Jacksonville to St. Petersburg Movers & Costs (2026)
A Jacksonville to St. Petersburg, FL move (~222 miles) starts around $240 for a studio move with a rental truck, and goes up to $4,806 for full-service movers handling a 5-bedroom home.
Local movers such as Royal Moving and Storage, moveBuddha's top-rated local mover for this route at 4.58 out of 5 stars across 1,245 verified customer reviews, bill hourly at an average of $95/hr per mover, with a typical 2 - 3 hour minimum and round-trip drive time added.
Use moveBuddha's cost calculator to compare specific quotes for your move.
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November is a low-cost month to move in Jacksonville
Mover demand is low and schedules are flexible. This is one of the best times of year to lock in a competitive rate.
What are the best ways to move from Jacksonville to St. Petersburg?
Did you know: Intrastate moves like Jacksonville to St. Petersburg are regulated by Florida law instead of federal DOT rules, so make sure your mover holds a valid Florida intrastate authority, not just a USDOT number.
This is a local move, typically billed hourly by Florida companies. A local or regional mover usually means faster scheduling, same-day or next-day delivery, and competitive rates, though a national carrier is still an option for larger homes or complex logistics.
For full-service moves, we recommend Royal Moving and Storage (4.58/5) as the top local pick, followed by Stewart Moving & Storage (4.58/5). Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is also available for full-service or larger-home moves.
Here's a closer look at each moving option:
Did you know: Most Jacksonville to St. Petersburg moves complete in 1 - 2 days, and full-service movers can often offer same-day or next-day delivery on a route this size, so it's worth asking for a guaranteed delivery date in writing.
Pricing data reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,000+ live price points and 885+ Florida movers reviewed.
How much does it cost to move from Jacksonville to St. Petersburg?
A move from Jacksonville to St. Petersburg runs $240 to $4,806*, per moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. Costs shift based on service type and home size.
Here's what each option costs:
- Full-service movers: $769 - $4,806
- Moving containers: $838 - $2,498
- Rental trucks: $240 - $611
What drives the cost difference?
- Full-service moves combine packing, loading, transport, and unloading in one quote. Professional packing alone runs $0.15 - $0.21 per pound.
- Moving containers lower your costs by putting the loading and unloading on you while the company handles transport.
- Rental trucks land roughly 30% under full-service pricing, but you're responsible for driving the truck and arranging your own moving help.
- Movers using moveBuddha's cost calculator typically save 30% compared to their first quote.
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $769 - $2,954 | $838 - $1,423 | $240 - $455 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,191 - $3,460 | $999 - $1,817 | $282 - $532 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,784 - $4,806 | $1,352 - $2,498 | $317 - $611 |
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 12 years of experience reviewing 885+ Florida moving companies, and are updated as of November 2026. Actual costs vary based on home size, add-on services, access or parking conditions, and timing. Use a moving cost calculator and compare quotes from at least 3 movers for the most accurate number.
Learn more about the cost of Jacksonville, FL movers.
How Jacksonville to St. Petersburg moving costs break down
It'll cost you about $95 an hour per moving crew member in terms of labor and driving. So, if a 3-person moving crew takes 4 hours to move your 2-bedroom home, your baseline price would be $1,140.
Here's a breakdown of some of the most common moving costs:
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Professional packing | $0.15 - $0.21 per lb. 12% of Jacksonville movers offer fragile-only packing, vs 12% nationally |
Full-service movers |
| Fuel surcharge | $100 - $400 (or 8% - 15% of transport charges) | Full-service movers |
| Shuttle service | $0.08 - $0.12 per lb. ($200 minimum) | Full-service movers |
| Access fees (stairs, elevators, long carry) | $75 - $500+ | Full-service movers |
| Storage-in-transit | ~$0.50 per cubic foot ($257/month for a 1-bedroom) | Full-service movers |
| Bulky-item handling | $150 - $400 per item 10% of Jacksonville movers handle hot tubs, vs 9% nationally. Top pick: MoveBright Moving and Storage |
Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $50 - $200 | Rental trucks |
| Contents coverage plan | 1% - 2% of the total value of your belongings | All move types |
Did you know: Many high-rises and managed communities require a certificate of insurance (COI) from your mover before granting elevator or loading dock access, so request one at least a week ahead to avoid delay fees.
Source: moveBuddha pricing analysis. Bulky-item charges apply to safes, sectionals, and large appliances. Storage-in-transit assumes ~514 cubic feet for a 1-bedroom home.
