Moving from Port St. Lucie to Tampa, FL
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Quick answer: Moving from Port St. Lucie to Tampa costs between $207 to $4,769 depending on your home's size and if you hire a moving company or move yourself, based on data from our moving cost calculator.
Most moves on this 159-mile route within Florida take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Port St. Lucie to Tampa
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Port St. Lucie to Tampa are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Port St. Lucie to driving and unloading in Tampa, but cost the most
- Labor-only services work well if you only want a crew for the heavy lifting
- Moving containers balance price and effort, but you handle loading or hire labor separately
- Rental trucks are the cheapest if you're comfortable driving 159 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,337 - $3,888 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,155 - $2,104 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $206 - $401 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $120/hr | Need a loading crew and already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
How much does it cost to move from Port St. Lucie to Tampa?
It costs between $207 to $4,769 to move from Port St. Lucie to Tampa. The prices below break down your 159-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $773 - $4,769
- Moving containers: $908 - $2,542
- Rental trucks: $207 - $469
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $773 - $3,095 | $908 - $1,572 | $207 - $346 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,337 - $3,888 | $1,155 - $2,104 | $206 - $401 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,871 - $4,769 | $1,445 - $2,542 | $265 - $469 |
Extra costs to budget for
Most quotes won't include these line items by default — confirm each one with your mover or rental company before booking.
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Packing service | $297 - $2,475+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $120/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $100/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $198 - $792 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $50 - $198 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Port St. Lucie to Tampa
At 159 miles, your Port St. Lucie to Tampa move sits in a range where both national and local companies can handle it well, but they serve different needs. We've listed our top pick from each category below.
Best movers for larger homes and complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our top-rated full-service pick for larger moves from Port St. Lucie to Tampa. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Florida, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 159 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
A-1 Moving & Storage is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Port St. Lucie to Tampa. They've been in business since 1973 (53 years of experience) and 95.8% of their 236 verified reviews are positive.
More Florida moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Tampa to Port St. Lucie guide.
Considerations when moving from Port St. Lucie to Tampa
Cost of living: Port St. Lucie vs. Tampa
The cost of living in Port St. Lucie vs. Tampa goes beyond rent prices. You also need to think about housing costs, average salaries, daily expenses, and job trends to see how living in Tampa stacks up against Port St. Lucie.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Port St. Lucie | Tampa | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,630 | $1,930 |
| Average home cost | $326,396 | $372,114 |
| Average income (per capita) | $78,137 | $71,302 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,443 | $3,232 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,537 | $8,108 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.9% | 5.0% |
| Average Sales Tax | 7.0% | 6.5% |
- Rent in Tampa is roughly 27% less expensive than in Port St. Lucie. That leaves you with extra cash for savings, entertainment, or anything else you want to spend money on.
- Home prices in Tampa are 14% higher than in Port St. Lucie. If you’re planning to buy a home, be prepared for a bigger down payment and higher monthly mortgage payments.
- Income in Tampa is 9% lower than in Port St. Lucie. You may need to keep a closer eye on your budget, particularly if salaries don’t match the cost of living.
- The cost of living for a single person in Tampa is 32% higher than in Port St. Lucie, you'll likely need to adjust your budget to accommodate increased expenses.
- Moving your family to Tampa? Get ready for living expenses to be about 46% higher than in Port St. Lucie. Expect to pay more for essentials like housing, childcare, and healthcare. Overall, Tampa is a pricier place for families.
- The unemployment rate in Tampa and Port St. Lucie are the same, which indicates a similar job market and employment outlook as your current hometown.
- You’ll benefit from 7% lower sales taxes in Tampa compared to Port St. Lucie, leaving more room in your budget for family needs or personal spending.
If you usually spend $3,000 a month living in Port St. Lucie, expect to budget around $3,960 to maintain the same lifestyle in Tampa.
