Key factors that influence moving costs from Tulsa to Tampatoggle

The cost of Tulsa movers will depend on:

  • Amount of belongings: Moving costs go up with more stuff. A move from Tulsa to Tampa might cost just $1,528 for a one-bedroom, but up to $9,496 for a four-bedroom.
  • When you move: Summer is peak moving season in Tulsa, which means movers charge more during those months.
  • DIY or hire help: You can save by going the DIY route. Rental trucks cost between $901 and $2,307, though you\โ€™ll be doing the hard work vs letting the pros handle it.

What to know before moving from Tulsa to Tampa

Moving from Tulsa to Tampa comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Tampa is generally more expensive than Tulsa, 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:

Tulsa Tampa
Average rent cost $1,199 $1,930
Average home value $199,876 $371,271
Average income (per capita) $52,438 $66,802
Cost of living (single person) $2,700 $3,232
Cost of living (family of 4) $2,850 $8,108
Unemployment rate 4.7% 5.0%
Sales tax 8.52% 6.5%
State income tax 4.75% 0.0%
  • Rent prices in Tampa are 61% higher than in Tulsa, which means youโ€™ll have less money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Tulsa.
    Home prices in Tampa are 85.8% higher than in Tulsa.
  • Income in Tampa is 27.4% higher than in Tulsa, so you could earn more for doing the same job. 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 19.7% higher than in Tulsa. 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 184.5% higher than in Tulsa.
  • The unemployment rate in Tampa is 6.38% higher than in Tulsa.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Tampa, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Tampa are 23.71% lower than in Tulsa.
  • One perk of moving to Tampa is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Tulsa.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,591.11 in Tampa to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Tulsa.

How life is different in Tulsa vs. Tampa

Tampa Tulsa
Population 403,364 413,066
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 8 4
Walkability score 51 39
Bike friendliness score 51 47
Crime Index 46.15 51.94
Safety Index 53.85 48.06
Air Quality Good Good
  • Tampa and Tulsa have roughly the same population, which could make adjusting to your new life in Florida easier.
  • Tampa offers better access to buses and trains than Tulsa, based on public transportation ratings. Tampa has a transit score of 8 out of 10 compared to 4 in Tulsa. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
  • Living in Tampa means youโ€™ll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Tulsa. Tampa is considered more walkable than Tulsa, with a score of 51 out of 100 versus 39 out of 100 in Tulsa. A cityโ€™s walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
  • If cycling is your thing, Tampa is considered more bike-friendly than Tulsa in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. Tampa has a bike-friendliness score of 51 out of 100, while Tulsa is rated as 47 out of 100.
  • Tampa has a lower crime rate than Tulsa based on scores of 46.15 and Tulsa's 51.94, 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 Tulsa, based on Tampaโ€™s safety index of 53.85 versus 48.06 for Tulsa. 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 Tulsa 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 Tulsa 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: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
  • Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
  • Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulationsโ€”some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
  • 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Florida moving company\โ€™s license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
  • Moving permits: You wonโ€™t need a moving permit in Florida, though it\โ€™s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
  • Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly toTampa Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations.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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Where to live in Tampa

Now that youโ€™ve chosen "Big Guava" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Tampa to check out.

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 getting comfortable in your new Florida home, itโ€™s time to see what Tampa is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife โ€” thereโ€™s plenty to check out:

  • Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Tampa include museums and art 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€” and more, offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
  • Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering 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 Tulsa to Tampa?

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

When is the cheapest time to move from Tulsa to Tampa?

Because spring and fall moves from Tulsa 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 Tulsa to Tampa take?

Covering 1,238 miles, the move from Tulsa, OK to Tampa, FL typically takes two to eight days. Some Tulsa movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services inTampa can help bridge the gap.

Helpful moving resources