florida. Homeowners insurance is definitely increasing, and gas and groceries are usually a bit more as well.
However, property taxes are significantly less, but there’s another poster pointed out, that communicated with HOA fees often times.
With no state income tax, and no taxes on Social Security and pension’s, pricewise, long-term, I would assume it equals out as far as pricing between New Jersey in Florida, but with the fur to the experts, like KYK and others.
I think it’s all a matter of preference. What type of lifestyle you’re looking for, weather, things to do, etc..
I can tell you every time I go to Florida I am much more relaxed, in a better frame of mind, and overall happier than I am in New Jersey. That is a personal preference of mine, as I have been going to Florida since we were little kids to see my grandparents, so it always has hold a special place in my heart.
There’s so many different variables like we’ve spoken about in regard to cost moving forward, but also family, health, etc.
My advice to the OP is definitely take your time. I have been in Florida no less than 50 times in my life. I still discover new things each time I go. As stated, we love Southwest Florida, as well as the panhandle near Tallahassee, and southern Georgia as well by in Thomasville.
Florida is such a diverse state with people, to rain, demographics, etc. I think we all pigeonhole and think that New Jersey is the norm as it is small and fairly condensed, but the more we all travel around the more we see that New Jersey is truly an anomaly in that regard