($1,403) Movers From California to Tampa

Quick answer: The cost to move from California to Tampa, FL averages from $1,643 to $7,578 depending on how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
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  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
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  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Same-day estimates
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
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  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned

Hiring a professional California moving company will be on the more expensive side, while renting a truck or a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our moving from Tampa, FL to California guide.

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Moving from California to Tampa, FL resources

In this article, we’ll lay out everything you need to know for your upcoming move from California to Tampa, FL.

But first, here are a few resources if you need immediate answers:

  • Best California to Tampa, FL movers: If you plan on hiring a moving company be sure to check out our list of the top movers from California to Tampa, FL.
  • How much will your move cost?: Want to narrow down how much your move will cost? Use our moving cost calculator to get more specific price ranges and recommendations on the best companies to use for your move.
  • Consider moving containers: Need a more budget-friendly option? With these companies, you load and they drive! These are the best moving container companies.
  • California to Tampa, FL car shippers: Moving your car? Use an experienced company that prioritizes professionalism and cares for your vehicle.

Moving 2,661 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

The best California to Tampa, FL moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company from California to Tampa is a big deal.

There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don’t worry, you won’t have to filter through all of them. We’ve done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.

Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving California to Tampa.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Same-day estimates
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned

If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here our our recommended services for small moves.

What is the average cost to move from California to Tampa, FL?

The table below lays out average cost ranges to move from California to Tampa for different moving services depending on the size of your home.

Size of the Move Moving Company Moving Container Rental Truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,403 - $5,757 $1,376 - $3,393 $1,472 - $2,852
2 - 3 bedrooms $3,774 - $7,578 $2,443 - $5,406 $1,643 - $3,570
4+ bedrooms $7,541 - $12,232 $3,471 - $7,221 $2,160 - $4,510

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,661 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

The cost to move from California to Tampa, FL will depend on:

  • Move size: The amount of items you have — as well as your home size and layout — will impact the total cost of your relocation.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in California, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to letting the pros handle your move.

How much does it cost to hire professional movers from California to Tampa?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from California to Tampa will cost between $1,403 to $5,757. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from California to Tampa will range from $3,774 to $7,578, and a large move from California to Tampa will cost from $7,541 to $12,232.

How much are moving containers like PODS from California to Tampa?

Moving containers from California to Tampa will cost you $1,376 to $3,393 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,443 to $5,406. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $3,471 to $7,221.

Here are the cheapest moving containers for your move to Tampa.

How much is a moving truck from California to Tampa?

A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option for moving from California to Tampa, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $1,472 to $2,852. A larger move will cost $1,643 to $3,570, and a four-bedroom or more move from California to Tampa costs from $2,160 to $4,510. These estimates include the estimated fuel cost.

Here are the cheapest rental truck companies for your move from California.

Is moving from California to Tampa, FL a good idea?

Cost of living: California vs Tampa, FL

California Tampa
Average rent cost $1,586 $1,952
Average home value $746,055 $379,142
Average income (per capita) $91,905 $59,893
Unemployment rate 5% 5%
State income tax 13% 0%
  • Rent is about 23% more expensive in Tampa than in California.
  • Home prices are about 49% lower in Tampa than in California.
  • The average income is about 35% lower in Tampa than in California.
  • Tampa has a higher unemployment rate than California by about 4%.
  • Income taxes are 100% lower in Tampa than in California.

How is life different in Tampa from California?

Tampa California
Population 384,959 39,029,342
Political leaning Democratic 53-46 Democratic 63-34
Summer high 90ºF 87ºF
Winter low 52ºF 59ºF
Annual rain 51" 22"
Annual snow 0" 7"
Crime index 21.92 27.88
  • The population of Tampa is approximately 99% lower than the population of California.
  • In the last presidential election, Tampa voted Democratic and California voted Democratic.
  • The average high in the summertime in Tampa is 90ºF and in California, it’s 87ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Tampa reaches the temperature of 52ºF and California gets down to 59ºF.
  • You can expect about 51 inches of annual rainfall in Tampa vs 22 inches of rainfall in California.
  • In Tampa, it snows about 0 inches annually vs 7 inches of snow in California.
  • Tampa has a lower crime rate than California with a crime index of 27.88 vs 21.92.

Considerations for moving to Tampa, FL

  • 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: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
  • Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
  • 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 – Division of Consumer Services. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Florida moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving permits: Florida does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Florida. Get started here.
  • Mover's insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. 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: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Looking for local California movers?

Company Quote Rating Contact
Meathead Movers Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.9 overall rating
3600 S Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93401
(805) 544-6328
Air 1 Moving & Storage Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.9 overall rating
9556 Cozycroft Ave, Chatsworth, CA, 91311
(866) 485-1030

Visit our best movers in California page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

Need a local Tampa mover?

Company Quote Rating Contact
First Class Moving Systems, Inc. Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.76 overall rating
8110 Anderson Rd #100, Tampa, FL, 33634
(813) 576-4043

Visit our best movers in Tampa page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

What to do in Tampa?

Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Tampa.

Museums in Tampa

  • Glazer Children's Museum
  • Henry B. Plant Museum
  • Tampa Bay History Center
  • Museum of Science and Industry
  • SS American Victory Mariners' Memorial and Museum Ship
  • Tampa Museum of Art
  • Ybor City Museum State Park
  • Florida Museum of Photographic Arts
  • Tampa Firefighters Museum
  • Phoenix Glass Studio & Gott Glass Gallery
  • La Casita House Museum
  • Tampa Police Museum
  • USF Contemporary Art Museum
  • Wandering Eye Art gallery

Parks in Tampa

  • Lettuce Lake Regional Park
  • Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
  • Sparkman Wharf
  • Ballast Point Park
  • Picnic Island Park
  • Cypress Point Park
  • Lowry Park
  • Eureka Springs Park
  • Waterworks Park
  • Davis Island Dog Beach
  • Al Lopez Park
  • Morris Bridge Park
  • Upper Tampa Bay Park
  • Julian B Lane Riverfront Park
  • Jose Marti Park
  • Veterans Memorial Park and Museum

Sports Teams in Tampa

  • Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL)
  • Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL)
  • Tampa Bay Rays (MLB)
  • Tampa Bay Vipers (XFL)
  • Tampa Bay Titans (TBL)
  • Tampa Bay Rowdies (XFL)

Universities in Tampa

  • University of South Florida
  • University of Tampa

FAQs

How far in advance should I book movers when moving from California to Tampa?

Because of the 2661-mile move, it’s best to book your move from California to Tampa as soon as you have your moving details. Ideally, you’d book your move two to three months ahead of time.

What time of year is the cheapest to move to Tampa, FL?

With the summer highs of 90ºF and the winter lows of 52ºF, most people move to Tampa from California during the spring and fall months. To avoid competing during those busy seasons, you could save some money by booking your move to Tampa during summer or winter.

Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies from Tampa?

Check out our full breakdown of the best long-distance movers in Tampa.

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