Snowbirds are individuals who spend their winters in warmer climates, but usually live in cold-weather regions, like Michigan. They are called snowbirds because their migrations resemble the migration of birds during the winter. While retirees are the most common people in the category, snowbirds are more diverse than ever. Here’s a closer look at the numbers:
Types of snowbirds
Seasonal travelers
These are individuals who live outside of the U.S. and prefer to wait out the winter in warmer states like Florida. As of 2025, more than 1 million Canadians make the journey down to Florida, with a big segment of them being retirees.
Retirees and older adults
About 65% to 75% of this segment consists of people aged 55 and older. These are lucky individuals who have retired from their work and would like to spend their well deserved retirement somewhere warmer. They have a permanent residence up north, but spend their winters in warmer places.
Digital nomads
While most surveys focus on individuals aged 55 and older, there is an 11% group of younger adults who prefer the digital nomad lifestyle. Thanks to remote work, increasing numbers of people aged 25 and up have joined older retirees in the search for warmer winters down south.
Temporary residence
This group includes people aged 25 to 85 and older who maintain two homes. They return north for spring and summer, then head south for autumn and winter. About 64% of snowbirds are college-educated, with an average income between $60,000 and $70,000. Their primary motivation is to escape the winter. Preferred modes of travel include sedans and SUVs (45%), RVs (35%), and pickup trucks (20%).
How long can you be a snowbird?
U.S.-based snowbirds can spend indefinite periods of time in their desired, south-bound locations. With foreign nationals, the most common being Canadians, it is up to 180 days, or four months before having to return to their original destination.
How long can a snowbird stay in the U.S.?
Three to four months within a calendar year without a visa extension. For Canadian citizens, the same four-month window applies; however, that could soon be prolonged with the coming legislation changes.
Average market price ranges and factors determining them
Price and cost are one of the main concerns for new and veteran snowbirds. There is no truly fixed rate as the prices are determined by more than 15 factors at once. However, here are some realistic estimates for the average market price ranges, depending on distance:
- Short distance (0–500 miles): $400–$800
- Medium distance (500–1,500 miles): $800–$1,200
- Cross-country (more than 1,500 miles): $1,200–$2,000
There are four key factors that determine the actual price of your snowbird vehicle transport:
- Factor 1 – Distance and route: As seen above, longer distances cost more, though when calculated, they cost less per mile than shorter auto shipping.
- Factor 2 – Seasonal availability: The snowbird season is linked to a 30% increase in demand on several routes. The sooner you book, the lower your cost will be.
- Factor 3 – Transport variant (enclosed vs. open): Open carriers are more common and more affordable, however, are not suitable for low clearance cars. Enclosed trailers are more accommodating, however, they cost more per mile.
- Factor 4 – Vehicle condition: If your car runs and drives, it’s easier to load and unload, thus nor requiring specialized equipment.
Common snowbird routes in the U.S.
The data and statistics of the industry trends were provided by American car shipping companies SGT Auto Transport and Axis Auto Logistics that offer cross-country vehicle transportation solutions. Current research is based on the data from seasonal migration of Americans from beginning of 2024 till end of 2025. More than 100,000 cars were shipped during this period which allowed us to have a better analysis of this seasonal migration trend in general as well as go deeper into details such as demographics and periodicity.
Based on the analysed data provided by SGT Auto Transport and Axis Auto Logistics snowbirds are not afraid of the distance; some people travel up to 2,800 miles to reach their desired destination. Тhe longest common snowbird route is from New York City to San Diego (2,759 miles). For those who are Gulf Coast bound, the I-10 seems to be the most widely preferred artery. As one of the longest interstate highways, the I-10’s main termination points for snowbirds are: Tucson, San Diego, Palm Springs and Phoenix.
Auto transport trends in the American snowbird wave
Snowbird migration is seasonal, and the trends found, reflect the fluctuations between November to December. These are the most common times of year for snowbirds to start moving from colder, to warmer climates. This, on one hand, is a boon for the auto transport industry, but for regular customers, not so much.
The rise in demand during early winter (November through December) leads to higher prices along the north–south corridors. The most heavily affected routes are from Boston to Tampa, Ontario to Florida, Philadelphia to Florida Keys.
Due to the spike in demand, industry leads also report driver and courier shortages which create a bottleneck, prolong delivery times and further exacerbate the price increase.
