Key factors that impact the cost of your Tampa to Ontario movetoggle

The cost of Tampa movers will depend on:

  • Size of your move: The more items you have, the more your move will cost. A smaller move from Tampa to Ontario (like a one-bedroom) could be as low as $1,439, while larger moves may reach $11,111 for a four-bedroom home.
  • Seasonal demand: Moving in the summer? Expect to pay more โ€” itโ€™s the busiest time of year for movers in Tampa.
  • DIY vs. hiring pros: You can cut costs by renting a truck (typically $1,691 to $4,189, but it requires more effort than hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Tampa to Ontario

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

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

Tampa Ontario
Average rent cost $1,930 $2,619
Average home value $371,271 $668,089
Average income (per capita) $66,802 $71,908
Cost of living (single person) $3,232 $2,473
Cost of living (family of 4) $8,108 $5,793
Unemployment rate 5.0% 6.9%
Sales tax 6.5% 8.75%
State income tax 0.0% 13.3%
  • Rent prices in Ontario are 36% higher than in Tampa, 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 Ontario are 79.9% higher than in Tampa.
  • Income in Ontario is 7.6% higher than in Tampa, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Ontario include Prime Healthcare, Niagara Bottling, and Gold Star Foods.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Ontario is 23.5% lower than in Tampa. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Ontario is 28.6% lower than in Tampa.
  • The unemployment rate in Ontario is 38.00% higher than in Tampa.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Ontario, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Ontario are 34.62% higher than in Tampa.
  • State income taxes in Ontario are 13.30% higher than in Tampa.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,295.48 in Ontario to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Tampa.

How life is different in Tampa vs. Ontario

Ontario Tampa
Population 175,265 403,364
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 8
Walkability score 48 51
Bike friendliness score 46 51
Crime Index 50.25 46.15
Safety Index 49.75 53.85
Air Quality Good Good
  • Ontario might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 57% less than Tampa.
  • Getting around Ontario without a car might be more difficult than in Tampa. Ontario has a public transportation score of 5 out of 10, whereas Tampa is ranked 8. Ratings are based on a cityโ€™s transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
  • Youโ€™ll find Ontario to be about as walkable as Tampa. The two cities have similar walkability scores of 48 and 51 respectively out of 100 in terms of how close housing is to businesses, recreational facilities, and jobs.
  • You probably wonโ€™t see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Ontario, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Tampa. While Tampa has a bike-friendliness score of 51 out of 100, Ontario earned a 46. 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.
  • The crime rate in Ontario is higher than in Tampa, so you may want to exercise a little extra caution as you're acclimating to your new location. While the crime index is 50.25 in Ontario, it is 46.15 in Tampa. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a cityโ€™s crime levels.
  • You may want to exercise more caution as youโ€™re getting used to your new surroundings in Ontario. With a crime index of 49.75, Ontario ranks lower in overall safety than Tampa, whose index is Tampa's 53.85. The safety index measures how safe people in a city feel about walking alone, both during the day and at night, as well as data on muggings, theft, vandalism, and other instances of petty crime.
  • The air quality in Ontario and Tampa is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.

Other things to consider for your Tampa vs. Ontario move

  • Weather: Ontario with hot summers and mild winters.
  • 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: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a โ€œT Numberโ€ issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a California moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: California 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 Ontario. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.Opt for Released Value Protection โ€“ a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Ontario

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

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Downtown Ontario
  • Piemonte
  • Ontario Ranch
  • Rancho Cucamonga
  • Upland

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Creekside
  • Parkview
  • Ontario Ranch
  • College Park
  • Downtown Ontario

Things to do in Ontario

After getting comfortable in your new California home, itโ€™s time to see what Ontario is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife โ€” thereโ€™s plenty to check out:

  • Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Ontario include museums and art centers like the Museum of History and Art, Ontario.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park โ€” and more, offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
  • Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an game.

FAQ

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

The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Tampa to Ontario are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Tampa are lower.

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

With many people choosing to move from Tampa to Ontario in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.

How long does a move from Tampa to Ontario take?

Moving from Tampa, FL to Ontario, CA covers 2,490 miles and usually takes seven to 18 days. Need to move faster? Some Tampa movers offer expedited options. If youโ€™re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Ontario.

Helpful moving resources