Factors influencing moving costs from Chicago to Tampatoggle

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 $1,432 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $8,285.
  • 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 $903 to $2,147. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Chicago to Tampa

Chicago Tampa
Average rent cost $2,045 $1,930
Average home value $295,743 $371,271
Average income (per capita) $71,566 $66,802
Cost of living (single person) $1,280 $1,265
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,685 $4,492
Unemployment rate 9.0% 5.0%
Sales tax 10.25% 6.5%
State income tax 4.95% 0.0%
  • Rent prices in Tampa are 6% lower than in Chicago.
  • Home prices in Tampa are 25.5% higher than in Chicago.
  • Income in Tampa is 6.7% lower than in Chicago.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Tampa is 1.2% lower than in Chicago.
  • The cost of living for a family in Tampa is 4.1% lower than in Chicago.
  • The unemployment rate in Tampa is 44.44% lower than in Chicago.
  • Sales taxes in Tampa are 36.59% lower than in Chicago.
  • State income taxes in Tampa are 100.00% lower than in Chicago.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,964.84 in Tampa to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chicago.

How life is different in Chicago vs. Tampa

Tampa Chicago
Population 403,364 2,746,388
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 8 9
Walkability score 51 77
Bike friendliness score 51 72
Crime Index 46.15 35.19
Safety Index 53.85 33.87
Air Quality Good Good
  • Tampa's population is about 85% 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 has a bike-friendliness score 51 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Chicago, which has a score of 72 out of 100.
  • Tampa's crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 46.15 compared to Chicago's 35.19. This means that Tampa neighborhoods are safer than 46.15% 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 53.85 vs Chicago's 33.87.
  • Air quality in Tampa is good, and in Chicago it's good.

Other things to consider for your Chicago 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 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 to 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.

Helpful moving resources