Highly rated local moving companies for Houston to Tampa moves
Organizing a move from Houston to Tampa can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. We’ve done the groundwork for you, evaluating 49 local movers in Houston known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.
Here are the best local movers for long-distance moves from Houston to Tampa.
- A Better Tripp Moving & Storage: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- 3 Men Movers: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Bellhop Moving: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Square Cow: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Johnnie T. Melia Moving & Storage: 4.44 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 005972633C
Years in Business: 28
DOT #: 679167
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 000534796B
Years in Business: 39
DOT #: 1914113
Alternate Names: 3 Men Movers LTD
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
Company Info
State license #: 007018347C
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2878240
Alternate Names: Bellhop Moving Services
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 006362543C
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 1748594
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
Company Info
State license #: 0000005457
Years in Business: 56
DOT #: 436264
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Houston to Tampa?
On average, moving companies in Texas charge about $131 per hour. Consider these typical rates for a full-service moving company, moving container, or rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,139 – $4,893 | $825 – $2,070 | $661 – $1,205 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,544 – $5,947 | $1,423 – $2,884 | $659 – $1,519 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,269 – $7,996 | $1,897 – $4,022 | $861 – $1,760 |
Cost to hire movers from Houston to Tampa
When planning a move to Tampa from Houston, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,139 and $4,893. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $2,544 and $5,947 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $4,269 to $7,996.
Cost of moving containers from Houston to Tampa
When you’re heading from Houston to Tampa, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $825 and $2,070. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,423 and $2,884. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,897 to $4,022. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Texas easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Houston to Tampa
A moving rental truck from Houston to Tampa is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $661 to $1,205. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $659 to $1,519, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Houston to Tampa costs around $861 to $1,760.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from Houston to Tampa
The cost of Houston movers will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Houston to Tampa may only cost $2,235, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $6,615.
- The season you’re moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Houston.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($661–$1,675), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Houston to Tampa
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Tampa runs about 17% higher for singles and 13% higher for families than Houston.
Singles spend around $3,232 in Houston versus $2,770 in Houston; families pay $8,108 compared with $7,157.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Houston | Tampa | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,658 | $1,967 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,195 | $3,616 |
| Average home value | $263,945 | $371,271 |
| Average income (per capita) | $69,833 | $66,802 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,770 | $3,232 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,157 | $8,108 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.1% | 5.0% |
| Sales tax | 8.25% | 6.5% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 0.0% |
- Rent is about 25% more expensive in Tampa than in Houston. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
- Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 41% steeper in Tampa compared to Houston.
- There’s good news: the average income differences between Tampa and Houston are within a modest 5%, minimizing financial adjustments.
- Prepare for elevated costs in Tampa, with the cost of living for a single person being 17% more than in Houston. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
- When considering a family move to Tampa, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 13% higher than in Houston.
- Tampa has a higher unemployment rate than Houston by about 22%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
- Sales taxes are 21% cheaper in Tampa compared to Houston. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
- Neither Texas nor Florida has a state income tax, so you’ll keep more of your gross income no matter where you live.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Houston versus Tampa:
| Living Expense | Houston | Tampa |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $200.52 | $239.17 |
| Cell phone plan | $60.77 | $71.60 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.11 | $4.59 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.05 | $4.09 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $95.00 |
| Gym membership | $38.29 | $38.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Houston than in Tampa, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Houston than in Tampa.
- Eggs are less expensive in Houston than in Tampa.
- Bread costs less in Houston than in Tampa.
- The cost of a quick meal is about the same in both cities.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Houston than in Tampa.
- Gym memberships cost more in Houston than in Tampa.
How life is different in Houston vs. Tampa
| Houston | Tampa | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,301,572 | 403,364 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 47 | 51 |
| Bike friendliness score | 49 | 51 |
| Crime index | 63.5 | 46.15 |
| Safety index | 36.5 | 53.85 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Tampa’s population is about 82% less than Houston.
- Tampa’s public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is higher than Houston’s score of 5.
- Tampa is more walkable than Houston with a score of 51 out of 100 vs Houston’s 47 out of 100.
- Both Tampa and Houston have similar bike-friendliness scores (49 vs 51), meaning Tampa is about as safe for cyclists as Houston. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
- Tampa’s crime rate is lower than Houston with a score of 46.15 compared to Houston’s 63.5. This means that Tampa neighborhoods are safer than 46.15% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Houston neighborhoods are safer than 63.5%.
- Tampa is considered to be safer than Houston with a safety index of 53.85 vs Houston’s 36.5.
- Air quality in Tampa is Good, and in Houston it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Houston to Tampa move
- HOA rules: Costs across Houston and Tampa are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in Florida, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Florida, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Tampa. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Tampa
With your sights set on The Big Guava, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider 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
With your move to Florida complete, you can dive right into experiencing Tampa. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Tampa is home to museums and cultural arts centers like 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 — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back 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 Houston to Tampa?
If you’re flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Houston to Tampa. You’ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Houston.
When is the cheapest time to move from Houston to Tampa?
Want to save on your move from Houston to Tampa? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Houston to Tampa take?
The 980-mile move from Houston, TX, to Tampa, , takes two to seven days. Some Houston movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Tampa.
What kinds of discounts do Houston movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. 2 movers offer special pricing for military members. 2 movers extend discounts to senior citizens.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Houston?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 27 movers in Houston provide piano moving services. 15 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 180 piano movers and 125 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,303 and 1,466.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
Helpful moving resources
Houston moving services
Popular Texas routes
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