$1,157 Movers From Tampa to San Diego

Quick Answer: The cost to move from Tampa, FL to San Diego, CA averages from $1,584 to $7,125 depending on how much you're moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

Hiring a full-service Tampa moving company will be on the more expensive side, while renting a truck or moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Here's everything you need to know about your upcoming move to San Diego, CA.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from San Diego to Tampa guide.

Moving from Tampa to San Diego resources

Moving 2,448 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

How much does it cost to move from Tampa to San Diego?

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 $1,157 - $4,799 $1,278 - $3,378 $1,363 - $2,610
2 - 3 bedrooms $3,221 - $7,125 $2,511 - $5,114 $1,584 - $3,172
4+ bedrooms $6,307 - $11,348 $3,224 - $6,877 $1,844 - $4,131
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*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,448 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

The cost to move from Tampa to San Diego will depend on:

  • Move size: The amount of items you have — as well as your home size and layout — will impact the total cost of your relocation.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Tampa, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs Professional Mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to letting the pros handle your move.

How much are professional moving companies when moving from Tampa to San Diego?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Tampa to San Diego will cost between $1,157 to $4,799. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $3,221 to $7,125, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Tampa to San Diego will cost from $6,307 to $11,348.

How much are moving container companies from Tampa to San Diego?

Moving containers from Tampa to San Diego will cost you $1,278 to $3,378 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,511 to $5,114. A larger home will cost $3,224 to $6,877.

How much is a moving truck from Tampa to San Diego?

Renting a moving truck is usually 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 $1,363 to $2,610. A larger move will cost $1,584 to $3,172, and a four-bedroom move from Tampa to San Diego costs from $1,844 to $4,131. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

The best Tampa to San Diego moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Tampa to San Diego is a big deal.

There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don't worry, you won't have to filter through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services. Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Tampa to San Diego.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
Get A Quote
(855) 650-0657

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 20 yrs experience
  • Flat rate pricing
  • Family owned
Get A Quote
(866) 835-2392

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
Get A Quote
(980) 217-6841

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 74 years in biz
  • 1,800 trucks
  • Storage available
Get A Quote
(844) 950-2963

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • White glove
  • Expensive items
  • Guaranteed delivery
Get A Quote
(703) 972-1772

% of users select this mover

If you're just trying to ship a few items, here are our picks for the best small load moving companies.

Pros and cons of moving from Tampa to San Diego

Cost of living: Tampa vs San Diego

Tampa San Diego
Average rent cost $1,952 $2,895
Average home value $379,142 $961,892
Average income (per capita) $59,893 $71,251
Cost of Living (single person) $1,013 $3,451
Cost of Living (family of 4) $3,611 $7,610
Unemployment rate 5.0% 6.6%
Sales Tax 7.5% 7.75%
State Income Tax 0.0% 13.3%
  • Rent prices in San Diego are 48% higher than in Tampa.
  • Home prices in San Diego are 153.7% higher than in Tampa.
  • Income in San Diego is 19.0% higher than in Tampa.
  • The cost of living for a single person in San Diego is 240.7% higher than in Tampa.
  • The cost of living for a family in San Diego is 110.7% higher than in Tampa.
  • The unemployment rate in San Diego is 32.00% higher than in Tampa.
  • Sales taxes in San Diego are 3.33% higher than in Tampa.
  • State income taxes in San Diego are 13.30% higher than in Tampa.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $10,220.14 in San Diego to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Tampa.

How is life different in Tampa compared to San Diego?

San Diego Tampa
Population 1,386,932 384,959
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 8
Walkability score 53 51
Bike friendliness score 43 51
Crime Index 23.28 21.92
Safety Index 59.1 52.86
Air Quality Moderate Good
  • San Diego's population is about 260% greater than Tampa.
  • San Diego's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Tampa's lower score of 8.
  • San Diego is more walkable than Tampa with a score of 53 out of 100 vs Tampa's 51 out of 100.
  • San Diego is less bike-friendly than Tampa with a score of 43 out of 100 vs Tampa's 51.
  • San Diego's crime rate is higher than Tampa with a score of 23.28 compared to Tampa's 21.92. This means that San Diego neighborhoods are safer than 23.28% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Tampa neighborhoods are safer than 21.92%.
  • San Diego is considered to be safer than Tampa with a safety index of 59.1 vs Tampa's 52.86.
  • Air quality in San Diego is moderate, and in Tampa it's good.

Considerations for moving to San Diego

  • 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 “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. 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 – 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.

Local Tampa movers

Company Quote Rating Contact
Golden Movers LLC Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.76 overall rating
5604 N 50th St, Tampa, FL, 33610
(813) 714-8119
Big Man's Moving Company, LLC Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.76 overall rating
1002 S Harbour Island Blvd #1606, Tampa, FL, 33602
(727) 772-3458

Visit our best long distance movers in Tampa page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

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

What to do in San Diego

These are some of the best things to do in your new California home.

  • San Diego Zoo
  • The Botanical Building and the Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden (Balboa Park)
  • SeaWorld San Diego
  • USS Midway Museum
  • Gaslamp Quarter
  • Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
  • La Jolla Cove and Seal Rock
  • Legoland
  • Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
  • Coronado Island
  • North Park
  • Hang-gliding and Paragliding Tours
  • Seaport Village
  • Belmont Park
  • Pacific Beach
  • Liberty Public Market
  • Cabrillo National Monument
  • Mexican Food
  • Mission San Diego de Alcala
  • Museum of US (Balboa Park)
  • UCSD Stuart Art Collection
  • San Diego Central Library
  • Torrey Pines State Reserve
  • Maritime Museum of San Diego
  • Grant Hill Park

Get your sports on!

San Diego is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:
  • San Diego Padres (MLB)
  • San Diego Gulls (AHL)
  • San Diego Loyal SC (USL Championship)

FAQs about moving from Tampa to San Diego

When is the best time to move from Tampa to San Diego?

The best time to move from Tampa to San Diego is during the transitional seasons of spring or fall, considering the summer highs of 79ºF and the winter lows of 46ºF in San Diego.

When is the cheapest time to move from Tampa to San Diego?

Because most people are moving from Tampa to San Diego in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the summer or winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

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Learn more about San Diego