Southbound shipments rise approximately 30% in Q4 vs. summer baseline
As the temperatures in the northern states start to drop, there’s a noticeable correlation between increased snowbird migration patterns and increased southbound shipments. Many retirees and seasonal travelers start heading south to states like Florida, Arizona, Texas, Nevada, California and the Carolinas. Many prefer not to drive, but instead opt for professional auto transport services.
The north to south car shipment trends start from October and end in December. The direction of the migration reverses in spring, spurred on both by the warmer climate and by certain tax and visa requirements.
This leaves a summer lull window which is considered the baseline of demand, and the difference is 30% from peak seasons.
Where do most snowbirds go? From the Midwest to the Sunbelt: U.S. migration routes
- I-75 Corridor (“Snowbird Highway”): Michigan / Ohio / Ontario → Florida.
- I-95 South: New York / Pennsylvania / New Jersey → Florida & Carolinas.
- I-35 / I-10: Kansas / Missouri / Iowa → Texas.
- I-10 / I-17: Washington / Idaho / Montana → Arizona & California.
- Canada → U.S.: Ontario / Quebec → Florida; Alberta → Arizona / Texas.
Why Americans move south every winter
The term “snowbirds” refers to Americans and Canadians who migrate south for the winter. Each year, an estimated 1 to 1.5 million people spend the colder months in Florida alone, with other popular destinations including Arizona, Texas, and Southern California. Most snowbirds head south in October or November and return north between March and April. Their motivations range from seeking a milder climate and lower living costs to improving health, enjoying recreation, and embracing a more relaxed lifestyle. Stays typically last anywhere from three weeks to six months, depending on housing arrangements or RV setups.
Are you familiar with the term “snowbirds?” Americans who live in far Northern states like Minnesota, Michigan, upstate New York or New England regularly have to deal with some pretty extreme winter weather. That means subzero temperatures and sometimes a couple of feet of snow, which might remain for weeks before it starts to melt, making travel and everything else a lot more difficult.
Snowbirds are the people from these cold Northern climes who prefer to spend the winter months in a part of the country that’s warmer and more hospitable, with no blizzards, no ice storms and low temperatures in the 40s (at worst). The numbers are astonishing: they show that in Florida alone, somewhere between a million and a million and a half people relocate there for the winter.
Most people leave in October or November, when things are just starting to get colder, and might come back in March or April as spring sets in. Snowbirds don’t just go to Florida; Arizona, Texas and Southern California are also popular destinations for the snowbird crowd. Wherever they end up going, they’re going to need their vehicles there with them, and that’s where snowbird car shipping comes into the picture.
In the following sections, we’ll explore car transport options for snowbirds and explain how to choose the best approach for your vehicle and travel needs.
Top U.S. cities for seasonal migration
Florida: Venice, Naples, Fort Myers, Sarasota, Tampa Bay
Florida is probably the state that’s most associated with snowbird migration (as noted with that 1 million to 1.5 million number mentioned above). It’s warm and humid, so warm that temperatures rarely dip below freezing in the winter, and the culture and nightlife of cities like Tampa Bay, Venice, Naples, Fort Myers and Sarasota cater to the state’s temporary residents.
Arizona: Mesa, Scottsdale, Tucson, Yuma
The Southwest is a lot more arid than Florida, and the dry air and climate are a real attraction for a lot of snowbirds. Cities like Mesa, Scottsdale, Tucson and Yuma are popular winter homes for plenty of Northerners, with temporary rentals, RV parks and other features that make them attractive places to spend the winter.
Texas: Brownsville, McAllen (Rio Grande Valley), Laredo
Texas is a big, big place that has everything from high plains to hill country, from red dirt to desert and mountains. The Rio Grande Valley includes cities like Brownsville, McAllen and Laredo, all of which have a distinctly different culture from other regions of the state (since they’re border towns with Mexico), and are all inviting spots for people who want to spend the colder months in Texas.
California: Palm Springs, Coachella Valley
Like Texas, California is a big place that’s very diverse in terms of climate, weather and topography. Cities like Palm Springs and Coachella were developed in the middle of the desert and they’re warm and arid year-round, with striking desert scenery and a unique culture and nightlife all their own.
South Carolina: Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head
The pace of life is slower and more relaxed in South Carolina, and spots like Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head and Pawley’s Island offer beachfront access, tennis, beautiful golf courses and a selection of restaurants, bars and nightlife that are really unique to the Southeast, making these areas a great alternative to spending the winter in Florida.
Utah: St. George
Austere and scenic, St. George has year-round sunshine and is a historic town that can trace its roots back to pioneer days. Bordering on Zion National Park, its stunning red rock terrain, mountains and desert valleys make it a great spot for snowbirds who love the outdoors and want to spend time hiking, mountain biking and exploring.
