Moving from Meridian, ID to Pembroke Pines, FL
A 2835 mi cross-country move between Meridian and Pembroke Pines is 50h 3m on paper and typically three to five days in practice, through 11 states. Nearly every household line β rent, taxes, climate, commute β usually shifts. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data to make those differences visible on a single screen.
2835 mi Β· 50h 3m by car Β· FL β GA β TN β KY β IL β MO β IA β NE β WY β UT β ID
Distance & route
| Route through | FL β GA β TN β KY β IL β MO β IA β NE β WY β UT β ID |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 75, I 84 |
| Major cities en route | Miami, Hialeah, Hollywood, Miramar, Miami Gardens |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Meridian | Pembroke Pines | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.391 | 114.155 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 70.695 | 97.235 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.179 | 103.556 | 100.0 |
| Services | 105.58 | 155.551 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 16.0% higher cost of living β rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect around 16.0% lower home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Meridian 0.0%, Pembroke Pines -4.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Meridian | Pembroke Pines |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 77Β°F |
| January avg low | 26Β°F | 59Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 17.6" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 11.5" | 62.0" |
Expect 24.1Β°F warmer on average per year β plan for air conditioning and a summer-heavy wardrobe.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: BOISE AIR TERMINAL, ID US, HOLLYWOOD NORTH PERRY AP, FL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Meridian | Pembroke Pines |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 124,865 | 170,557 |
| Median household income | $98,686 | $81,675 |
| Median age | 37.4 | 43.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.3% | 23.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.75 | 2.67 |
Households in Pembroke Pines earn about 16.0% less at the median β ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Pembroke Pines MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 393,730 | $41,640 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 306,440 | $37,640 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 261,940 | $30,720 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 239,610 | $37,610 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 194,910 | $77,760 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Idaho and Florida
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Florida's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April β check WYDOT 511 before departure.
- I-80 through Parleys Canyon and I-70 through the San Rafael Swell see winter closures; I-15 north of Salt Lake can slow in storms.
- Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Pembroke Pines average 92Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Pack rain gear on top: Pembroke Pines averages 62.0 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (24.1Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Hurricane season runs June through November β stock a basic emergency kit (water, flashlight, battery radio) during unpack.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Florida after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Pembroke Pines compare to Meridian?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,510 in the Pembroke Pines MSA vs $45,320 in the Meridian MSA, on total employment of 2,721,490 and 372,470 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Meridian to Pembroke Pines?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2835 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Pembroke Pines compared to Meridian?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $487,422 in Pembroke Pines vs $526,994 in Meridian β a 7.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Meridian vs Pembroke Pines?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $81,675 in Pembroke Pines vs $98,686 in Meridian β a 17.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Pembroke Pines more expensive than Meridian?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Pembroke Pines is 16.0% higher than Meridian (114.155 vs 98.391, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Pembroke Pines, FL from Meridian, ID?
The driving distance is 2835 mi and the route typically takes 50h 3m via I 80 and I 75. The trip crosses 11 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Meridian.
City profiles: Meridian, ID Β· Pembroke Pines, FL.