Quick answer: For a 2,448-mile move from San Diego to Tampa, expect to spend around $1,945–$9,154 and seven to 18 days in transit. Cost and time vary by move size, date, and whether you're going DIY or using a moving company.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Tampa to San Diego guide.
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Best Movers By Type
Professional
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Labor Only
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Best Professional Movers from San Diego to Tampa
Choosing a long-distance moving company in San Diego to go to Tampa can be overwhelming. With so many options, it's hard to know which movers to trust… and which ones to avoid.
Don't worry — you won't have to sort through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed down the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.
Safeway Moving
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American Van Lines
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Allied Van Lines
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Mayzlin Relocation
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North American Van Lines
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How we chose the best moving companies for your CA to FL move
The best local movers servicing San Diego to Tampa moves
Finding a trusted local moving company in San Diego that offers long-distance services to Tampa can be a challenge. With so many movers advertising similar services, it's tough to know who really delivers on quality.
Good news — we've done the homework for you. Our team reviewed top local movers in San Diego who handle long-distance moves, evaluating them based on pricing, service offerings, and customer satisfaction.
Here are the best local movers for long-distance moves from San Diego to Tampa.
- One Stop Moving & Storage: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- Stella Moving & Delivery: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Best California Movers: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- Republic Moving & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Cube Moving and Storage Inc: 4.66 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 0190616
Years in Business: 16
DOT #: 1956864
Alternate Names: One Stop Moving & Storage Inc, San Diego Expert Movers, Quick San Diego Movers, Coastal Movers, Manpower Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 0191958
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 3299407
Alternate Names: Stella Moving & Delivery, The Remarkable Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: T0192283
Pricing: $109/hr
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 3489907
Alternate Names: Best California Movers & Storage, An Moving Forward
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 0190491
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 3369820
Alternate Names: Lovejoy's Family Moving, Republic Relocation Services
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 0190874
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2764870
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from San Diego to Tampa?
San Diego movers charge $200 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 | $1,659 - $6,815 | $1,620 - $4,069 | $1,709 - $3,375 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,396 - $9,154 | $2,794 - $5,920 | $1,945 - $4,096 |
4+ bedrooms | $8,781 - $14,015 | $3,803 - $8,202 | $2,315 - $4,975 |
Cost to hire movers from California to Florida
Planning a move from California to Florida? For a studio or one-bedroom, you'll likely pay between $1,659 and $6,815. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $4,396 and $9,154 for the same journey (CA to FL). Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $8,781 to $14,015.
Cost of moving containers from California to Florida
When you're heading from California to Florida, and you're only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $1,620 and $4,069. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $2,794 and $5,920. If you're packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $3,803 to $8,202. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from California easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from California to Florida
Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you'll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
If you're moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $1,709 and $3,375. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $1,945 and $4,096. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You're likely looking at anywhere from $2,315 up to $4,975 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that influence moving costs from San Diego to Tampa
What to know before moving from San Diego to Tampa
Moving from San Diego to Tampa means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in San Diego than in Tampa, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how San Diego compares to Tampa so you know what to expect before you relocate:
San Diego | Tampa | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $2,881 | $1,930 |
Average home value | $1,003,444 | $371,271 |
Average income (per capita) | $72,963 | $66,802 |
Cost of living (single person) | $3,346 | $3,232 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $7,719 | $8,108 |
Unemployment rate | 6.6% | 5.0% |
Sales tax | 7.75% | 6.5% |
State income tax | 13.3% | 0.0% |
- Rent prices in Tampa are 33% lower than in San Diego, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Tampa.
Home prices in Tampa are 63.0% lower than in San Diego. - Income in Tampa is 8.4% lower than in San Diego, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Tampa — including Bloomin' Brands, Sykes Enterprises, and OSI Restaurant Partners — may pay more.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Tampa. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 3.4% lower than in San Diego.
- 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 5.0% higher than in San Diego.
- The unemployment rate in Tampa is 24.24% lower than in San Diego.
- You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Tampa, since the city's sales taxes in Tampa are 16.13% lower than in San Diego.
- One perk of moving to Tampa is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in San Diego.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,897.79 in Tampa to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in San Diego.
How life is different in San Diego vs. Tampa
Tampa | San Diego | |
---|---|---|
Population | 403,364 | 1,386,932 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 8 | 6 |
Walkability score | 51 | 53 |
Bike friendliness score | 51 | 43 |
Crime Index | 46.15 | 39.83 |
Safety Index | 53.85 | 60.17 |
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
- Tampa's population is about 71% less than San Diego.
- Tampa's public transportation has a score of 8 out of 10 versus San Diego's lower score of 6.
- Tampa and San Diego are similarily walkable.
- With a score of 51 out of 100, Tampa is more bike-friendly than San Diego, which has a score of 43 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Tampa's crime rate is higher than San Diego with a score of 46.15 compared to San Diego's 39.83. This means that Tampa neighborhoods are safer than 46.15% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and San Diego neighborhoods are safer than 39.83%.
- Tampa is considered to be less safe than San Diego with a score of 53.85 vs San Diego's 60.17.
- Air quality in Tampa is good, and in San Diego it's moderate.
Other things to consider for your San Diego 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: It's a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, it's a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- 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: To confirm a moving company's license in Florida, visit the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Florida doesn't mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Tampa without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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
Ready to relocate to Big Guava? Here are some of the top 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
Now that you've made the move to Florida it's the perfect time to explore Tampa From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Tampa include museums and art 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 city's Lettuce Lake Regional Park, Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, Sparkman Wharf, and Ballast Point Park — and more, offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- 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), or Tampa Bay Vipers (XFL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from San Diego to Tampa?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from San Diego to Tampa. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in San Diego.
When is the cheapest time to move from San Diego to Tampa?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from San Diego to Tampa moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from San Diego to Tampa take?
Covering 2,448 miles, the move from San Diego, CA to Tampa, FL typically takes seven to 18 days. Some San Diego movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Tampa can help bridge the gap.