Local moving companies in South Carolina
When you are heading from South Carolina to Tampa, FL, you deserve movers who make your transition simple and stress-free.
Out of 40 South Carolina movers that handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to Tampa, FL.
- HD Auston Moving Systems: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Smooth Move Charleston: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Ballantyne & Beyond Moving: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Carey Moving & Storage: 4.52 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 79
DOT #: 271654
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 9823
Years in Business: 12
DOT #: 2357653
Alternate Names: Go Smooth Move, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 9664-B
Years in Business: 22
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Upward Endeavors, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 9784-A
Years in Business: 16
DOT #: 2557751
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2973
Years in Business: 117
DOT #: 076235
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Cost to move from South Carolina to Tampa, FL
See the table below for average move cost ranges from South Carolina to Tampa, FL, organized by service type and the size of your home.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $969 – $2,729 | $659 – $1,522 | $368 – $701 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $1,699 – $4,565 | $1,120 – $2,095 | $405 – $798 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,125 – $6,812 | $1,506 – $2,746 | $524 – $1,012 |
These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 475-mile move from South Carolina to Tampa, FL using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Jan 17, 2026. Every month, moveBuddha refreshes thousands of verified pricing entries from moving companies around the country to mirror seasonal changes and market trends. Final costs may shift with the scale of your move, selected add-ons, parking or access constraints, fuel rates, and schedule. Get multiple quotes to ensure you’re seeing accurate pricing.
Cost to hire professional movers from South Carolina to Tampa, FL
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from South Carolina to Tampa, FL, will cost between $969 and $2,729. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $1,699 to $4,565, and a large move will cost from $3,125 to $6,812.
Cost of moving containers from South Carolina to Tampa, FL
If you’re moving from South Carolina to Tampa, FL, expect to pay between $659 and $1,522 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,120 up to $2,095. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,506 and $2,746. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from South Carolina.
Cost of moving truck rentals from South Carolina to Tampa, FL
Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment from South Carolina to Tampa, FL, with a rental truck, expect to spend between $368 and $701. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $405 and $798. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $524 up to $1,012 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Compare local moving companies from South Carolina to Tampa, FL
Here’s a quick comparison of the most popular services and discounts available for the top movers for your move:
| Company | Full Service | Antiques | Military Discount | Senior Discount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HD Auston Moving Systems | ✓ | × | × | × |
| Smooth Move Charleston | ✓ | × | × | × |
| TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | ✓ | × | × | × |
| Ballantyne & Beyond Moving | ✓ | × | × | × |
| Carey Moving & Storage | ✓ | × | × | × |
From our review of 3,179 movers, see how South Carolina movers match up to the nationwide percentage of movers offering these services and discounts:
| South Carolina | Nationwide | |
|---|---|---|
| Full Service | 98% | 96% |
| Antiques | 34% | 46% |
| Military Discount | 0% | 4% |
| Senior Discount | 0% | 4% |
Things to know before moving from South Carolina to Tampa, FL
Before you break out the moving boxes, let’s compare life in Tampa, FL to what you’re used to in South Carolina. We’ll dive into things like cost of living, local culture, everyday routines, and the area’s most popular spots.
Cost of living: South Carolina vs. Tampa, FL
| South Carolina | Tampa | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,065 | $1,930 |
| Average home cost | $295,769 | $371,271 |
| Average income (per capita) | $63,623 | $66,802 |
| Cost of Living Index | 96 | 104 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.7% | 5.0% |
| State Income Tax | 7.0% | 0.0% |
Tampa sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent in Tampa is about 81% higher than in South Carolina, so make sure to budget extra for your monthly rent.
- In Tampa, expect home prices to be about 26% higher than in South Carolina. Get ready for a bigger down payment, increased property taxes, and higher overall homeownership expenses.
- Since income levels in Tampa are similar to those in South Carolina, your budget shouldn’t take a hit during your move.
- Unemployment in Tampa is about 6% higher than in South Carolina, so the job market may be more competitive. Be strategic in your job hunt and consider networking early.
