Top Tampa, FL to Chicago, IL Movers

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

1. Big Man's Moving Company, LLC: 4.8 out of 5 stars
2. Coleman Worldwide Moving: 4.76 out of 5 stars
3. 2 College Brothers Moving and Storage: 4.72 out of 5 stars
4. Brothers EZ Moving: 4.72 out of 5 stars
5. First Class Moving Systems, Inc.: 4.72 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Florida to Illinois

If you're moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Florida to Illinois, you can expect to spend between $1,288 and $5,141. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $2,870 to $6,970 on the same route (FL to IL). Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Florida to Illinois typically runs between $4,831 and $8,894.

Cost of moving containers from Florida to Illinois

Moving from Florida to Illinois? For a small load, you'll likely pay between $1,105 and $2,619. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $2,018 to $4,002. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $2,810 up to $5,031. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.

Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Florida.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Florida to Illinois

Looking to save money? Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option. Just keep in mind that you'll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.

If you're moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $893 and $1,770. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $1,015 and $2,105. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $1,262 and $2,591.

These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.

• You may want to budget more for rent in Chicago, since prices are typically 6% higher than in Tampa.
• In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Chicago.
  Home prices in Chicago are 20.3% lower than in Tampa.
• You're likely to make a higher income living in Chicago, where incomes are, on average, 7.1% higher than in Tampa. Major employers in Chicago include U.S. Government, Chicago Public Schools, and City of Chicago.
• Be sure to budget for higher bills in Chicago, since the cost of living for a single person in Chicago is 12.9% higher than in Tampa. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• If you're moving your family to Chicago, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Chicago is 14.3% higher than in Tampa.
• The unemployment rate in Chicago is 80.00% higher than in Tampa.
• Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Chicago, since its sales taxes are 57.69% higher than what you are paying in Tampa.
• State income taxes in Chicago are 4.95% higher than in Tampa.

• The population of Chicago is about 581% 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.
• Chicago offers better access to buses and trains than Tampa, based on public transportation ratings. Chicago has a transit score of 9 out of 10 compared to 8 in Tampa. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
• Living in Chicago means you'll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Tampa. Chicago is considered more walkable than Tampa, with a score of 77 out of 100 versus 51 out of 100 in Tampa. A city's walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
• If cycling is your thing, Chicago is considered more bike-friendly than Tampa in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. Chicago has a bike-friendliness score of 72 out of 100, while Tampa is rated as 51 out of 100.
• Chicago has a lower crime rate than Tampa based on scores of 35.19 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 may want to exercise more caution as you're getting used to your new surroundings in Chicago. With a crime index of 33.87, Chicago ranks lower in overall safety than Tampa, whose index is 53.85. 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 Chicago and Tampa 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.

• Weather: Although Chicago gets less snowfall than surrounding areas in the Midwest and the Great Lakes region, heavy snowfall could still affect your move in the wintertime.
• 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: In Illinois, regulations on in-state moves and local movers are set forth by the Illinois Commerce Commission. To move household goods locally and intrastate, companies need to have a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, so make sure the companies you’re considering have one and that it’s current. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
• State regulator: You can verify a Illinois moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: You won't need a moving permit in Illinois, 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 Chicago Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound. For more extensive protection matching your items' full value, consult your moving company for alternative options or consider a third-party insurance provider.
• Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Best neighborhoods for singles

• Lake View
• Lincoln Park
• The Loop
• Near North Side
• West Town

Best neighborhoods for families

• Beverly
• Edison Park
• Lincoln Park
• North Center
• West Loop

Things to do in Chicago

After settling into your new Illinois home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Chicago has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:

• Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Chicago, such as the The Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago History Museum, and Museum of Contemporary Art.
• Outdoor recreation: The city's Millennium Park, Grant Park, The 606, and Lincoln 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 Chicago Bears (NFL), Chicago Cubs (MLB), Chicago White Sox (MLB), or Chicago Blackhawks (NHL) game.