$1,224 Movers From Chicago to Tampa

Quick Answer: The cost to move from Chicago, IL to Tampa, FL averages from $834 to $6,489 depending on how much you're moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

Hiring a full-service Chicago moving company will be on the more expensive side, while renting a truck or moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Here's everything you need to know about your upcoming move to Tampa, FL.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Tampa to Chicago guide.

Moving from Chicago to Tampa resources

Moving 1,173 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

How much does it cost to move from Chicago to Tampa?

Chicago movers charge $100 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:

Move Size Moving Company Moving Container Rental Truck
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,224 - $4,890 $880 - $2,174 $757 - $1,470
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,594 - $6,489 $1,708 - $3,455 $834 - $1,679
4+ bedrooms $4,457 - $8,627 $2,289 - $4,569 $1,007 - $2,151
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*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 1,173 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

The cost to move from Chicago to Tampa will depend on:

  • Move size: The amount of items you have — as well as your home size and layout — will impact the total cost of your relocation.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Chicago, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs Professional Mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to letting the pros handle your move.

How much are professional moving companies when moving from Chicago to Tampa?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Chicago to Tampa will cost between $1,224 to $4,890. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $2,594 to $6,489, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Chicago to Tampa will cost from $4,457 to $8,627.

How much are moving container companies from Chicago to Tampa?

Moving containers from Chicago to Tampa will cost you $880 to $2,174 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,708 to $3,455. A larger home will cost $2,289 to $4,569.

How much is a moving truck from Chicago to Tampa?

Renting a moving truck is usually 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 $757 to $1,470. A larger move will cost $834 to $1,679, and a four-bedroom move from Chicago to Tampa costs from $1,007 to $2,151. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

The best Chicago to Tampa moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Chicago to Tampa is a big deal.

There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don't worry, you won't have to filter through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services. Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Chicago to Tampa.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
Get A Quote
(855) 650-0657

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 20 yrs experience
  • Flat rate pricing
  • Family owned
Get A Quote
(866) 835-2392

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
Get A Quote
(980) 217-6841

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 74 years in biz
  • 1,800 trucks
  • Storage available
Get A Quote
(844) 950-2963

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • White glove
  • Expensive items
  • Guaranteed delivery
Get A Quote
(703) 972-1772

% of users select this mover

If you're just trying to ship a few items, here are our picks for the best small load moving companies.

Pros and cons of moving from Chicago to Tampa

Cost of living: Chicago vs Tampa

Chicago Tampa
Average rent cost $1,595 $1,952
Average home value $306,098 $379,142
Average income (per capita) $65,601 $59,893
Cost of Living (single person) $1,001 $1,013
Cost of Living (family of 4) $3,584 $3,611
Unemployment rate 9.0% 5.0%
Sales Tax 10.25% 7.5%
State Income Tax 4.95% 0.0%
  • Rent prices in Tampa are 22% higher than in Chicago.
  • Home prices in Tampa are 23.9% higher than in Chicago.
  • Income in Tampa is 8.7% lower than in Chicago.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Tampa is 1.2% higher than in Chicago.
  • The cost of living for a family is the same in Tampa and Chicago.
  • The unemployment rate in Tampa is 44.44% lower than in Chicago.
  • Sales taxes in Tampa are 26.83% lower than in Chicago.
  • State income taxes in Tampa are 100.00% lower than in Chicago.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $3,035.96 in Tampa to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chicago.

How is life different in Chicago compared to Tampa?

Tampa Chicago
Population 384,959 2,746,388
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 8 9
Walkability score 51 77
Bike friendliness score 51 72
Crime Index 21.92 35.19
Safety Index 52.86 33.87
Air Quality Good Good
  • Tampa's population is about 86% less than Chicago.
  • Tampa's public transportation has a score of 8 out of 10 versus Chicago's lower score of 9.
  • Tampa is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 51 out of 100 vs Chicago's 77 out of 100.
  • Tampa is less bike-friendly than Chicago with a score of 51 out of 100 vs Chicago's 72.
  • Tampa's crime rate is lower than Chicago with a score of 21.92 compared to Chicago's 35.19. This means that Tampa neighborhoods are safer than 21.92% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
  • Tampa is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 52.86 vs Chicago's 33.87.
  • Air quality in Tampa is good, and in Chicago it's good.

Considerations for moving to Tampa

  • Weather: Tampa's climate generally features hot and humid summers with frequent thunderstorms and dry and mild winters. Tampa seldom feels major effects from tropical storms or hurricanes. .
  • 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 you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Florida moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Florida does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. 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: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Local Chicago movers

Company Quote Rating Contact
Alliance Moving & Storage Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.9 overall rating
3201 Tollview Drive, Rolling Meadows, IL, 60008
(847) 378-4949
H2H Movers Inc Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.9 overall rating
4250 N Marine Dr Aparment #1136, Chicago, IL, 60613
(773) 236-8797

Visit our best long distance movers in Chicago page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

Where to live in Tampa

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Big Guava", these are the best neighborhoods to move to 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

What to do in Tampa

These are some of the best things to do in your new Florida home.

  • Busch Gardens
  • Sunshine Skyway Bridge
  • Ybor City
  • Big Cat Rescue
  • Tampa Theatre
  • Amalie Arena
  • Tampa Electric Manatee Viewing Center
  • The Florida Aquarium
  • Lowry Park Zoo
  • Tampa Bay History Center

Get your sports on!

Tampa is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:
  • Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL)
  • Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL)
  • Tampa Bay Rays (MLB)
  • Tampa Bay Vipers (XFL)
  • Tampa Bay Titans (TBL)
  • Tampa Bay Rowdies (XFL)

FAQs about moving from Chicago to Tampa

When is the best time to move from Chicago to Tampa?

The best time to move from Chicago to Tampa is during the transitional seasons of spring or fall, considering the summer highs of 90ºF and the winter lows of 52ºF in Tampa.

When is the cheapest time to move from Chicago to Tampa?

Because most people are moving from Chicago to Tampa in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the summer or winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

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