Moving from Jacksonville to St. Petersburg, FL

Quick answer: Moving from Jacksonville to St. Petersburg costs between $310 to $6,022 depending on your home's size and if you hire a moving company or move yourself, based on data from our moving cost calculator.

Most moves on this 222-mile route within Florida take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.

Compare moving options from Jacksonville to St. Petersburg

The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Jacksonville to St. Petersburg are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.

  • Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Jacksonville to driving and unloading in St. Petersburg, but cost the most
  • Labor-only services work well if you only want a crew for the heavy lifting
  • Moving containers balance price and effort, but you handle loading or hire labor separately
  • Rental trucks are the cheapest if you're comfortable driving 222 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
Move type Top pick Average cost Best for Main downside
Full-service mover Safeway Moving $1,480 - $4,431 Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading Highest price of all options
Moving container PODS $1,265 - $2,235 Pack and load on your own schedule You handle all loading and unloading
Rental truck Budget Truck Rental $327 - $641 Lowest upfront cost You drive, load, and unload everything yourself
Labor-only Stewart Moving & Storage $95/hr Need a loading crew and already have a truck You arrange your own transport between cities

How much does it cost to move from Jacksonville to St. Petersburg?

It costs between $310 to $6,022 to move from Jacksonville to St. Petersburg. The prices below break down your 222-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.

  • Full service movers: $954 - $6,022
  • Moving containers: $962 - $2,981
  • Rental trucks: $310 - $774
Home size Full-service mover Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 bedroom $954 - $3,812 $962 - $1,681 $310 - $542
2 - 3 bedrooms $1,480 - $4,431 $1,265 - $2,235 $327 - $641
4+ bedrooms $2,170 - $6,022 $1,580 - $2,981 $398 - $774
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 11 years of experience, reviewing 3,155 moving companies, and are updated as of May 2026. Actual costs vary based on home size, add-on services, access or parking conditions, and timing. Use a moving cost calculator and compare quotes from at least 3 movers for the most accurate number.

Extra costs to budget for

Most quotes won't include these line items by default — confirm each one with your mover or rental company before booking.

Extra cost Typical range Applies to
Packing service $288 - $2,400+ Full-service movers
Loading labor $95/hr per mover Moving containers, rental trucks
Storage About $70/month Moving containers
Shuttle fee $192 - $768 Full-service movers
Equipment rental $48 - $192 Rental trucks
Added protection 1% - 2% of declared value All move types

Best movers from Jacksonville to St. Petersburg

At 222 miles, your Jacksonville to St. Petersburg move sits in a range where both national and local companies can handle it well, but they serve different needs. We've listed our top pick from each category below.

Best movers for larger homes and complex logistics

Safeway Moving is our top-rated full-service pick for larger moves from Jacksonville to St. Petersburg. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Florida, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 222 miles.

Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves

Flex Moving & Storage is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Jacksonville to St. Petersburg. They've been in business since 2024 (2 years of experience) and 89.4% of their 113 verified reviews are positive.

More Florida moving resources

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our St. Petersburg to Jacksonville guide.

Considerations when moving from Jacksonville to St. Petersburg

Cost of living: Jacksonville vs. St. Petersburg

The cost of living in Jacksonville vs. St. Petersburg isn’t just about housing costs. We’ll lay out everything that matters, including rent, home prices, average income, everyday spending, and local job trends, so you can easily see how life in St. Petersburg compares to what you’re used to in Jacksonville.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Jacksonville St. Petersburg
Average rent cost $1,520 $2,075
Average home cost $262,098 $327,967
Average income (per capita) $66,981 $73,118
Cost of living (single person) $2,696 $2,642
Cost of living (family of 4) $6,605 $6,178
Unemployment rate 4.9% 4.6%
Average Sales Tax 7.5% 7.0%
  • Rent prices in St. Petersburg are 37% higher than in Jacksonville, meaning a larger portion of your income may go toward housing, leaving less for savings or other expenses.
  • Home prices in St. Petersburg are 25% higher than in Jacksonville, so you’ll likely need a larger down payment and can expect bigger monthly mortgage payments if you’re buying a home.
  • You could enjoy greater earning potential and improved financial stability in St. Petersburg, where average income is 9% higher than in Jacksonville — especially if your salary is on par with the local average.
  • If you’re relocating from Jacksonville to St. Petersburg, you’ll notice that day-to-day expenses are about equal. As long as your income doesn’t change, your budget should stay on track after the move.
  • Good news, living costs are 6% lower in St. Petersburg than in Jacksonville. That means your money goes further, giving you more room in your budget and a chance to boost your quality of life after the move.
  • The unemployment rate in St. Petersburg is 6% lower than in Jacksonville. This points to a healthier job market, more openings, and better economic stability in your new city.
  • With sales taxes 7% lower in St. Petersburg than Jacksonville, everyday expenses like meals, clothing, and electronics could be easier on your wallet.

