Best overall value
Local moving companies in Tampa
- First Class Moving Systems, Inc.: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Big Man's Moving Company, LLC: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- 2 College Brothers Moving and Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Brothers EZ Moving: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Golden Movers LLC: 4.72 out of 5 stars
Customer Praise
- Professional and polite staff
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
Customer Complaints
- Damage to items
- Lack of communication
- Unexpected charges
Review Analysis
First Class Moving Systems, Inc. consistently stands out for professionalism, fast-moving crews, careful packing, and courteous behavior, as highlighted by 65.5% of 174 customer reviews. Customers often describe staff as efficient, attentive, and protective of their belongings, and many praise timely updates and clear communication. Most report a quick, stress-free process and careful handling of fragile items, with prompt bookings and follow-through reminiscent of top-tier moving companies. Yet, 32.8% of feedback highlights repeated issues: property damage during moves, poor communication about delays or missing items, and unexpected charges. Negative input frequently points to a lack of follow-up on claims and insufficient support when things go wrong, especially with larger or longer-distance moves. Compared to industry peers, First Class earns high marks for service quality when things go well but falters on reliability and transparency under stress. For customers prioritizing safe, efficient, and polite movers, First Class delivers; for those needing flawless logistics and consistent support, caution is warranted.
Company Info
State license #: 651
Years in Business: 24
DOT #: 944759
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International 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
- DOD certified
Customer Praise
- Efficient service
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Good communication
- Quick moving process
Customer Complaints
- Damage to items
- Inaccurate estimates
- Unexpected charges
Review Analysis
Customers are raving about Big Man's Moving Company, LLC. Out of 277 feedback entries, a remarkable 84.5% reflect positive experiences. Reviewers consistently highlight efficient moving crews, polite professionals, and careful handling of belongings. Many mention excellent communication, fast service, and stress-free moves—qualities that distinguish this company from typical movers. Negative comments appear in 13.4% of the input and generally cite higher-than-expected final bills, disputes over damage, and underestimations of move time or volume. Some also report frustration when quoted prices differ from amounts charged. Just 2.2% of reviews are neutral, regularly complimenting the moving crews while noting issues with office management or quoting. Compared with most moving companies, Big Man's Moving Company stands out for its promptness, organization, and friendly teams. Still, as with many moving providers, there can be unexpected charges or concerns over certain damages, so diligence in reviewing estimates and policies is recommended.
Company Info
Years in Business: 8
DOT #: 2951960
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Customer Praise
- Efficient service
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
Customer Complaints
- Damage to items
- Unreliable timing
- Poor complaint handling
Review Analysis
Moving made easy: 2 College Brothers Moving and Storage stands out with a stellar 92.5% positive feedback from 268 customer reviews. Customers consistently highlight efficient service, professionalism, careful handling of belongings, quick and stress-free moves, and clear communication—qualities that place 2 College Brothers above many other movers. Movers arrive punctually, work with speed, and keep clients informed throughout, earning praise for both small local relocations and complex long-distance jobs. Negative feedback, though rare, points most often to damage to items, unreliable scheduling, or challenges in complaint resolution. While some experienced mishandling or delayed responses on claims, these issues are much less frequent than the positive results. With most feedback reflecting stress-free, respectful, and meticulous moves at fair rates, 2 College Brothers consistently outperforms typical moving companies and comes widely recommended.
Company Info
State license #: 2106
Years in Business: 12
DOT #: 2787568
Alternate Names: Smarter Moving Solutions LLC, 2 College Brothers, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Customer Praise
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Professional and polite staff
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
Customer Complaints
- Damage to items
- Delayed arrival or delivery
- Unexpected charges
Review Analysis
Moving day becomes a breeze with Brothers EZ Moving, as the feedback from 550 customers shows. More than three-quarters of input is favorable, with people praising efficient service, careful handling, professional staff, a quick moving process, and clear communication. Many report smooth bookings, affordable rates, and consistent punctuality—qualities not always found with competitors. The company outperforms most movers when it comes to safeguarding furniture and maintaining professionalism, often saving customers time and stress. On the flip side, concerns often center on damaged items, delays, and unexpected charges. Some customers experienced difficulties with claim resolution or were dissatisfied when the final bill exceeded expectations. Delays in arrival or delivery were also noted, primarily tied to scheduling and logistics communication between staff and customers. While many found the team organized, reliable, and attentive, others reported major frustrations when things didn't go as promised. For those seeking fast service and most important, movers who handle belongings with care, Brothers EZ Moving stands out, but it pays to confirm details upfront to avoid surprises.
