Quick answer: For a 2,526-mile move from Tampa to Los Angeles, expect to spend around $1,976–$8,657 and seven to 21 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 Los Angeles to Tampa guide.
Our track record
Best Movers By Type
Professional
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Labor Only
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Best Professional Movers from Tampa to Los Angeles
Picking a long-distance moving company for your move from Tampa to Los Angeles isn't easy — there are tons of options out there, and figuring out who's reliable (and who's not) can feel like a real challenge.
No need to stress about sifting through endless options — we've already done the homework for you. Our picks are based on real reviews, pricing, and the range of services offered.
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 FL to CA move
Local movers servicing Tampa to Los Angeles moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Tampa that also provides long-distance services to Los Angeles can feel overwhelming. Many companies make similar promises, but not all live up to them.
That's where we come in — we've analyzed local movers in Tampa who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
Below are the top local moving companies for long-distance moves from Tampa to Los Angeles.
- Big Man's Moving Company, LLC: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Coleman Worldwide Moving: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- 2 College Brothers Moving and Storage: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Brothers EZ Moving: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- First Class Moving Systems, Inc.: 4.72 out of 5 stars
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
Company Info
Years in Business: 110
DOT #: 2897746
Alternate Names: Coleman American Moving Services, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
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
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
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
How much does it cost to move from Tampa to Los Angeles?
Tampa movers charge $84 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 | $1,371 - $5,975 | $1,678 - $4,009 | $1,702 - $3,259 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,330 - $8,657 | $3,069 - $6,015 | $1,976 - $3,961 |
4+ bedrooms | $7,909 - $12,743 | $3,941 - $8,178 | $2,352 - $5,061 |
Cost to hire movers from Florida to California
Planning a move from Florida to California? For a studio or one-bedroom, you'll likely pay between $1,371 and $5,975. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $4,330 and $8,657 for the same journey (FL to CA). Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $7,909 to $12,743.
Cost of moving containers from Florida to California
If you're relocating from Florida to California, you'll typically spend between $1,678 and $4,009 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $3,069 up to $6,015. If you're moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between $3,941 and $8,178. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Exploree our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Florida.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Florida to California
A moving rental truck 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 $1,702 to $3,259. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $1,976 to $3,961, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from Florida to California costs around $2,352 to $5,061.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Tampa to Los Angeles move
What to know before moving from Tampa to Los Angeles
Moving from Tampa to Los Angeles comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Los Angeles is generally more expensive than Tampa, it'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:
Tampa | Los Angeles | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,930 | $2,960 |
Average home value | $371,271 | $2,368,088 |
Average income (per capita) | $66,802 | $74,993 |
Cost of living (single person) | $3,232 | $3,922 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $8,108 | $9,213 |
Unemployment rate | 5.0% | 10.6% |
Sales tax | 6.5% | 9.5% |
State income tax | 0.0% | 13.3% |
- You may want to budget more for rent in Los Angeles, since prices are typically 53% higher than in Tampa.
- The home prices in Los Angeles are 537.8% higher than in Tampa, which could mean saving up before buying a home, taking on a bigger mortgage, or downsizing.
- You're likely to make a higher income living in Los Angeles, where incomes are, on average, 12.3% higher than in Tampa. Major employers in Los Angeles include County of Los Angeles, Los Angeles Unified School District, and City of Los Angeles (including DWP).
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Los Angeles, since the cost of living for a single person in Los Angeles is 21.3% higher than in Tampa. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If you're moving your family to Los Angeles, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Los Angeles is 13.6% higher than in Tampa.
- The unemployment rate in Los Angeles is 112.00% higher than in Tampa.
- Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Los Angeles, since its sales taxes are 46.15% higher than what you are paying in Tampa.
- State income taxes in Los Angeles are 13.30% higher than in Tampa.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,640.47 in Los Angeles to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Tampa.
How life is different in Tampa vs. Los Angeles
Los Angeles | Tampa | |
---|---|---|
Population | 3,820,914 | 403,364 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 8 | 8 |
Walkability score | 69 | 51 |
Bike friendliness score | 59 | 51 |
Crime Index | 53.81 | 46.15 |
Safety Index | 46.19 | 53.85 |
Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
- Los Angeles's population is about 847% greater than Tampa.
- Los Angeles's public transportation has a similar score to Tampa.
- Los Angeles is more walkable than Tampa with a score of 69 out of 100 vs Tampa's 51 out of 100.
- With a score of 59 out of 100, Los Angeles is more bike-friendly than Tampa, which has a score of 51 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Los Angeles's crime rate is higher than Tampa with a score of 53.81 compared to Tampa's 46.15. This means that Los Angeles neighborhoods are safer than 53.81% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Tampa neighborhoods are safer than 46.15%.
- Los Angeles is considered to be less safe than Tampa with a score of 46.19 vs Tampa's 53.85.
- Air quality in Los Angeles is moderate, and in Tampa it's good.
Other things to consider for your Tampa vs. Los Angeles move
- Weather: The temperature in Los Angeles is known to be very comfortable. Los Angeles is subject to a phenomenon typical of a microclimate, causing variations in temperature. So be sure to check your weather report before your move.
- 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: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: You can verify a California moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won't need a moving permit in California, 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 Los Angeles Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Los Angeles
With your sights set on City of Angels, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Los Angeles.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Echo Park
- Los Feliz
- Playa Del Rey
- Silver Lake
- Westwood
Best neighborhoods for families
- Brentwood
- Eagle Rock
- Mar Vista
- Playa Vista
- Studio City
Things to do in Los Angeles
Once you're settled into your new home in California, it's time to get out and discover what Los Angeles has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: Los Angeles features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the The Getty Center, Griffith Observatory, Petersen Automotive Museum, Battleship USS Iowa Museum, and The Broad.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Griffith Park, Runyon Canyon Park, Lake Hollywood Park, and Echo Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Los Angeles Clippers (NBA), Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB), Los Angeles FC (MLS), or Los Angeles Kings (NHL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Tampa to Los Angeles?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Tampa to Los Angeles. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Tampa.
When is the cheapest time to move from Tampa to Los Angeles?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Tampa to Los Angeles 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 Tampa to Los Angeles take?
Covering 2,526 miles, the move from Tampa, FL to Los Angeles, CA typically takes seven to 21 days. Some Tampa movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Los Angeles can help bridge the gap.