If you typically live on $3,000 a month in Jacksonville, you’ll need about $2,940 to enjoy a similar lifestyle in St. Petersburg.

How life is different in Jacksonville vs. St. Petersburg

Before you move, check out how life in St. Petersburg measures up to Jacksonville. You can easily compare the weather, cost of living, politics, safety, and population side by side. This comparison makes it easier to tell which city better fits your lifestyle and needs.

Jacksonville St. Petersburg
Population 971,319 259,343
Political leaning Democratic 51-47 Democratic 49.8-48.3
Summer high 91ºF 90ºF
Winter low 44ºF 53ºF
Annual rain 50" 51"
Annual snow 0" 0"
Crime index 56.38 39.54
  • You’ll notice that St. Petersburg has roughly 73% fewer people than Jacksonville. Smaller cities usually mean more peace of mind, more space, and lower living costs, though you may find yourself missing a few big-city conveniences.
  • During the last presidential election, both Jacksonville and St. Petersburg supported the Democratic candidate.
  • You’ll find that both St. Petersburg and Jacksonville have similar summer temperatures, so expect the same warm weather you’re used to, without changing your routine.
  • During winter, Jacksonville gets colder than St. Petersburg, with lows reaching 44°F compared to St. Petersburg’s 53°F.
  • Both Jacksonville and St. Petersburg see similar yearly rainfall—Jacksonville averages 50 inches, while St. Petersburg gets 51 inches.
  • Both Jacksonville and St. Petersburg receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
  • St. Petersburg posts a lower crime rate than Jacksonville, with a crime index of 39.54 compared to Jacksonville’s 56.38.

Things to do in St. Petersburg

Whether you prefer to be in the great outdoors, soak up some culture, or catch a live game, St. Petersburg has plenty to offer:

Museums in St. Petersburg

  • The Dali Museum
  • Chihuly Collection
  • Duncan McClellan Gallery
  • Imagine Museum
  • James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art

Parks in St. Petersburg

  • Sawgrass Lake Park
  • Boyd Hill Nature Preserve
  • Vinoy Park
  • Skyway Fishing Pier State Park
  • Maximo Park

Sports teams in St. Petersburg

  • Tampa Bay Rays (MLB)
  • Tampa Bay Rowdies (USL Championship Soccer)
  • Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL - Located in nearby Tampa)
  • St. Petersburg Aquatics
  • St. Petersburg Cardinals

Universities in St. Petersburg

  • University of South Florida St. Petersburg
  • Eckerd College
  • St. Petersburg College

FAQ

How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Jacksonville to St. Petersburg?

Shipping furniture from Jacksonville to St. Petersburg with a moving company typically costs between $812 and $2,930. If you’re relocating a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay anywhere from $1,480 to $4,431. For a four-bedroom home or larger, prices generally fall between $2,170 and $6,022 for that same route.

How much are moving container companies from Jacksonville to St. Petersburg?

If you’re planning a move from Jacksonville to St. Petersburg and thinking about using moving containers, here’s a quick look at typical costs: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices usually fall between $696 and $1,555. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay from $1,265 to $2,235. Have an even larger house? Moves for four- or five-bedroom homes typically range from $1,580 to $2,981.

How much is a moving truck from Jacksonville to St. Petersburg?

If you’re looking to save money, renting a moving truck is often the most budget-friendly choice. Keep in mind, though— you’ll need to handle both the driving and the heavy lifting yourself. To keep things transparent, we’ve factored estimated fuel costs into our pricing so you know exactly what to expect.

If you’re renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move, expect to pay between $313 and $548. Moving a larger apartment? Costs typically fall between $327 and $641. For four-bedroom homes or bigger going from Jacksonville to St. Petersburg, truck rentals usually range from $398 up to $774.

How far in advance should I book Jacksonville-to-St. Petersburg movers?

To make your move from Jacksonville to St. Petersburg as stress-free as possible, lock in your movers at least two months before your big day. If you’re planning a summer move, aim for three months ahead, because spots fill up fast! Booking early not only boosts your chances of getting the date you want, but you might also score a better deal since many companies offer early-bird discounts for customers who plan ahead.

What time of year is the cheapest to move to St. Petersburg?

The cheapest time of year to move to St. Petersburg is between early October and late April. This period is outside of the moving industry’s peak season (May–September), which means demand — and therefore pricing — will typically be lower. A majority of U.S. moves happen between May and August, so staying outside the busy summer months will help you save money.