- Residents of Florida don’t pay income tax, so you’ll keep more of what you earn — a big plus for workers and retirees alike.
How life is different in Tampa from South Carolina
| Tampa | South Carolina | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 403,364 | 5,373,555 |
| Political leaning | Republican 49-48 | Republican 58-42 |
| Summer high | 90ºF | 91ºF |
| Winter low | 52ºF | 33ºF |
| Annual rain | 51″ | 48″ |
| Annual snow | 0″ | 1″ |
| Crime index | 46.15 | 28.0 |
Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- In the most recent presidential race, both South Carolina and Florida leaned Republican.
- Summers in Tampa usually hit highs of 90ºF, right in line with the average 91ºF you’re used to in South Carolina. So, you can expect a smooth transition in terms of temperature. Still, don’t forget to factor in the local humidity, typical weather patterns, and changes in energy costs to get a full sense of what summer will really feel like in your new place.
- In the coldest months, temperatures in Tampa typically reach lows of about 52ºF, while South Carolina can dip as low as 33ºF. By moving to Tampa, you’ll start to experience milder winters, making everyday life more comfortable, saving money, and giving you more opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.
- You’ll get about 51 inches of rain each year in Tampa, which is pretty close to the 48 inches you’re familiar with in South Carolina. However, even with similar rainfall totals, don’t be surprised if shifts in weather patterns and rainfall timing shake up your daily routine.
- Tampa doesn’t get snow, while South Carolina sees around 1 inch annually. Relocating to Tampa means saying goodbye to shoveling and icy conditions, making winters far easier and more manageable.
- Crime rates in Tampa are higher than in South Carolina, with a crime index of 46.15 compared to 28.0. While this doesn’t have to be a dealbreaker, it’s a good idea to look into local crime data and consider how it could impact your everyday life.
Things to do in Tampa
Whether you love scenic parks, world-class museums, thrilling sports, or renowned universities, Tampa truly offers 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
Other considerations when moving to Tampa, FL
- HOA rules: Check into any neighborhood or community rules on moving ahead of time to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: Something you’ll want to sort out early is booking your building’s elevator and checking their rules for moving.
- Parking permits: In some cities, you’ll need a parking permit for your moving truck, so be sure to look up your new area’s rules before moving day.
- 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. Be sure to confirm your moving company is fully licensed before you book.
- State regulator: Verify your Florida moving license on the state regulator’s website, here.
- Moving permits: Florida does not require any moving permits, but it’s helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- Change of address: Make sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You’ll be able to set your official move date, so your mail will be forwarded to Florida right on time. Get started here.
- Mover’s 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 matters. Our moving checklist keeps you organized and makes sure nothing slips through the cracks.
FAQ
How long does a move from South Carolina to Tampa take?
How long it takes to move from South Carolina to Tampa, FL depends on your starting point and the type of move you select. Regardless of your choice, packing and loading your belongings usually only takes a day or less, even when you’re doing it yourself.
Planning a move from northern South Carolina to Tampa? Be prepared for a longer haul. If you’re renting a truck, set aside one to two days for the journey. Your travel time will depend on your route and how many breaks you take.
With professional movers or moving containers, delivery times to Tampa from South Carolina can range from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the company’s schedule and transit logistics. You can always ask for a general timeline before booking.
How far in advance should I book movers when moving from South Carolina to Tampa?
With a 475-mile move from South Carolina to Tampa, it’s smart to lock in your moving date as soon as your plans are set. For the best availability and pricing, try to book your move two to three months in advance.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Tampa, FL?
Summer highs in Tampa can hit 90°F, while winter lows drop to 52°F. That’s why most people moving from South Carolina to Tampa choose the milder spring or fall months. But if you’re looking to avoid the crowds and maybe save some money, try planning your move for the summer or winter instead, even if it means braving a little extra heat or cold. Check out more tips on peak moving seasons.
Helpful moving resources
South Carolina moving services
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