Key factors that influence moving costs from Tallahassee to Wilmingtontoggle

The cost of Tallahassee movers will depend on:

  • Amount of belongings: Moving costs go up with more stuff. A move from Tallahassee to Wilmington might cost just $1,299 for a one-bedroom, but up to $6,887 for a four-bedroom.
  • When you move: Summer is peak moving season in Tallahassee, which means movers charge more during those months.
  • DIY or hire help: You can save by going the DIY route. Rental trucks cost between $773 and $1,883, though you\โ€™ll be doing the hard work vs letting the pros handle it.

What to know before moving from Tallahassee to Wilmington

Moving from Tallahassee to Wilmington comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Wilmington is generally more expensive than Tallahassee, itโ€™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:

Tallahassee Wilmington
Average rent cost $1,410 $1,812
Average home value $283,504 $307,799
Average income (per capita) $49,077 $49,354
Cost of living (single person) $2,019 $3,533
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,631 $4,350
Unemployment rate 5.1% 10.3%
Sales tax 7.5% 0.0%
State income tax 0.0% 6.6%
  • Rent prices in Wilmington are 29% higher than in Tallahassee, which means youโ€™ll have less money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Tallahassee.
    Home prices in Wilmington are 8.6% higher than in Tallahassee.
  • Income is the same in Wilmington and Tallahassee. The top employers in Wilmington include Nestle, DuPont, and AstraZeneca.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Wilmington, since the cost of living for a single person in Wilmington is 75.0% higher than in Tallahassee. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Wilmington is 6.1% lower than in Tallahassee.
  • The unemployment rate in Wilmington is 101.96% higher than in Tallahassee.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Wilmington, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Wilmington are 100.00% lower than in Tallahassee.
  • State income taxes in Wilmington are 6.60% higher than in Tallahassee.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $5,249.63 in Wilmington to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Tallahassee.

How life is different in Tallahassee vs. Wilmington

Wilmington Tallahassee
Population 70,898 201,731
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 5
Walkability score 74 30
Bike friendliness score 52 45
Crime Index 67.32 58.35
Safety Index 32.68 41.65
Air Quality Good Good
  • Wilmington might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 65% less than Tallahassee.
  • Wilmington offers better access to buses and trains than Tallahassee, based on public transportation ratings. Wilmington has a transit score of 6 out of 10 compared to 5 in Tallahassee. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
  • Living in Wilmington means youโ€™ll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Tallahassee. Wilmington is considered more walkable than Tallahassee, with a score of 74 out of 100 versus 30 out of 100 in Tallahassee. A cityโ€™s walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
  • If cycling is your thing, Wilmington is considered more bike-friendly than Tallahassee in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. Wilmington has a bike-friendliness score of 52 out of 100, while Tallahassee is rated as 45 out of 100.
  • The crime rate in Wilmington is higher than in Tallahassee, so you may want to exercise a little extra caution as you're acclimating to your new location. While the crime index is 67.32 in Wilmington, it is 58.35 in Tallahassee. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a cityโ€™s crime levels.
  • You may want to exercise more caution as youโ€™re getting used to your new surroundings in Wilmington. With a crime index of 32.68, Wilmington ranks lower in overall safety than Tallahassee, whose index is Tallahassee's 41.65. The safety index measures how safe people in a city feel about walking alone, both during the day and at night, as well as data on muggings, theft, vandalism, and other instances of petty crime.
  • The air quality in Wilmington and Tallahassee is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.

Other things to consider for your Tallahassee vs. Wilmington move

  • Weather: Wilmington has with hot and humid summers, cool to cold winters, and precipitation evenly spread throughout the year.
  • 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: Movers headquartered in Delaware that offer local and intrastate moving services donโ€™t need to be licensed. Still, they must comply with Delaware Department of Transportation (DDOT) regulations on insurance and commercial vehicle safety. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Delaware moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Delaware 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 Wilmington. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.Selecting Released Value Protection is a cost-effective choice, provided at no extra charge by movers, even though it offers limited coverage. Within this option, the mover's responsibility is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. If you're concerned about the value of your possessions and require more extensive coverage, consider discussing alternative options with the moving company you've chosen or explore third-party insurance providers. Ensure comprehensive protection for your belongings during the move by exploring these additional coverage choices.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Wilmington

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Chemical Capital of the World", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Wilmington.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Trolley Square
  • Happy Valley
  • Midtown Brandywine
  • Delaware Avenue
  • Trinity Vicinity

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Forty Acres
  • Happy Valley
  • Trolley Square
  • Lower Highlands
  • Wawaset Park/Wawaset Heghts

Things to do in Wilmington

After getting comfortable in your new Delaware home, itโ€™s time to see what Wilmington is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife โ€” thereโ€™s plenty to check out:

  • Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Wilmington include museums and art centers like the Nemours Estate, Hagley Museum And Library, Delaware Children's Museum, Delaware Art Museum, and Rockwood Park & Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Bellevue State Park, Brandywine Park, Rockford Park & Tower, and Tubman-Garrett Riverfront 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 Delaware Blue Coats (NBA G League), Wilmington Blue Rocks (MiLB), Delaware Black Foxes (USARL), or Bearfight FC of Wilmington (USASA) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Tallahassee to Wilmington?

If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Tallahassee to Wilmington. Youโ€™ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Tallahassee.

When is the cheapest time to move from Tallahassee to Wilmington?

Because spring and fall moves from Tallahassee to Wilmington are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.

How long does a move from Tallahassee to Wilmington take?

Covering 978 miles, the move from Tallahassee, FL to Wilmington, DE typically takes two to seven days. Some Tallahassee movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services inWilmington can help bridge the gap.

Helpful moving resources