Key factors that influence moving costs from Bakersfield to Tampatoggle

The cost of Bakersfield movers will depend on:

  • Amount of belongings: Moving costs go up with more stuff. A move from Bakersfield to Tampa might cost just $1,561 for a one-bedroom, but up to $13,751 for a four-bedroom.
  • When you move: Summer is peak moving season in Bakersfield, which means movers charge more during those months.
  • DIY or hire help: You can save by going the DIY route. Rental trucks cost between $1,665 and $4,298, though you\โ€™ll be doing the hard work vs letting the pros handle it.

What to know before moving from Bakersfield to Tampa

Moving from Bakersfield to Tampa comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Tampa is generally more expensive than Bakersfield, itโ€™s important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Bakersfield Tampa
Average rent cost $1,695 $1,930
Average home value $389,732 $371,271
Average income (per capita) $73,827 $66,802
Cost of living (single person) $2,493 $3,232
Cost of living (family of 4) $6,940 $8,108
Unemployment rate 5.9% 5.0%
Sales tax 8.25% 6.5%
State income tax 13.3% 0.0%
  • Rent prices in Tampa are 14% higher than in Bakersfield, which means youโ€™ll have less money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Tampa.
    Home prices in Tampa are 4.7% lower than in Bakersfield.
  • Income in Tampa is 9.5% lower than in Bakersfield, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Tampa include Bloomin' Brands, Sykes Enterprises, and OSI Restaurant Partners.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Tampa, since the cost of living for a single person in Tampa is 29.6% higher than in Bakersfield. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™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 16.8% higher than in Bakersfield.
  • The unemployment rate in Tampa is 15.25% lower than in Bakersfield.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Tampa, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Tampa are 21.21% lower than in Bakersfield.
  • One perk of moving to Tampa is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Bakersfield.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,889.29 in Tampa to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Bakersfield.

How life is different in Bakersfield vs. Tampa

Tampa Bakersfield
Population 403,364 909,235
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 8 4
Walkability score 51 37
Bike friendliness score 51 44
Crime Index 46.15 58.49
Safety Index 53.85 41.51
Air Quality Good Good
  • Tampa might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 56% less than Bakersfield.
  • Tampa offers better access to buses and trains than Bakersfield, based on public transportation ratings. Tampa has a transit score of 8 out of 10 compared to 4 in Bakersfield. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
  • Living in Tampa means youโ€™ll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Bakersfield. Tampa is considered more walkable than Bakersfield, with a score of 51 out of 100 versus 37 out of 100 in Bakersfield. A cityโ€™s walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
  • If cycling is your thing, Tampa is considered more bike-friendly than Bakersfield in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. Tampa has a bike-friendliness score of 51 out of 100, while Bakersfield is rated as 44 out of 100.
  • Tampa has a lower crime rate than Bakersfield based on scores of 46.15 and Bakersfield's 58.49, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
  • You might find more confidence in your overall safety in Tampa than in Bakersfield, based on Tampaโ€™s safety index of 53.85 versus 41.51 for Bakersfield. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
  • The air quality in Tampa and Bakersfield is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.

Other things to consider for your Bakersfield vs. Tampa move

  • 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 โ€“ 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.

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

Things to do in Tampa

After settling into your new Florida home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Tampa has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • 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, Museum of Science and Industry, and SS American Victory Mariners' Memorial and Museum Ship.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Lettuce Lake Regional Park, Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, Sparkman Wharf, and Ballast Point Park โ€” among other sites โ€” are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL), Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL), Tampa Bay Rays (MLB), or Tampa Bay Vipers (XFL) game.

FAQ

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

If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Bakersfield to Tampa. Youโ€™ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Bakersfield.

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

Because spring and fall moves from Bakersfield to Tampa are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.

How long does a move from Bakersfield to Tampa take?

Covering 2,587 miles, the move from Bakersfield, CA to Tampa, FL typically takes seven to 21 days. Some Bakersfield movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services inTampa can help bridge the gap.

Helpful moving resources