Best overall value
Local moving companies in Tampa
- First Class Moving Systems, Inc.: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Big Man's Moving Company, LLC: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Coleman Worldwide Moving: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- 3 Guys Moving: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Atlantic Relocation Systems: 4.72 out of 5 stars
First Class Moving Systems, Inc.
rating
4.72 / 5
DOT #: 944759
Years in Business: 24
70004 E Broadway Ave, Tampa, FL 33619 USFirst 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.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 944759
- State license #: 651
- DOD certified
Big Man's Moving Company, LLC
rating
4.72 / 5
DOT #: 2951960
Years in Business: 8
1002 S Harbour Island Blvd, #1606, Tampa, FL 33602 USCustomers 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 movesโqualities 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.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2951960
Coleman Worldwide Moving
rating
4.72 / 5
DOT #: 2897746
Years in Business: 110
6000 N 51st St, Tampa, FL 33610 USColeman Worldwide Moving racks up high marks from most customers, with 76% of feedback describing efficient moves, professional and courteous staff, and careful handling of belongings. Rapid service and strong communication stand out, helping people stay informed and comfortable throughout interstate and international relocations. Colemanโs teams earn praise for timeliness, flexibility, and minimizing moving-day stress, which puts them ahead of many competitors. On the downside, 21% of customer input highlights serious setbacksโreports of damaged or missing items are especially common, as are concerns about delayed arrivals and unresolved claims. Some clients found these problems costly and frustrating, particularly when communication lapsed during issues. With a majority of positive reports but a consistent warning about potential for property damage or lost items, Coleman offers a better-than-average experience but prospective movers should take precautions to document belongings and confirm delivery details for peace of mind.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2897746
Alternative Business Names
- Coleman American Moving Services, Inc.
3 Guys Moving
rating
4.72 / 5
DOT #: 3224363
Years in Business: 35
4529 Eagle Falls Place, Tampa, FL 33619 USFeedback for 3 Guys Moving highlights standout professionalism, efficiency, and careful handling of belongings, with 78% of input rating the experience as positive among 272 reviews. Many customers appreciated polite, hardworking crews who completed moves quickly, protected property, and honored quoted prices without surprises. On the other side, about 20% expressed dissatisfaction, most often due to items being damaged, unexpected charges that exceeded estimates, or possessions going missing during the move or storage. Neutral comments mention understaffed crews that resulted in long move times or minor miscommunication. Most clients describe a well-organized move, courtesy, competitive rates, and responsive communication. Compared to typical moving firms, 3 Guys Moving earns exceptional marks for efficiency, friendly staff, and accurate quoting, though issues like property damage or billing disputes do surface more than with the best in class. Customers seeking reliability, clear pricing, and respectful movers are frequently satisfied, but those especially concerned about property safety and precise charges should review contract details closely and document condition of their items before the move.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 3224363
- State license #: 3224363
Alternative Business Names
- O'Laker's Moving, Inc.
Atlantic Relocation Systems
rating
4.72 / 5
DOT #: 2730619
Years in Business: 42
5415 Pioneer Park Blvd, Tampa, FL 33634 USAtlantic Relocation Systems earns high marks for professionalism and attentive teams, with 73% of feedback reflecting positive experiences from the 82 reviews examined. Movers consistently receive praise for being courteous, careful, efficient, communicative, and eager to help with every part of the process. Many clients mention that their belongings arrived safely and the staff went above and beyond expectations. Pricing is often described as fair or better than competitors. A minority of feedback points out issues such as damaged items, poor communication, and delays, with some customers citing frustrating claim processes or insufficient follow-up. While most moves go smoothly, a handful of clients faced complications that were not resolved quickly. Compared to many moving companies, Atlantic stands out for friendly service and skilled crews, but can improve reliability and consistency when handling client problems.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2730619
- State license #: 125550
Alternative Business Names
- Effort Enterprises of Florida, Inc.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Tampa to San Diego move
What to know before moving from Tampa to San Diego
Moving from Tampa to San Diego comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since San Diego is generally more expensive than Tampa, itโs 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 | San Diego | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,930 | $2,881 |
| Average home value | $371,271 | $1,003,444 |
| Average income (per capita) | $66,802 | $72,963 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,232 | $3,346 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $8,108 | $7,719 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.0% | 6.6% |
| Sales tax | 6.5% | 7.75% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 13.3% |
- Rent prices in San Diego are 49% higher than in Tampa, which means youโll have less money in your pocket each month.
