Key factors that influence moving costs from Ann Arbor to Tampatoggle

The cost of Ann Arbor movers will depend on:

  • Amount of belongings: Moving costs go up with more stuff. A move from Ann Arbor to Tampa might cost just $1,579 for a one-bedroom, but up to $9,510 for a four-bedroom.
  • When you move: Summer is peak moving season in Ann Arbor, which means movers charge more during those months.
  • DIY or hire help: You can save by going the DIY route. Rental trucks cost between $895 and $2,235, though you\โ€™ll be doing the hard work vs letting the pros handle it.

What to know before moving from Ann Arbor to Tampa

Moving from Ann Arbor to Tampa comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Tampa is generally more expensive than Ann Arbor, itโ€™s important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Ann Arbor Tampa
Average rent cost $2,260 $1,930
Average home value $474,909 $371,271
Average income (per capita) $66,964 $66,802
Cost of living (single person) $2,176 $3,232
Cost of living (family of 4) $5,344 $8,108
Unemployment rate 3.5% 5.0%
Sales tax 6.0% 6.5%
State income tax 4.25% 0.0%
  • Rent prices in Tampa are 15% lower than in Ann Arbor, which means youโ€™ll have more 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 Tampa are 21.8% lower than in Ann Arbor.
  • Income is the same in Tampa and Ann Arbor. The top employers in Tampa include Bloomin' Brands, Sykes Enterprises, and OSI Restaurant Partners.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Tampa, since the cost of living for a single person in Tampa is 48.5% higher than in Ann Arbor. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to Tampa, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Tampa is 51.7% higher than in Ann Arbor.
  • The unemployment rate in Tampa is 42.86% higher than in Ann Arbor.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Tampa, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Tampa are 8.33% higher than in Ann Arbor.
  • One perk of moving to Tampa is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Ann Arbor.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,455.88 in Tampa to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Ann Arbor.

How life is different in Ann Arbor vs. Tampa

Tampa Ann Arbor
Population 403,364 123,851
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 8 7
Walkability score 51 52
Bike friendliness score 51 71
Crime Index 46.15 31.0
Safety Index 53.85 79.18
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • The population of Tampa is about 226% greater than Ann Arbor, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
  • Tampa offers better access to buses and trains than Ann Arbor, based on public transportation ratings. Tampa has a transit score of 8 out of 10 compared to 7 in Ann Arbor. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
  • Youโ€™ll find Tampa to be about as walkable as Ann Arbor. The two cities have similar walkability scores of 51 and 52 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 Tampa, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Ann Arbor. While Ann Arbor has a bike-friendliness score of 71 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.
  • The crime rate in Tampa is higher than in Ann Arbor, so you may want to exercise a little extra caution as you're acclimating to your new location. While the crime index is 46.15 in Tampa, it is 31.0 in Ann Arbor. 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 Tampa. With a crime index of 53.85, Tampa ranks lower in overall safety than Ann Arbor, whose index is Ann Arbor's 79.18. 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.
  • You can breathe easy knowing that Tampa has better air quality than in Ann Arbor. Tampa has Good air quality, compared to moderate in Ann Arbor. Ratings of good to moderate mean very low risk of health concerns, although people with conditions like asthma or allergies could be affected. Beyond the moderate rating, health concerns increase for some or all residents.

Other things to consider for your Ann Arbor 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 โ€“ 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\โ€™t require moving permits, but it\โ€™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. Youโ€™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.

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

Things to do in Tampa

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 Ann Arbor to Tampa?

If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Ann Arbor to Tampa. Youโ€™ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Ann Arbor.

When is the cheapest time to move from Ann Arbor to Tampa?

Because spring and fall moves from Ann Arbor to Tampa are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.

How long does a move from Ann Arbor to Tampa take?

Covering 1,169 miles, the move from Ann Arbor, MI to Tampa, FL typically takes two to eight days. Some Ann Arbor movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services inTampa can help bridge the gap.

Helpful moving resources