($1,127) Moving from Chicago to Tampa
Quick answer: A move from Chicago to Tampa costs $784 to $5,981 and takes two-eight days. The main factors that determine the cost and time are how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the 1,171-mile move yourself.
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Hiring a long-distance moving company from Chicago will be more expensive, while renting a truck or using a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Tampa to Chicago guide.
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The best Chicago to Tampa moving companies
Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Chicago to Tampa is a big deal. There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don't worry, you won't have to filter through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.
Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Chicago to Tampa.
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- Safeway Moving: 4.85 out of 5
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 out of 5
- BLVD Moving: 4.25 out of 5
- PODS: 4.8 out of 5
- American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5
How much does it cost to move from Chicago to Tampa?
Chicago movers charge $100 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,127 - $4,593 | $861 - $2,237 | $785 - $1,510 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,564 - $5,981 | $1,542 - $3,089 | $784 - $1,744 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,273 - $8,195 | $2,240 - $4,472 | $1,077 - $2,022 |
Factors influencing moving costs from Chicago to Tampa
The cost of Chicago 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 Chicago to Tampa can be as low as $1,127 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $7,067.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Chicago, 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 $785 to $1,925. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.
How much are professional moving companies when moving from Chicago to Tampa?
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Chicago to Tampa will cost between $1,127 to $4,593. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $2,564 to $5,981, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Chicago to Tampa will cost from $4,273 to $8,195.
How much are moving container companies from Chicago to Tampa?
Moving containers from Chicago to Tampa will cost you $861 to $2,237 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,542 to $3,089. A larger home will cost $2,240 to $4,472.
How much is a moving truck from Chicago to Tampa?
Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $785 to $1,510. A larger move will cost $784 to $1,744, and a four-bedroom move from Chicago to Tampa costs from $1,077 to $2,022. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.
Pros and cons of moving from Chicago to Tampa
Cost of living: Chicago vs Tampa
| Chicago | Tampa | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,595 | $1,952 |
| Average home value | $306,098 | $379,142 |
| Average income (per capita) | $65,601 | $59,893 |
| Cost of Living (single person) | $1,001 | $1,013 |
| Cost of Living (family of 4) | $3,584 | $3,611 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 5.0% |
| Sales Tax | 10.25% | 7.5% |
| State Income Tax | 4.95% | 0.0% |
- Rent prices in Tampa are 22% higher than in Chicago.
- Home prices in Tampa are 23.9% higher than in Chicago.
- Income in Tampa is 8.7% lower than in Chicago.
- The cost of living for a single person in Tampa is 1.2% higher than in Chicago.
- The cost of living for a family is the same in Tampa and Chicago.
- The unemployment rate in Tampa is 44.44% lower than in Chicago.
- Sales taxes in Tampa are 26.83% lower than in Chicago.
- State income taxes in Tampa are 100.00% lower than in Chicago.
To put this into perspective, you would need around $3,035.96 in Tampa to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chicago.
How is life different in Chicago compared to Tampa?
| Tampa | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 384,959 | 2,746,388 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 8 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 51 | 77 |
| Bike friendliness score | 51 | 72 |
| Crime Index | 21.92 | 35.19 |
| Safety Index | 52.86 | 33.87 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Tampa's population is about 86% less than Chicago.
- Tampa's public transportation has a score of 8 out of 10 versus Chicago's lower score of 9.
- Tampa is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 51 out of 100 vs Chicago's 77 out of 100.
- Tampa is less bike-friendly than Chicago with a score of 51 out of 100 vs Chicago's 72.
- Tampa's crime rate is lower than Chicago with a score of 21.92 compared to Chicago's 35.19. This means that Tampa neighborhoods are safer than 21.92% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
- Tampa is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 52.86 vs Chicago's 33.87.
- Air quality in Tampa is good, and in Chicago it's good.
Considerations for moving to Tampa
- 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 – 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.
Local Chicago movers
| Company | Quote | Rating | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
most popular
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Get A Quote |
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3201 Tollview Drive, Rolling Meadows, IL, 60008 (847) 378-4949 |
| New City Moving | Get A Quote |
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2929 N Campbell Ave, Chicago, IL, 60618 (773) 489-0600 |
| The Professionals Moving Specialists | Get A Quote |
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3918 N Western Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60618 (888) 225-7351 |
Visit our best long distance movers in Chicago page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.
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
What to do in Tampa
These are some of the best things to do in your new Florida home.
- Busch Gardens
- Sunshine Skyway Bridge
- Ybor City
- Big Cat Rescue
- Tampa Theatre
- Amalie Arena
- Tampa Electric Manatee Viewing Center
- The Florida Aquarium
- Lowry Park Zoo
- Tampa Bay History Center
Get your sports on!
Tampa is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL)
- Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL)
- Tampa Bay Rays (MLB)
- Tampa Bay Vipers (XFL)
- Tampa Bay Titans (TBL)
- Tampa Bay Rowdies (XFL)
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Chicago to Tampa?
The best time to move from Chicago to Tampa is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Chicago.
When is the cheapest time to move from Chicago to Tampa?
Because most people are moving from Chicago 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 Chicago to Tampa take?
The 1,171-mile move from Chicago, IL, to Tampa, FL, takes two-eight days. Some Chicago movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Tampa.