Best movers from Jacksonville to St. Petersburg
Moving from Jacksonville to St. Petersburg is a job for local and regional Florida movers, not a national carrier. Most companies bill hourly for a route like this, and can typically deliver same-day or next-day, without the long-haul logistics overhead national companies build into their pricing. Royal Moving and Storage leads moveBuddha's local rankings at 4.58 out of 5 stars across 1,245 verified customer reviews.
Best local & regional movers from Jacksonville to St. Petersburg
Local movers operating within Florida know the intrastate logistics and regulations inside and out, and can typically offer same-day or next-day delivery windows that national van lines can't always match. For a route this size, they're often priced the same as or cheaper than a national operator, with noticeably more scheduling flexibility.
rating
4.58 / 5
- Years in Business: 41
- 92% positive reviews
- BBB: A+
rating
4.58 / 5
- Years in Business: 32
- 99% positive reviews
- BBB: A+
rating
4.52 / 5
- Years in Business: 8
- 92% positive reviews
- BBB: A
Our top local picks:
- Royal Moving and Storage (4.58/5 stars): 91.6% positive customer ratings.
- Stewart Moving & Storage (4.58/5 stars): 98.5% positive customer ratings.
- Jaguar Moving (4.52/5 stars): 92.0% positive customer ratings.
- MoveBright Moving and Storage (4.52/5 stars): 99.1% positive customer ratings.
- Baymeadows Movers (4.44/5 stars): 86.4% positive customer ratings.
We evaluated 61 movers in Jacksonville, drawing on 18,482 verified customer reviews, along with BBB ratings, customer satisfaction, and proximity to this route.
Best national carriers from Jacksonville to St. Petersburg
Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is our best overall value pick among national full-service carriers. National movers offer binding estimates, comprehensive coverage options, and established claims processes, worth considering for 4+ bedroom moves or high-value shipments.
rating
4.9 / 5
- Best overall value
- Veteran owned
- Portion to charity
rating
4.9 / 5
- Certified crews
- Flat-rate pricing
- Family-owned
rating
4.8 / 5
- 1,800 trucks
- Storage available
- Customized moving plans
Our top national picks:
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): best overall value pick, because it balances affordable pricing with quality service.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): most experienced pick, because it has been in business since 1933 and trains and certifies its moving crews.
- North American Van Lines (4.8/5 stars): best customized plans pick, because you add only the services you need instead of paying for a fixed package.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): strongest protection plans pick, because it offers multiple valuation plans, including one that more fully reimburses you for lost or damaged belongings.
- International Van Lines (4.6/5 stars): best customer service pick, because it consistently earns high marks from our readers and other review sites for friendly, efficient service.
More popular routes from Jacksonville, FL
Jacksonville residents also frequently move to these destinations. Compare pricing and top-rated movers for each route below.
More Florida moving resources
How does St. Petersburg compare to Jacksonville?
Cost of living: Jacksonville vs. St. Petersburg
A big difference in cost of living can offset any savings from cheaper movers, so it's worth checking before you commit to the move.
| Jacksonville | St. Petersburg | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,520 | $2,075 |
| Average home cost | $262,098 | $327,967 |
| Average income (per capita) | $66,981 | $73,118 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,696 | $2,642 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,605 | $6,178 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.9% | 4.6% |
| Average sales tax | 7.5% | 7.0% |
Cost-of-living data for Jacksonville and St. Petersburg comes from moveBuddha's city dataset, updated November 2026 across 885+ Florida moving companies. Methodology details are available in our moving cost methodology.
- Rent prices in St. Petersburg are 37% higher than in Jacksonville. A renter relocating without a salary increase will see roughly 37% more of monthly income absorbed by housing.
- Home prices in St. Petersburg are 25% higher than Jacksonville. Existing homeowners trading up to similar square footage face a meaningful jump in down payment and monthly mortgage.
- Average income in St. Petersburg is 9% higher than Jacksonville. Negotiating a cost-of-living raise is realistic if you're transferring within the same employer.
- Cost of living for one person in St. Petersburg matches Jacksonville. A Jacksonville budget translates directly to St. Petersburg without revision.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 in St. Petersburg is 6% lower than Jacksonville. Most households convert the savings into housing upgrades, college savings, or retirement contributions.
- Unemployment in St. Petersburg runs 6% lower than Jacksonville. Hiring is more competitive, which typically supports faster offers and wage growth.
- Sales taxes in St. Petersburg are 7% lower than Jacksonville. Households with larger spending profiles see the biggest savings.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,940 in St. Petersburg to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in Jacksonville.
