Factors influencing moving costs from Des Moines to Tampatoggle

The cost of Des Moines movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Des Moines to Tampa can be as low as $1,510 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $9,473.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Des Moines, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $950 to $2,486. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Des Moines to Tampa

Des Moines Tampa
Average rent cost $1,150 $1,930
Average home value $192,347 $371,271
Average income (per capita) $58,492 $66,802
Cost of living (single person) $1,891 $1,265
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,380 $4,492
Unemployment rate 5.9% 5.0%
Sales tax 7.0% 6.5%
State income tax 4.4% 0.0%
  • Rent prices in Tampa are 68% higher than in Des Moines.
  • Home prices in Tampa are 93.0% higher than in Des Moines.
  • Income in Tampa is 14.2% higher than in Des Moines.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Tampa is 33.1% lower than in Des Moines.
  • The cost of living for a family in Tampa is 2.6% higher than in Des Moines.
  • The unemployment rate in Tampa is 15.25% lower than in Des Moines.
  • Sales taxes in Tampa are 7.14% lower than in Des Moines.
  • State income taxes in Tampa are 100.00% lower than in Des Moines.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,006.87 in Tampa to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Des Moines.

How life is different in Des Moines vs. Tampa

Tampa Des Moines
Population 403,364 699,292
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 8 5
Walkability score 51 45
Bike friendliness score 51 39
Crime Index 46.15 5.0
Safety Index 53.85 57.8
Air Quality Good Good
  • Tampa's population is about 42% less than Des Moines.
  • Tampa's public transportation has a score of 8 out of 10 versus Des Moines's higher score of 5.
  • Tampa is more walkable than Des Moines with a score of 51 out of 100 vs Des Moines's 45 out of 100.
  • With a score of 51 out of 100, Tampa is more bike-friendly than Des Moines, which has a score of 39 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
  • Tampa's crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 46.15 compared to Des Moines's 5.0. This means that Tampa neighborhoods are safer than 46.15% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
  • Tampa is considered to be less safe than Des Moines with a score of 53.85 vs Des Moines's 57.8.
  • Air quality in Tampa is good, and in Des Moines it's good.

Other things to consider for your Des Moines 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 singlestoggle

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

Best neighborhoods for familiestoggle

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

Things to do in Tampatoggle

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 Des Moines to Tampa?

The best time to move from Des Moines to Tampa is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Des Moines.

When is the cheapest time to move from Des Moines to Tampa?

Because most people are moving from Des Moines to Tampa in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

How long does a move from Des Moines to Tampa take?

The 1,349-mile move from Des Moines, IA, to Tampa, FL, takes three to eight days. Some Des Moines movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Tampa.

Helpful moving resources