($653+) Philadelphia, PA to Tampa, FL Movers
Moving from Philadelphia, PA, to Tampa, FL, runs anywhere from $653 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,456 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,047 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 8 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $1,908, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,456 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,172 - $4,076, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $653 - $1,757.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Philadelphia, PA, to Tampa, FL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,392 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Philadelphia, PA to Tampa, FL
Moving options from Philadelphia to Tampa fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $2,392 - $6,013 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 40% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 71% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 1,047 miles and typically takes 2 to 8 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,047-mile route from Philadelphia to Tampa, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,908 - $4,519 | $1,172 - $2,204 | $653 - $1,265 | $1,097 - $1,849 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,392 - $6,013 | $1,434 - $3,095 | $692 - $1,535 | $1,255 - $2,285 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,900 - $7,456 | $2,097 - $4,076 | $931 - $1,757 | $1,597 - $2,978 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Philadelphia, PA to Tampa, FL
Hiring full-service movers from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Tampa, Florida, costs between $1,908 and $7,456. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 1,047-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $312 - $2,080, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Philadelphia and Tampa. For a rough baseline, movers based in Philadelphia tend to start around $282 plus $130/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Philadelphia to Tampa:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,908 - $4,519
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,392 - $6,013
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,900 - $7,456
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Philadelphia to Tampa.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Specialty moving services from Philadelphia, PA to Tampa, FL
Specialty needs vary by market: 55% of Philadelphia movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Tampa, 55% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing72% of local movers | $520 - $5,200 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready55% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Superior Moving & Storage | $208 - $1,248/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $312 - $2,496 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage10% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs48% of local movers | $1,040 - $3,120 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,600 - $10,400 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $779 - $1,480 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items27% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Superior Moving & Storage | $1,040 - $2,600 |
| Piano | Any piano type35% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Superior Moving & Storage | $832 - $3,640 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling8% of local movers | $312 - $1,560 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Payless Moving Inc. | $676 - $2,080 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $312 - $15,600+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $312 - $3,640+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Philadelphia to Tampa?
Look for Professional Movers Association of Florida membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Florida beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Philadelphia, PA, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Philadelphia, PA to Tampa, FL
Moving containers from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Tampa, Florida, cost between $1,172 and $4,076. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Philadelphia typically runs around $80/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Philadelphia to Tampa:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,172 - $2,204
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,434 - $3,095
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,097 - $4,076
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Philadelphia, PA and Tampa, FL. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $728 in Philadelphia, PA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $78 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $156 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Pennsylvania to Florida move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,172. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,434 - $3,095.
What are the best moving containers Philadelphia to Tampa?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Philadelphia to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Philadelphia:
- Superior Moving & Storage (4.3/5), 45 years in business
- Flex Moving & Storage (4.8/5), 4 years in business
- Payless Moving Inc. (4.5/5), 17 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Philadelphia, PA to Tampa, FL
A rental truck for this 1,047-mile move from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Tampa, Florida, costs between $653 and $1,757. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $346 - $396
- Daily insurance: $31/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
- Philadelphia daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.89 - $0.99
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Philadelphia to Tampa based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $653 - $1,265
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $692 - $1,535
- 4+ bedrooms: $931 - $1,757
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $653 - $1,757 when pricing out a rental truck from Philadelphia to Tampa. Fuel alone runs $346 - $396, and overnight lodging ($156/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $156 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, usually costs about $728 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 1,047-mile drive falls between $346 and $396, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $52 and $312 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Philadelphia to Tampa?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Philadelphia, PA to Tampa, FL
If you're moving a larger household from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Tampa, Florida.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. A 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route typically falls between $1,255 and $2,285.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Philadelphia to Tampa:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,097 - $1,849
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,255 - $2,285
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,597 - $2,978
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $728.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $78 and $156 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Philadelphia to Tampa?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Tampa fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Philadelphia, PA vs Tampa, FL
Good news for your budget: Tampa isn't meaningfully more or less expensive to live in than Philadelphia. Cost of living index runs 104 there against 104 here. Focus your planning on the move itself rather than a change in monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 75/100 and 33.91/100 here versus 51/100 and 53.85/100 there.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Tampa, FL to Philadelphia, PA guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Pennsylvania to Florida in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 267 movers based in Pennsylvania, handy for sizing up options on this 1,047-mile route.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 1,047-mile route from Philadelphia, PA, to Tampa, FL, run $1,908 - $7,456 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,172 - $4,076, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $653 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,392, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Bloomin' Brands and Sykes Enterprises.
FAQs: Moving from Philadelphia, PA, to Tampa, FL
Is Tampa a safe place to live?
Tampa has a safety index of 53.85 out of 100 and a crime index of 46.15, compared to 33.91 and 66.09 in Philadelphia. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
How walkable is Tampa?
Tampa has a walkability score of 51 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 51, compared to 75 and 67 in Philadelphia. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What are the best neighborhoods in Tampa?
For families, Bayshore Beautiful, Bayshore Gardens, and Beach Park are worth a look in Tampa. If you're moving solo or without kids, Channel District, Courier City-Oscawana, and Downtown tend to be popular picks instead.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Florida?
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.
What do local movers charge in Philadelphia?
Local movers based in Philadelphia typically start around $282 as a base rate, plus $130/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Tampa run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What percentage of Philadelphia movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 35% of movers in Philadelphia handle piano moves, and 27% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.