($1,395) Movers From Washington DC, MD to Tampa, FL

What to know before moving from Washington DC to Tampa

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

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

• Rent prices in Tampa are 20% lower than in Washington DC, which means you’ll have more money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Tampa.
  Home prices in Tampa are 37.5% lower than in Washington DC.
• Income in Tampa is 34.3% lower than in Washington DC, 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 18.4% lower than in Washington DC. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• The cost of living for a family in Tampa is 26.9% lower than in Washington DC.
• The unemployment rate in Tampa is 28.57% lower than in Washington DC.
• You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Tampa, since the city’s sales taxes in Tampa are 8.33% higher than in Washington DC.
• One perk of moving to Tampa is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Washington DC.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,446.63 in Tampa to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Washington DC.

How life is different in Washington DC vs. Tampa

• Tampa might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 43% less than Washington DC.
• Getting around Tampa without a car might be more difficult than in Washington DC. Tampa has a public transportation score of 8 out of 10, whereas Washington DC is ranked 9. Ratings are based on a city’s transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
• Tampa neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as Washington DC. Based on its score of 51 out of 100, Tampa isn’t as walkable as Washington DC, which has a score of 77 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 won’t see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Tampa, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Washington DC. While Washington DC has a bike-friendliness score of 70 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.
• Tampa has a lower crime rate than Washington DC based on scores of 46.15 and Washington DC's 60.37, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
• You might find more confidence in your overall safety in Tampa than in Washington DC, based on Tampa’s safety index of 53.85 versus 39.63 for Washington DC. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
• The air quality in Tampa and Washington DC 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 Washington DC 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: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
• Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
• 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.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
• State regulator: You can check the status of a Florida moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
• Moving permits: Florida doesn\’t require moving permits, but it\’s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
• Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You’ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Tampa. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Where to live in Tampa

Ready to relocate to "Big Guava"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Tampa.

Helpful moving resources