-
In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Tampa.
Home prices in San Diego are 170.3% higher than in Tampa. - Income in San Diego is 9.2% higher than in Tampa, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in San Diego include United States Navy, University of California, San Diego, and Sharp HealthCare.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in San Diego, since the cost of living for a single person in San Diego is 3.5% higher than in Tampa. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in San Diego is 4.8% lower than in Tampa.
- The unemployment rate in San Diego is 32.00% higher than in Tampa.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in San Diego, since the cityโs sales taxes in San Diego are 19.23% higher than in Tampa.
- State income taxes in San Diego are 13.30% higher than in Tampa.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,105.82 in San Diego to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Tampa.
How life is different in Tampa vs. San Diego
| San Diego | Tampa | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,386,932 | 403,364 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 6 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 53 | 51 |
| Bike friendliness score | 43 | 51 |
| Crime Index | 39.83 | 46.15 |
| Safety Index | 60.17 | 53.85 |
| Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
- The population of San Diego is about 244% greater than Tampa, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
- Getting around San Diego without a car might be more difficult than in Tampa. San Diego has a public transportation score of 6 out of 10, whereas Tampa is ranked 8. Ratings are based on a cityโs transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
- Youโll find San Diego to be about as walkable as Tampa. The two cities have similar walkability scores of 53 and 51 respectively out of 100 in terms of how close housing is to businesses, recreational facilities, and jobs.
- You probably wonโt see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in San Diego, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Tampa. While Tampa has a bike-friendliness score of 51 out of 100, San Diego earned a 43. Scores are based on factors like whether a city accommodates cyclists on major roadways, how often people bike to work, and how many steep hills it has.
- San Diego has a lower crime rate than Tampa based on scores of 39.83 and Tampa's 46.15, 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 San Diego than in Tampa, based on San Diegoโs safety index of 60.17 versus 53.85 for Tampa. 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 San Diego isnโt as good as it is in Tampa, so you may want to take precautions if you suffer from conditions like allergies or asthma. San Diego has an air quality rating of Moderate, and Tampa is considered to be good. Cities with good to moderate air quality may have varying levels of minor potential for health risks for certain people. Beyond the moderate rating, those health risks increase in severity and the amount of residents affected.
Other things to consider for your Tampa vs. San Diego move
- Weather: San Diego's climate is characterized by warm, dry summers and mild winters, with most of the annual precipitation falling between December and March. The city has a mild climate year-round.
- 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: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a โT Numberโ 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a California moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: California 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 San Diego. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.Opt for Released Value Protection โ 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.
Where to live in San Diego
Now that you've decided to make the move to "America's Finest City", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in San Diego.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Gaslamp Quarter
- Hillcrest
- North Park
- Ocean Beach
- Pacific Beach
Best neighborhoods for families
- Carmel Valley
- Del Mar Heights
- Loma Portal
- Rancho Bernardo
- Rancho Penasquitos
Things to do in San Diego
After getting comfortable in your new California home, itโs time to see what San Diego is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife โ thereโs plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in San Diego include museums and art centers like the USS Midway Museum, Birch Aquarium at Scripps, Maritime Museum of San Diego, San Diego Air & Space Museum, and Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs La Jolla Cove, Balboa Park, La Jolla Shores Park, and Sunset Cliffs Natural Park โ 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 San Diego Padres (MLB), San Diego Gulls (AHL), or San Diego Loyal SC (USL Championship) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Tampa to San Diego?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Tampa to San Diego are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Tampa are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Tampa to San Diego?
With many people choosing to move from Tampa to San Diego 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 San Diego take?
Moving from Tampa, FL to San Diego, CA covers 2,447 miles and usually takes seven to 18 days. Need to move faster? Some Tampa movers offer expedited options. If youโre not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in San Diego.
