Key factors that influence moving costs from Denver to Tampatoggle

The cost of Denver movers will depend on:

  • Amount of belongings: Moving costs go up with more stuff. A move from Denver to Tampa might cost just $1,503 for a one-bedroom, but up to $12,247 for a four-bedroom.
  • When you move: Summer is peak moving season in Denver, which means movers charge more during those months.
  • DIY or hire help: You can save by going the DIY route. Rental trucks cost between $1,367 and $3,434, though you\โ€™ll be doing the hard work vs letting the pros handle it.

What to know before moving from Denver to Tampa

Moving from Denver to Tampa means adjusting to a different pace of life โ€” and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Denver than in Tampa, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Denver compares to Tampa so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Denver Tampa
Average rent cost $1,900 $1,930
Average home value $544,237 $371,271
Average income (per capita) $85,853 $66,802
Cost of living (single person) $3,392 $3,232
Cost of living (family of 4) $8,201 $8,108
Unemployment rate 7.1% 5.0%
Sales tax 9.15% 6.5%
State income tax 5.49% 0.0%
  • Rent prices in Tampa are 2% higher than in Denver, which means youโ€™ll have less money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Tampa.
    Home prices in Tampa are 31.8% lower than in Denver.
  • Income in Tampa is 22.2% lower than in Denver, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Tampa include Bloomin' Brands, Sykes Enterprises, and OSI Restaurant Partners.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Tampa is 4.7% lower than in Denver. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Tampa is 1.1% lower than in Denver.
  • The unemployment rate in Tampa is 29.58% lower than in Denver.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Tampa, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Tampa are 28.96% lower than in Denver.
  • One perk of moving to Tampa is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Denver.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,858.49 in Tampa to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Denver.

How life is different in Denver vs. Tampa

Tampa Denver
Population 403,364 715,522
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 8 8
Walkability score 51 95
Bike friendliness score 51 96
Crime Index 46.15 47.84
Safety Index 53.85 52.16
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • Tampa might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 44% less than Denver.
  • Your access to buses, shuttles, trams, or trains in Tampa will be about the same as it currently is in Denver. The cities share a similar public transportation score, which means their transit systems are comparable in terms of how connected they are, how often they provide service, and how close they are to jobs, housing, retail and food stores, and other important locations.
  • Tampa neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as Denver. Based on its score of 51 out of 100, Tampa isnโ€™t as walkable as Denver, which has a score of 95 out of 100. The higher the walkability score a city has, the easier it is to access amenities. The most walkable cities also tend to be more densely populated and have shorter block lengths.
  • You probably wonโ€™t see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Tampa, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Denver. While Denver has a bike-friendliness score of 96 out of 100, Tampa earned a 51. Scores are based on factors like whether a city accommodates cyclists on major roadways, how often people bike to work, and how many steep hills it has.
  • You can anticipate the same crime rate in Tampa as Denver. With the crime index, lower scores are better because they indicate less crime. Cities with scores of 20 or below, for example, have much fewer instances of crime than those with scores of 80โ€“100.
  • Tampa is generally as safe as Denver, according to their similar safety index ratings. The ratings are based on how comfortable residents feel about walking alone during the daytime and nighttime and the number of small crimes like theft and muggings.
  • You can breathe easy knowing that Tampa has better air quality than in Denver. Tampa has Good air quality, compared to moderate in Denver. Ratings of good to moderate mean very low risk of health concerns, although people with conditions like asthma or allergies could be affected. Beyond the moderate rating, health concerns increase for some or all residents.

Other things to consider for your Denver vs. Tampa move

  • Weather: Tampa's climate generally features hot and humid summers with frequent thunderstorms and dry and mild winters. Tampa seldom feels major effects from tropical storms or hurricanes.
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • State licensing: Individuals and companies engaging in for-profit local and intrastate moving within the Sunshine State must register each year with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services โ€“ Division of Consumer Services. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Florida moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Florida does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Tampa. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.Released Value Protection stands out as a cost-effective choice, provided by movers at no extra expense, although it comes with limited coverage. In this option, the mover's liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. To ensure comprehensive coverage matching the full value of your items, consult with your chosen moving company about alternative options or explore third-party insurance providers. Secure the best protection for your belongings during the move with these tailored coverage choices.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Tampa

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Big Guava", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Tampa.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Channel District
  • Courier City-Oscawana
  • Downtown
  • Historic Ybor
  • North Hyde Park

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Bayshore Beautiful
  • Bayshore Gardens
  • Beach Park
  • Oakford Park
  • Sunset Park

Things to do in Tampa

After settling into your new Florida home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Tampa has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Tampa is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Glazer Children's Museum, Henry B. Plant Museum, Tampa Bay History Center, Museum of Science and Industry, and SS American Victory Mariners' Memorial and Museum Ship.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Lettuce Lake Regional Park, Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, Sparkman Wharf, and Ballast Point Park โ€” among other sites โ€” are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL), Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL), Tampa Bay Rays (MLB), or Tampa Bay Vipers (XFL) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Denver to Tampa?

If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Denver to Tampa. Youโ€™ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Denver.

When is the cheapest time to move from Denver to Tampa?

Because spring and fall moves from Denver to Tampa are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.

How long does a move from Denver to Tampa take?

Covering 1,858 miles, the move from Denver, CO to Tampa, FL typically takes five to 16 days. Some Denver movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services inTampa can help bridge the gap.

Helpful moving resources