Company Info
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2349033
Alternate Names: Brothers EZ Moving, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Customer Praise
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Efficient service
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
Customer Complaints
- Damage to items
- Unexpected charges
- Poor complaint handling
Review Analysis
Golden Movers LLC consistently impresses with outstanding professionalism, careful handling, and efficient moves. Out of 167 reviews examined, 91% reflect positive feedback, one of the highest rates in the relocation industry. Customers consistently mention the team’s friendly attitude, attentiveness, and communication, setting them apart from many competitors, who often receive lower marks for these qualities. Most clients highlight courteous staff and precise care for belongings, experiencing smooth, fast, and stress-free moves. A few reported incidents involve items being damaged, surprise charges after loading, and poor resolution of complaints. While such cases are rare, they indicate opportunities for better consistency in pricing and responsiveness to problems. For those seeking a reliable and highly praised moving company, Golden Movers stands out for dependability, skilled employees, and customer satisfaction.
Company Info
State license #: 1248113
Years in Business: 23
DOT #: 1248113
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Key factors that influence moving costs from Tampa to Mobile
What to know before moving from Tampa to Mobile
Moving from Tampa to Mobile means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Tampa than in Mobile, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Tampa compares to Mobile so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Tampa | Mobile | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,930 | $1,300 |
| Average home value | $371,271 | $186,159 |
| Average income (per capita) | $66,802 | $61,962 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,232 | $1,825 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $8,108 | $4,104 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.0% | 6.2% |
| Sales tax | 6.5% | 10.0% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 5.0% |
- Rent prices in Mobile are 33% lower than in Tampa, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
-
In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Mobile.
Home prices in Mobile are 49.9% lower than in Tampa. - Income in Mobile is 7.2% lower than in Tampa, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Mobile — including Infirmary Health, Austal, and City of Mobile — may pay more.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Mobile. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 43.5% lower than in Tampa.
- A move to Mobile can help cut down on a family’s routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 49.4% less than what it costs in Tampa.
- The unemployment rate in Mobile is 24.00% higher than in Tampa.
- Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Mobile, since its sales taxes are 53.85% higher than what you are paying in Tampa.
- State income taxes in Mobile are 5.00% higher than in Tampa.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,694.00 in Mobile to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Tampa.
How life is different in Tampa vs. Mobile
| Mobile | Tampa | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 187,041 | 403,364 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 3 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 32 | 51 |
| Bike friendliness score | 34 | 51 |
| Crime Index | 64.95 | 46.15 |
| Safety Index | 35.05 | 53.85 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Mobile's population is about 54% less than Tampa.
- Mobile's public transportation has a score of 3 out of 10 versus Tampa's higher score of 8.
- Mobile is less walkable than Tampa with a score of 32 out of 100 vs Tampa's 51 out of 100.
- Mobile has a bike-friendliness score 34 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Tampa, which has a score of 51 out of 100.
- Mobile's crime rate is higher than Tampa with a score of 64.95 compared to Tampa's 46.15. This means that Mobile neighborhoods are safer than 64.95% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Tampa neighborhoods are safer than 46.15%.
- Mobile is considered to be less safe than Tampa with a score of 35.05 vs Tampa's 53.85.
- Air quality in Mobile is good, and in Tampa it's good.
Other things to consider for your Tampa vs. Mobile move
- Weather: October, April and November are the most pleasant months in Mobile, so consider this in your plans in moving to Mobile City. Mobile City experiences extreme heat on summer and rainy days on winter.
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- State licensing: To guarantee the safety and reliability of local moving services in Alabama, it is essential for moving companies to possess a registration number issued by the Alabama Public Service Commission (APSC). Trust your move to registered professionals for a secure and dependable experience. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: You can verify a Alabama moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won't need a moving permit in Alabama, though it's smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Mobile Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. Moving companies typically take responsibility for your belongings at a rate of 60 cents per pound (or even less) per item. This means that for a lightweight item weighing five pounds and valued at $500, the reimbursement would be only $3 in the event of loss or damage. To enhance your coverage, certain movers provide additional valuation options, such as declared value or lump sum value protection, which offer better protection compared to the basic released value protection. To better understand and explore these options, consider discussing them with your chosen moving company.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Mobile
Now that you've decided to make the move to Port City, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Mobile.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Spanish Fort
- Point Clear
- Tillmans Corner
- Theodore
- Chickasaw
Best neighborhoods for families
- Point Clear
- Saraland
- Loxley
- Satsuma
- Semmes
Things to do in Mobile
Now that you've made the move to Alabama it's the perfect time to explore Mobile From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Mobile, such as the GulfQuest - National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico, Battleship USS ALABAMA, Mobile Carnival Museum, History Museum of Mobile, and Richards DAR House Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Mobile Bay, Mobile Botanical Gardens, Bienville Square, and Medal of Honor Park — along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an South Alabama Jaguars (Sun Belt) and Spring Hill Badgers (SIAC) game.
source: AttractionsofAmerica
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Tampa to Mobile?
The best time to move from Tampa to Mobile is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Tampa.
When is the cheapest time to move from Tampa to Mobile?
With many people choosing to move from Tampa to Mobile in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Tampa to Mobile take?
The 514-mile move from Tampa, FL, to Mobile, AL, takes one to six days. Some Tampa movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Mobile.