How life is different in Jacksonville vs. St. Petersburg
Beyond the numbers, day-to-day life in St. Petersburg might look different from Jacksonville in ways that matter more once you've settled in.
| Jacksonville | St. Petersburg | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 971,319 | 259,343 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 51-47 | Democratic 49.8-48.3 |
| Summer high | 91ºF | 90ºF |
| Winter low | 44ºF | 53ºF |
| Annual rain | 50" | 51" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 56.38 | 39.54 |
Did you know: Summer moves in Florida can expose belongings to truck temperatures over 120ºF, so heat-sensitive items like electronics, wine, and wood furniture are safer with an early-morning load time or climate-controlled storage (offered by 25% of movers in Florida, vs 23% nationally).
- St. Petersburg is 73% smaller in size than Jacksonville. Smaller cities typically offer lower housing costs and shorter commutes, with fewer industry options for niche careers.
- In the last presidential election, both Jacksonville and St. Petersburg voted Democratic.
- Summer highs in St. Petersburg (90°F) match Jacksonville (91°F). No wardrobe or cooling-cost adjustment required.
- Winter lows in Jacksonville drop to 44°F, colder than St. Petersburg's 53°F. Expect milder winters and lower heating costs after the move.
- Annual rainfall in Jacksonville (50 inches) and St. Petersburg (51 inches) is comparable. No major change to drainage, gear, or seasonal planning.
- Annual snowfall in Jacksonville and St. Petersburg is effectively zero. No winter weather budget or gear adjustments required.
- Crime index in St. Petersburg (39.54) is lower than Jacksonville (56.38). Lower property crime typically translates to lower home insurance premiums and broader housing options.
Things to do in St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg balances outdoor access, cultural depth, sports culture, and academic presence. The categories below cover the best of each.
Museums in St. Petersburg
- The Dali Museum
- Chihuly Collection
- Duncan McClellan Gallery
- Imagine Museum
- James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art
Parks in St. Petersburg
- Sawgrass Lake Park
- Boyd Hill Nature Preserve
- Vinoy Park
- Skyway Fishing Pier State Park
- Maximo Park
Sports teams in St. Petersburg
- Tampa Bay Rays (MLB)
- Tampa Bay Rowdies (USL Championship Soccer)
- Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL - Located in nearby Tampa)
- St. Petersburg Aquatics
- St. Petersburg Cardinals
Universities in St. Petersburg
- University of South Florida St. Petersburg
- Eckerd College
- St. Petersburg College
Final verdict: Jacksonville to St. Petersburg movers
Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is our best overall value pick for full-service moves, backed by 14 years in business and statewide Florida service. For smaller moves, Royal Moving and Storage (4.58/5) is the top local choice, with 91.6% positive reviews across 1,245 ratings.
Containers and rental trucks cut costs by about 30% versus full-service. Total prices on this route run $240 - $4,806, based on our analysis of 885+ Florida movers and 12 years of pricing data.
FAQs about moving from Jacksonville to St. Petersburg
Is moving from Jacksonville to St. Petersburg considered a long-distance move?
A move from Jacksonville to St. Petersburg is classified as an intrastate move, governed by Florida law rather than federal DOT rules for interstate moves. Most full-service movers price intrastate moves over 50 miles by weight and mileage rather than an hourly rate. Confirm your mover holds a valid Florida intrastate operating authority, not just a USDOT number, before signing.
How much is a moving truck from Jacksonville to St. Petersburg?
A rental truck from Jacksonville to St. Petersburg costs $245 - $455 for a studio or 1-bedroom move, $282 - $532 for 2 - 3 bedrooms, and $317 - $611 for 4 or more. It's usually the cheapest option since you handle the driving and loading yourself, and the estimate includes fuel.
Do movers in Florida offer storage?
60% of movers in Florida offer storage, including storage-in-transit for when your new place isn't ready when the truck arrives, compared to 60% nationally.
How long does a move from Jacksonville to St. Petersburg take?
Most moves from Jacksonville to St. Petersburg take 1 - 2 days from pickup to delivery. Same-day or next-day delivery is common on intrastate routes like this one, and getting your delivery date in writing gives you a binding guarantee. Add 4 - 8 hours for professional packing of a 2 - 3 bedroom home before the truck departs.
How far in advance should I book Jacksonville-to-St. Petersburg movers?
Book your Jacksonville to St. Petersburg movers at least 2 months ahead, or 3 months for a summer move since that's peak season. Booking early improves your odds of getting your preferred date and better rates, and some companies offer early-bird discounts. Since this is an intrastate move, same-day or next-day delivery is often available once your booking is confirmed.