Venice, FL often ranked the No. 1 snowbird city; seven of the top 10 snowbird cities are in Florida
What’s the most popular destination city for snowbirds? That would be Venice, FL, a city that offers amenities and activities like kayaking, pickleball, golf, tennis, farmer’s markets and of course, plenty of beachfront for fishing, surfing and walks. Venice’s snowbird community also enjoys resort-style accommodations with fitness centers, swimming pools, onsite laundry and golf cart rentals.
Why Americans ship their cars south each winter
- Avoid long multi-day drives and winter weather risks
- Safer for older travelers; less stress and fatigue
- Keeps their own vehicle available for local mobility
- Average shipping cost: $500–$1,600 per vehicle (open carrier)
- Seasonal demand spikes: October to November (southbound) and March to April (northbound)
- Top shipping destinations: Florida, Arizona, Texas, California
Think about the challenge of driving from, say, Boston to Ft. Myers. It’s nearly a 1,500-mile drive, and while you could take I-95 for most of the route, the trip would take two to three days, including meals, breaks, overnight stays, and the expenses that come with them. That’s a lot of driving even for a younger driver. A drive like that is tiring and stressful and always has at least a certain element of risk involved, a risk that would be multiplied by having to deal with treacherous winter weather and road conditions. That’s not even taking into account the miles, the fuel costs and the wear and tear on the vehicle.
Snowbirds in winter destinations like Florida, Arizona, Texas or California really need their vehicles there with them. The alternatives would be taking Uber or taxis everywhere or renting a car, both of which would be prohibitively expensive, and having their own car with them means mobility and convenience that couldn’t be matched otherwise. When you take all that into account, the $500 to $1,600 in shipping costs per vehicle starts to look like a pretty solid value and one that just makes good sense for a lot of reasons.
What U.S. snowbirds pack in their vehicles
- Golf clubs, pickleball gear, and bicycles
- Clothing, electronics, and small home items
- Medications, medical equipment, and mobility aids
- Pet carriers, food, and toys
- For remote workers: laptops, monitors, and office supplies
Of course, spending a few months in a different location means that you’d need to have a bunch of your own stuff there with you. Snowbirds typically like to pack things like clothing, electronics and sporting goods like golf clubs or bicycles. Older snowbirds might want to pack medications, medical equipment or mobility aids along with their vehicles, and of course pets will need their pet taxis, food and toys. If you’re in the workforce and working remotely, it could mean bringing your laptop or office supplies along with you.
If you’re a snowbird planning to ship your car for the winter, you can bring up to 100 pounds of personal items, as long as they’re securely packed in a box or suitcase and stored in the trunk or cargo area.
Car shipping vs. driving for seasonal movers
Shipping:
- Cost: $799–$1,499
- Duration: 3–7 days
- Low stress and no vehicle wear
- Ideal for seniors, families, and multi-car households
Driving:
- Cost: $600–$1,200 (fuel, food, lodging)
- Duration: 2–4 days
- Exposure to winter hazards and fatigue
- Ideal for short-distance relocations
Let’s think about the numbers and weigh the pros and cons of driving vs auto transport.
As we noted in the example above, driving from a New England city to Florida would mean two to four days on the road, and that drive time would be a lot more stressful and dangerous if you had to deal with a blizzard or ice storm. For a vehicle that gets average fuel economy, costs could run anywhere from $600 to $1,200 after rolling food and lodging into the equation. That could be acceptable for a younger driver who doesn’t mind the challenge or for short-distance relocations, but many other snowbirds just find that to be too much of a hassle.
Now let’s compare that to a snowbird auto transport option. It could take as long as three to seven days to transport your car and prices would be a bit higher, typically $799 to $1,499 (as a rough estimate), but it also means no time spent driving, lower risks, less stress and no miles or wear and tear on the vehicle. With door to door transport, you could fly to your snowbird destination and your car would then be delivered to the doorstep of your winter home — or if the timing was right, you’d get there and your car would be there waiting for you. The whole process can then be reversed when it’s time to relocate back up north in the spring.
If you’re someone who likes getting away from the cold, the snow and the ice every winter, we’d like to help — talk to us and find out what we can do for you when you need to set up snowbird car transport. We’ve helped thousands of drivers get their vehicles south for the winter, our professional transport drivers know the popular snowbird routes very well, and we’ve got the exact set of resources you need to make winter relocation easy and hassle-free.
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