Top-rated movers to make your Raleigh to Tampa move easy
Finding a trusted local moving company in Raleigh that offers long-distance services to Tampa can be a challenge. Good news — we’ve done the homework for you. Our team reviewed 28 top local movers in Raleigh who handle long-distance moves, evaluating them based on pricing, service offerings, and customer satisfaction.
These are the best local movers for your long-distance move from Raleigh to Tampa.
- Bellhop Moving: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Little Guys Movers : 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Athens Moving Experts: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Excel Moving & Storage: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Next Stop Movers: 4.48 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 2934
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2878240
Alternate Names: Bellhops, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 2548
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 1931566
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2657
Years in Business: 8
DOT #: 3205320
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2311
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 076235
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 1267633
Years in Business: 4
DOT #: 3619230
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Raleigh to Tampa?
In North Carolina, moving services typically cost around $145 per hour. Below are standard prices for hiring a full-service moving company, renting a moving container, or a truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,050 – $3,407 | $727 – $1,758 | $464 – $859 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,097 – $4,974 | $1,220 – $2,533 | $506 – $1,105 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,649 – $7,125 | $1,683 – $3,315 | $651 – $1,259 |
Cost to hire movers from Raleigh to Tampa
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to Tampa from Raleigh, you can expect prices to land between $1,050 and $3,407. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $2,097 to $4,974 for the trip from Raleigh to Tampa. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $3,649 and $7,125.
Cost of moving containers from Raleigh to Tampa
Moving containers from Raleigh to Tampa will cost you $727 to $1,758 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,220 to $2,533. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,683 to $3,315. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of North Carolina.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Raleigh to Tampa
Renting a moving truck from Raleigh to Tampa typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $464 and $859 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $506 to $1,105. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $651 to $1,259.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Raleigh to Tampa move
The cost of Raleigh movers will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $1,687 for a one-bedroom, or up to $6,103 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you’re moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Raleigh.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $464 to $1,120, but require more effort than hiring movers.
What to know before moving from Raleigh to Tampa
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Tampa runs about -47% higher for singles and 33% higher for families than Raleigh.
Singles spend around $3,232 in Raleigh versus $6,077 in Raleigh; families pay $8,108 compared with $6,077.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Raleigh | Tampa | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,820 | $1,967 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,000 | $3,616 |
| Average home value | $431,795 | $371,271 |
| Average income (per capita) | $2,572 | $66,802 |
| Cost of living (single) | $6,077 | $3,232 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,077 | $8,108 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.3% | 5.0% |
| Sales tax | 7.25% | 6.5% |
| State income tax | 4.5% | 0.0% |
- Planning a move to Tampa? Keep in mind that rent could be approximately 16% higher than in Raleigh, so be sure to adjust your monthly expenses accordingly.
- You can relax about your monthly mortgage expenses, thanks to home prices being nearly 14% more affordable in Tampa compared to Raleigh.
- Exciting update: you’ll see an average income that’s about 2497% higher in Tampa compared to Raleigh, which might allow for more savings or investments.
- You’ll save on routine expenses like food, gas, and utilities in Tampa, as the cost of living for a single person is 47% lower compared to Raleigh.
- If you’re moving your family to Tampa, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Tampa is 33% higher than in Raleigh.
- Tampa shows an unemployment rate that exceeds Raleigh by around 16%. This increase suggests a broader candidate selection for employers, possibly making the job market more competitive for applicants.
- Sales taxes are 10% less in Tampa relative to Raleigh. This will help shrink your living expenses, especially if you tend to buy more taxable goods.
- Florida has no income tax, meaning you keep more of your gross income, which can be a major advantage for salaried workers, freelancers, and retirees with taxable income.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Raleigh and Tampa:
| Living Expense | Raleigh | Tampa |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $190.88 | $239.17 |
| Cell phone plan | $64.40 | $71.60 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.71 | $4.59 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.12 | $4.09 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $19.50 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $75.00 | $95.00 |
| Gym membership | $40.18 | $38.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Raleigh than in Tampa, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Raleigh than in Tampa.
- Eggs cost more in Raleigh than in Tampa.
- Bread is more expensive in Raleigh than in Tampa.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Raleigh than in Tampa.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Raleigh than in Tampa.
- Gym memberships cost more in Raleigh than in Tampa.
How life is different in Raleigh vs. Tampa
| Raleigh | Tampa | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 467,665 | 403,364 |
| Transportation score | 4 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 31 | 51 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 51 |
| Crime index | 38.87 | 46.15 |
| Safety index | 60.13 | 53.85 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Tampa’s population is about 14% less than Raleigh.
- Tampa’s public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is higher than Raleigh’s score of 4.
- Tampa is more walkable than Raleigh with a score of 51 out of 100 vs Raleigh’s 31 out of 100.
- With a score of 51 out of 100, Tampa is more bike-friendly than Raleigh, which has a score of 39 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Tampa’s crime rate is higher than Raleigh with a score of 46.15 compared to Raleigh’s 38.87. This means that Tampa neighborhoods are safer than 46.15% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Raleigh neighborhoods are safer than 38.87%.
- Tampa is considered to be less safe than Raleigh with a score of 53.85 vs Raleigh’s 60.13.
- Air quality in Tampa is Good, and in Raleigh it’s Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Raleigh to Tampa move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Florida’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Florida does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You’ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Tampa. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Tampa
Planning your move to The Big Guava? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Tampa.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Channel District
- Courier City-Oscawana
- Downtown
- Historic Ybor
- North Hyde Park
Best neighborhoods for families
- Bayshore Beautiful
- Bayshore Gardens
- Beach Park
- Oakford Park
- Sunset Park
Things to do in Tampa
After settling into your new Florida home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Tampa has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:
- Arts and culture: Tampa features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Glazer Children’s Museum, Henry B. Plant Museum, Tampa Bay History Center, and Museum of Science and Industry.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Lettuce Lake Regional Park, Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, Sparkman Wharf, and Ballast Point Park — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL)Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL)Tampa Bay Rays (MLB)Tampa Bay Vipers (XFL)Tampa Bay Titans (TBL)Tampa Bay Rowdies (XFL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Raleigh to Tampa?
Planning your move from Raleigh to Tampa? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Raleigh.
When is the cheapest time to move from Raleigh to Tampa?
Because most people are moving from Raleigh to Tampa in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Raleigh to Tampa take?
The 650-mile journey from Raleigh, NC to Tampa, , typically takes one to six days. Some movers in Raleigh offer expedited services if you’re on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Tampa.
Are there special savings available from movers in Raleigh?
Several movers here offer discounted rates that can help lower your total moving costs. 1 have discounts for military personnel. 1 extend reduced rates to seniors.
These offers can vary widely, so it’s best to verify details with the mover before booking.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Raleigh?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Raleigh, 20 movers can manage piano relocations. 8 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, North Carolina has 78 piano movers and 38 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
Helpful moving resources
Raleigh moving services
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