Moving from Tallahassee to St. Petersburg, FL
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Quick answer: Moving from Tallahassee to St. Petersburg costs between $342 to $6,434 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 258-mile route within Florida take 1 to 4 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Tallahassee to St. Petersburg
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Tallahassee to St. Petersburg are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Tallahassee to driving and unloading in St. Petersburg, 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 258 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,622 - $4,510 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,278 - $2,369 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $360 - $739 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $100/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 Tallahassee to St. Petersburg?
It costs between $342 to $6,434 to move from Tallahassee to St. Petersburg. The prices below break down your 258-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $983 - $6,434
- Moving containers: $1,000 - $2,931
- Rental trucks: $342 - $879
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $983 - $3,757 | $1,000 - $1,725 | $342 - $605 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,622 - $4,510 | $1,278 - $2,369 | $360 - $739 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,276 - $6,434 | $1,668 - $2,931 | $464 - $879 |
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 | $273 - $2,275+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $100/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $70/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $182 - $728 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $46 - $182 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Tallahassee to St. Petersburg
At 258 miles, your Tallahassee to St. Petersburg 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 Tallahassee to St. Petersburg. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Florida, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 258 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Tallahassee to St. Petersburg. They've been in business since 1992 (34 years of experience) and 96.2% of their 288 verified reviews are positive.
More Florida moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our St. Petersburg to Tallahassee guide.
Considerations when moving from Tallahassee to St. Petersburg
Cost of living: Tallahassee vs. St. Petersburg
The cost of living in Tallahassee vs. St. Petersburg isn’t just about housing costs. We’ll lay out everything that matters, including rent, home prices, average income, everyday spending, and local job trends, so you can easily see how life in St. Petersburg compares to what you’re used to in Tallahassee.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Tallahassee | St. Petersburg | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,410 | $2,075 |
| Average home cost | $275,354 | $327,967 |
| Average income (per capita) | $55,931 | $73,118 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,019 | $2,642 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,631 | $6,178 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.1% | 4.6% |
| Average Sales Tax | 7.5% | 7.0% |
- Rent prices in St. Petersburg are 47% higher than in Tallahassee, meaning a larger portion of your income may go toward housing, leaving less for savings or other expenses.
- Home prices in St. Petersburg are 19% higher than in Tallahassee, so you’ll likely need a larger down payment and can expect bigger monthly mortgage payments if you’re buying a home.
- You could enjoy greater earning potential and improved financial stability in St. Petersburg, where average income is 31% higher than in Tallahassee — especially if your salary is on par with the local average.
- Living costs for one person are 31% higher in St. Petersburg compared to Tallahassee. Make sure to budget for these higher expenses.
- If you’re relocating your family to St. Petersburg, plan for living expenses to be about 33% higher than in Tallahassee. Things like housing, childcare, and healthcare will likely cost more, so St. Petersburg is generally a more expensive spot for families.
- The unemployment rate in St. Petersburg is 10% lower than in Tallahassee. This points to a healthier job market, more openings, and better economic stability in your new city.
- With sales taxes 7% lower in St. Petersburg than Tallahassee, everyday expenses like meals, clothing, and electronics could be easier on your wallet.
If you typically live on $3,000 a month in Tallahassee, you’ll need about $3,930 to enjoy a similar lifestyle in St. Petersburg.
How life is different in Tallahassee vs. St. Petersburg
Before you move, check out how life in St. Petersburg measures up to Tallahassee. You can easily compare the weather, cost of living, politics, safety, and population side by side. This comparison makes it easier to tell which city better fits your lifestyle and needs.
| Tallahassee | St. Petersburg | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 201,731 | 259,343 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 49.8-48.3 | Democratic 49.8-48.3 |
| Summer high | 92ºF | 90ºF |
| Winter low | 39ºF | 53ºF |
| Annual rain | 59" | 51" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 58.35 | 39.54 |
St. Petersburg sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- St. Petersburg has a population roughly 29% higher than Tallahassee. Relocating to a bigger city brings more people, possibilities, cultural experiences, and higher costs and a faster paced lifestyle. Whether that energizes or exhausts you all comes down to what you’re looking for.
- During the last presidential election, both Tallahassee and St. Petersburg supported the Democratic candidate.
- You’ll find that both St. Petersburg and Tallahassee have similar summer temperatures, so expect the same warm weather you’re used to, without changing your routine.
- During winter, Tallahassee gets colder than St. Petersburg, with lows reaching 39°F compared to St. Petersburg’s 53°F.
- Expect wetter weather in Tallahassee, where it averages 59 inches of rain annually—more than the 51 inches you’ll see each year in St. Petersburg.
- Both Tallahassee and St. Petersburg receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
- St. Petersburg posts a lower crime rate than Tallahassee, with a crime index of 39.54 compared to Tallahassee’s 58.35.
Things to do in St. Petersburg
Whether you prefer to be in the great outdoors, soak up some culture, or catch a live game, St. Petersburg has plenty to offer:
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
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Tallahassee to St. Petersburg?
Shipping furniture from Tallahassee to St. Petersburg with a moving company typically costs between $968 and $3,016. If you’re relocating a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay anywhere from $1,622 to $4,510. For a four-bedroom home or larger, prices generally fall between $2,276 and $6,434 for that same route.
How much are moving container companies from Tallahassee to St. Petersburg?
If you’re planning a move from Tallahassee to St. Petersburg and thinking about using moving containers, here’s a quick look at typical costs: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices usually fall between $704 and $1,662. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay from $1,278 to $2,369. Have an even larger house? Moves for four- or five-bedroom homes typically range from $1,668 to $2,931.
How much is a moving truck from Tallahassee to St. Petersburg?
If you’re looking to save money, renting a moving truck is often the most budget-friendly choice. Keep in mind, though— you’ll need to handle both the driving and the heavy lifting yourself. To keep things transparent, we’ve factored estimated fuel costs into our pricing so you know exactly what to expect.
If you’re renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move, expect to pay between $360 and $605. Moving a larger apartment? Costs typically fall between $360 and $739. For four-bedroom homes or bigger going from Tallahassee to St. Petersburg, truck rentals usually range from $464 up to $879.
How far in advance should I book Tallahassee-to-St. Petersburg movers?
To make your move from Tallahassee to St. Petersburg as stress-free as possible, lock in your movers at least two months before your big day. If you’re planning a summer move, aim for three months ahead, because spots fill up fast! Booking early not only boosts your chances of getting the date you want, but you might also score a better deal since many companies offer early-bird discounts for customers who plan ahead.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to St. Petersburg?
The cheapest time of year to move to St. Petersburg is between early October and late April. This period is outside of the moving industry’s peak season (May–September), which means demand — and therefore pricing — will typically be lower. A majority of U.S. moves happen between May and August, so staying outside the busy summer months will help you save money.
