Key factors that influence moving costs from Harrisburg to Tampatoggle

The cost of Harrisburg movers will depend on:

  • Amount of belongings: Moving costs go up with more stuff. A move from Harrisburg to Tampa might cost just $1,306 for a one-bedroom, but up to $8,130 for a four-bedroom.
  • When you move: Summer is peak moving season in Harrisburg, which means movers charge more during those months.
  • DIY or hire help: You can save by going the DIY route. Rental trucks cost between $812 and $1,900, though you\โ€™ll be doing the hard work vs letting the pros handle it.

What to know before moving from Harrisburg to Tampa

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

Harrisburg Tampa
Average rent cost $1,200 $1,930
Average home value $230,038 $371,271
Average income (per capita) $73,256 $66,802
Cost of living (single person) $1,849 $3,232
Cost of living (family of 4) $3,612 $8,108
Unemployment rate 13.4% 5.0%
Sales tax 6.0% 6.5%
State income tax 3.07% 0.0%
  • Rent prices in Tampa are 61% higher than in Harrisburg, 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 Harrisburg.
    Home prices in Tampa are 61.4% higher than in Harrisburg.
  • Income in Tampa is 8.8% lower than in Harrisburg, so you could earn less 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 74.8% higher than in Harrisburg. 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 124.5% higher than in Harrisburg.
  • The unemployment rate in Tampa is 62.69% lower than in Harrisburg.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Tampa, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Tampa are 8.33% higher than in Harrisburg.
  • One perk of moving to Tampa is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Harrisburg.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $5,243.92 in Tampa to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Harrisburg.

How life is different in Harrisburg vs. Tampa

Tampa Harrisburg
Population 403,364 50,099
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 8 6
Walkability score 51 68
Bike friendliness score 51 57
Crime Index 46.15 64.18
Safety Index 53.85 35.82
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • The population of Tampa is about 705% greater than Harrisburg, 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 Harrisburg, based on public transportation ratings. Tampa has a transit score of 8 out of 10 compared to 6 in Harrisburg. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
  • Tampa neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as Harrisburg. Based on its score of 51 out of 100, Tampa isnโ€™t as walkable as Harrisburg, which has a score of 68 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 wonโ€™t see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Tampa, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Harrisburg. While Harrisburg has a bike-friendliness score of 57 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 Harrisburg based on scores of 46.15 and Harrisburg's 64.18, 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 Harrisburg, based on Tampaโ€™s safety index of 53.85 versus 35.82 for Harrisburg. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
  • You can breathe easy knowing that Tampa has better air quality than in Harrisburg. Tampa has Good air quality, compared to moderate in Harrisburg. 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 Harrisburg 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

Once youโ€™re settled into your new home in Florida, itโ€™s time to get out and discover what Tampa has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโ€™s something for everyone here:

  • Arts and culture: Tampa features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including 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 spots โ€” perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
  • Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during 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 Harrisburg to Tampa?

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

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

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

Covering 1,013 miles, the move from Harrisburg, PA to Tampa, FL typically takes two to eight days. Some Harrisburg movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services inTampa can help bridge the gap.

Helpful moving resources