Key factors that influence moving costs from Fort Worth to Tampatoggle

The cost of Fort Worth movers will depend on:

  • Amount of belongings: Moving costs go up with more stuff. A move from Fort Worth to Tampa might cost just $1,517 for a one-bedroom, but up to $9,036 for a four-bedroom.
  • When you move: Summer is peak moving season in Fort Worth, which means movers charge more during those months.
  • DIY or hire help: You can save by going the DIY route. Rental trucks cost between $914 and $2,088, though you\โ€™ll be doing the hard work vs letting the pros handle it.

What to know before moving from Fort Worth to Tampa

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

Fort Worth Tampa
Average rent cost $1,773 $1,930
Average home value $298,372 $371,271
Average income (per capita) $65,237 $66,802
Cost of living (single person) $2,784 $3,232
Cost of living (family of 4) $6,842 $8,108
Unemployment rate 3.6% 5.0%
Sales tax 8.25% 6.5%
State income tax 0.0% 0.0%
  • Rent prices in Tampa are 9% higher than in Fort Worth, 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 Fort Worth.
    Home prices in Tampa are 24.4% higher than in Fort Worth.
  • Income in Tampa is 2.4% higher than in Fort Worth, 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 16.1% higher than in Fort Worth. 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 18.5% higher than in Fort Worth.
  • The unemployment rate in Tampa is 38.89% higher than in Fort Worth.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Tampa, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Tampa are 21.21% lower than in Fort Worth.
  • State income taxes are the same in Tampa and Fort Worth.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,482.76 in Tampa to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Fort Worth.

How life is different in Fort Worth vs. Tampa

Tampa Fort Worth
Population 403,364 918,915
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 8 3
Walkability score 51 35
Bike friendliness score 51 39
Crime Index 46.15 43.19
Safety Index 53.85 56.81
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • Tampa might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 56% less than Fort Worth.
  • Tampa offers better access to buses and trains than Fort Worth, based on public transportation ratings. Tampa has a transit score of 8 out of 10 compared to 3 in Fort Worth. 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 Fort Worth. Tampa is considered more walkable than Fort Worth, with a score of 51 out of 100 versus 35 out of 100 in Fort Worth. 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 Fort Worth 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 Fort Worth is rated as 39 out of 100.
  • You can anticipate the same crime rate in Tampa as Fort Worth. With the crime index, lower scores are better because they indicate less crime. Cities with scores of 20 or below, for example, have much fewer instances of crime than those with scores of 80โ€“100.
  • Tampa is generally as safe as Fort Worth, according to their similar safety index ratings. The ratings are based on how comfortable residents feel about walking alone during the daytime and nighttime and the number of small crimes like theft and muggings.
  • You can breathe easy knowing that Tampa has better air quality than in Fort Worth. Tampa has Good air quality, compared to moderate in Fort Worth. 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 Fort Worth 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: Itโ€™s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโ€™s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
  • Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
  • 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโ€™s license in Florida, visit the state's public utilities commission
  • Moving permits: While Florida doesnโ€™t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Tampa without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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 gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Where to live in Tampa

With your sights set on "Big Guava", these are some of the most popular 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 Fort Worth to Tampa?

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

When is the cheapest time to move from Fort Worth to Tampa?

Because spring and fall moves from Fort Worth 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 Fort Worth to Tampa take?

Covering 1,133 miles, the move from Fort Worth, TX to Tampa, FL typically takes two to eight days. Some Fort Worth movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services inTampa can help bridge the gap.

Helpful moving resources