Highly rated local moving companies for San Francisco to Tampa moves
Organizing a move from San Francisco 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 91 local movers in San Francisco 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 San Francisco to Tampa.
- Pure Moving Company: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- NorthStar Moving Company : 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Good Green Moving: 4.48 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 0191103
Years in Business: 11
DOT #: 3207734
Alternate Names: Pure Moving & Storage, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0167668
Years in Business: 44
DOT #: 373544
Alternate Names: Great Giant Moving Company
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crane vans
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0190673
Years in Business: 15
DOT #: 3670248
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0182466
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 1836576
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0191035
Pricing: $70/hr
Years in Business: 12
DOT #: 2604063
Alternate Names: Green Move, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from San Francisco to Tampa?
On average, moving companies in California charge about $128 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 | $1,279 – $5,843 | $1,466 – $3,443 | $1,547 – $2,970 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $4,175 – $7,584 | $2,375 – $5,489 | $1,760 – $3,430 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $7,182 – $12,989 | $3,347 – $6,990 | $2,119 – $4,387 |
Cost to hire movers from San Francisco to Tampa
When planning a move to Tampa from San Francisco, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,279 and $5,843. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $4,175 and $7,584 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $7,182 to $12,989.
Cost of moving containers from San Francisco to Tampa
When you’re heading from San Francisco to Tampa, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $1,466 and $3,443. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $2,375 and $5,489. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $3,347 to $6,990. 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 San Francisco to Tampa
A moving rental truck from San Francisco 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 $1,547 to $2,970. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $1,760 to $3,430, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from San Francisco to Tampa costs around $2,119 to $4,387.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from San Francisco to Tampa
The cost of San Francisco movers will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from San Francisco to Tampa may only cost $2,716, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $11,670.
- The season you’re moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in San Francisco.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($1,547–$3,763), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
What to know before moving from San Francisco to Tampa
Many movers find Tampa easier on the wallet than San Francisco – roughly 15% less for singles and 7% less for families.
Monthly basics average $3,232 for one person in Tampa versus $3,781 in San Francisco. For a family of four, it’s $8,108 compared with $8,717.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| San Francisco | Tampa | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $3,259 | $1,967 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $5,475 | $3,616 |
| Average home value | $1,241,003 | $371,271 |
| Average income (per capita) | $136,689 | $66,802 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,781 | $3,232 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $8,717 | $8,108 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 5.0% |
| Sales tax | 8.63% | 6.5% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 0.0% |
- Rent is about 41% less expensive in Tampa than in San Francisco, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
- Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 70% cheaper in Tampa than in San Francisco.
- You might want to reassess your budget before relocating. The average income is roughly 51% less in Tampa than in San Francisco.
- Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Tampa. The cost of living for a single person there is 15% below that of San Francisco.
- A move to Tampa can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 7% lower compared to San Francisco.
- Tampa has a lower unemployment rate than San Francisco by about 7%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
- Sales taxes are 25% cheaper in Tampa compared to San Francisco. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
- Florida has no income tax, meaning you keep more of your gross income, which can be a major advantage for salaried workers, freelancers, and retirees with taxable income.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in San Francisco versus Tampa:
| Living Expense | San Francisco | Tampa |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $229.35 | $239.17 |
| Cell phone plan | $62.91 | $71.60 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.91 | $4.59 |
| Loaf of bread | $5.06 | $4.09 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $125.00 | $95.00 |
| Gym membership | $99.96 | $38.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in San Francisco than in Tampa, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in San Francisco than in Tampa.
- Eggs cost more in San Francisco than in Tampa.
- Bread is more expensive in San Francisco than in Tampa.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in San Francisco than in Tampa.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in San Francisco than in Tampa.
- Gym memberships cost more in San Francisco than in Tampa.
How life is different in San Francisco vs. Tampa
| San Francisco | Tampa | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 808,988 | 403,364 |
| Transportation score | 10 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 99 | 51 |
| Bike friendliness score | 99 | 51 |
| Crime index | 61.41 | 46.15 |
| Safety index | 38.59 | 53.85 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Tampa’s population is about 50% less than San Francisco.
- Tampa’s public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is lower than San Francisco’s score of 10.
- Tampa is less walkable than San Francisco with a score of 51 out of 100 vs San Francisco’s 99 out of 100.
- Tampa has a bike-friendliness score of 51 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as San Francisco, which has a score of 99.
- Tampa’s crime rate is lower than San Francisco with a score of 46.15 compared to San Francisco’s 61.41. This means that Tampa neighborhoods are safer than 46.15% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and San Francisco neighborhoods are safer than 61.41%.
- Tampa is considered to be safer than San Francisco with a safety index of 53.85 vs San Francisco’s 38.59.
- Air quality in Tampa is Good, and in San Francisco it’s Moderate.
Other things to consider for your San Francisco to Tampa move
- HOA rules: Costs across San Francisco 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 San Francisco to Tampa?
If you’re flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from San Francisco to Tampa. You’ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in San Francisco.
When is the cheapest time to move from San Francisco to Tampa?
Want to save on your move from San Francisco 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 San Francisco to Tampa take?
The 2,830-mile move from San Francisco, CA, to Tampa, , takes seven to 21 days. Some San Francisco 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 San Francisco movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. In San Francisco, 2 movers provide AAA member discounts.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in San Francisco?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 72 movers in San Francisco provide piano moving services. 64 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 297 piano movers and 227 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
San Francisco moving services
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