How life is different in Port St. Lucie vs. Tampa
As you plan your move, comparing life in Port St. Lucie vs. Tampa is essential to making an informed decision that aligns with your lifestyle, values, and needs. Factors like population size, climate, political leaning, cost of living, and safety can significantly impact your experience in a new place. Below is a side-by-side breakdown of key differences between Port St. Lucie and Tampa to help you evaluate which city may be a better fit.
| Port St. Lucie | Tampa | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 204,851 | 403,364 |
| Political leaning | Republican 49.8-48.3 | Republican 49-48 |
| Summer high | 90ºF | 90ºF |
| Winter low | 53ºF | 52ºF |
| Annual rain | 58" | 51" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 35.03 | 46.15 |
Tampa sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Tampa is about 97% larger than Port St. Lucie. Moving to a bigger city means more people, opportunities, and cultural experiences, plus higher costs and a faster pace. Whether that's exciting or overwhelming depends on what you want from your new home.
- The last presidential election saw both Port St. Lucie and Tampa siding with the Republican party.
- Summer highs in Tampa and Port St. Lucie are nearly identical, with averages around 90°F. Moving won’t bring much climate adjustment.
- During the coldest months, both Port St. Lucie and Tampa experience similar chilly lows, with temperatures near 53°F and 52°F.
- Get ready for wetter weather in Port St. Lucie, which sees about 58 inches of rain each year—that’s more than the 51 inches you’ll typically get annually in Tampa.
- Both Port St. Lucie and Tampa receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
- Crime rates are higher in Tampa, with an index of 46.15, compared to Port St. Lucie at 35.03.
Things to do in Tampa
Looking for adventure, cultural experiences, or live sports? Tampa has something for everyone.
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
Parks in Tampa
- Lettuce Lake Regional Park
- Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
- Sparkman Wharf
- Ballast Point Park
- Picnic Island Park
Sports teams in Tampa
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL)
- Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL)
- Tampa Bay Rays (MLB)
- Tampa Bay Vipers (XFL)
- Tampa Bay Titans (TBL)
Universities in Tampa
- University of South Florida
- University of Tampa
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Port St. Lucie to Tampa?
Moving your furniture from Port St. Lucie to Tampa with a professional moving company usually ranges from $662 to $2,714. If you're packing up a two- or three-bedroom home, prices typically land between $1,337 and $3,888. Planning to move four bedrooms or more? Expect to pay anywhere from $1,871 to $4,769 for the same distance.
How much are moving container companies from Port St. Lucie to Tampa?
If you’re moving from Port St. Lucie to Tampa and considering moving containers, here’s a quick breakdown of what you might spend: For a studio or one-bedroom, costs typically range from $619 to $1,459. Two- and three-bedroom homes usually fall between $1,155 and $2,104. If you’re moving from a four- or five-bedroom home, expect prices to range from $1,445 to $2,542.
How much is a moving truck from Port St. Lucie to Tampa?
Want to save some cash? Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest bet. Just remember, you’ll be in charge of both the driving and the heavy lifting. To give you an accurate estimate, we’ve included average fuel costs in our pricing so you’re not caught off guard.
Renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move will typically set you back between $205 and $320. If you're moving a larger apartment, you can expect costs to range from $206 to $401. For four-bedroom homes or bigger making the trip from Port St. Lucie to Tampa, rental prices generally fall between $265 and $469.
How far in advance should I book Port St. Lucie-to-Tampa movers?
Ideally, you should book your move from Port St. Lucie to Tampa at least two months in advance. If you’re moving during the busy summer months, it’s best to book your movers at least three months ahead. The sooner you reserve your Port St. Lucie-to-Tampa movers, the better the chance you’ll get affordable rates and secure the exact moving date you need. Some movers even offer early-bird discounts for advance reservations.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Tampa?
If you want to save money on your move to Tampa, aim for early October through late April. This window falls outside the hectic peak season (May to September), when most people relocate and prices soar. By steering clear of the busy summer months, you’ll take advantage of lower demand and lower rates.
