Best overall value
Key factors that influence moving costs from Spokane to Tampa
What to know before moving from Spokane to Tampa
Moving from Spokane to Tampa comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Tampa is generally more expensive than Spokane, itโs 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:
| Spokane | Tampa | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,450 | $1,930 |
| Average home value | $375,614 | $371,271 |
| Average income (per capita) | $60,801 | $66,802 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,556 | $3,232 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,270 | $8,108 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.6% | 5.0% |
| Sales tax | 9.0% | 6.5% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 0.0% |
- Rent prices in Tampa are 33% higher than in Spokane, which means youโll have less money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Tampa.
Home prices in Tampa are 1.2% lower than in Spokane. - Income in Tampa is 9.9% higher than in Spokane, 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 26.4% higher than in Spokane. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to Tampa, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Tampa is 29.3% higher than in Spokane.
- The unemployment rate in Tampa is 24.24% lower than in Spokane.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Tampa, since the cityโs sales taxes in Tampa are 27.78% lower than in Spokane.
- State income taxes are the same in Tampa and Spokane.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,793.43 in Tampa to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Spokane.
How life is different in Spokane vs. Tampa
| Tampa | Spokane | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 403,364 | 593,466 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 8 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 51 | 49 |
| Bike friendliness score | 51 | 52 |
| Crime Index | 46.15 | 3.0 |
| Safety Index | 53.85 | 44.94 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Tampa might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 32% less than Spokane.
- Tampa offers better access to buses and trains than Spokane, based on public transportation ratings. Tampa has a transit score of 8 out of 10 compared to 6 in Spokane. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
- Youโll find Tampa to be about as walkable as Spokane. The two cities have similar walkability scores of 51 and 49 respectively out of 100 in terms of how close housing is to businesses, recreational facilities, and jobs.
- Tampa and Spokane are similarly bike-friendly based on their comparable ratings of 51 and 52 respectively. Bike-friendliness scores between 50 and 100 indicate varying levels of infrastructure to support cyclists, including bike lanes and roadway connectivity. Cities with scores under 50 are considered more car-dependent.
- The crime rate in Tampa is higher than in Spokane, 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 3.0 in Spokane. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a cityโs crime levels.
- You might find more confidence in your overall safety in Tampa than in Spokane, based on Tampaโs safety index of 53.85 versus 44.94 for Spokane. 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 Spokane 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 Spokane 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: Itโs a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโs 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 companyโs license in Florida, visit the state's public utilities commission
- Moving permits: While Florida doesnโt 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
Now that you've made the move to Florida, itโs the perfect time to explore Tampa. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโs something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Youโll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Tampa, such as 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 cityโs Lettuce Lake Regional Park, Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, Sparkman Wharf, and Ballast Point Park โ along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back 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 Spokane to Tampa?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Spokane to Tampa. Youโll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Spokane.
When is the cheapest time to move from Spokane to Tampa?
Because spring and fall moves from Spokane 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 Spokane to Tampa take?
Covering 2,814 miles, the move from Spokane, WA to Tampa, FL typically takes seven to 21 days. Some Spokane movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services inTampa can help bridge the gap.
