Moving from St. Petersburg to Tallahassee, FL
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Quick answer: Moving from St. Petersburg to Tallahassee costs between $339 to $6,310 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 258-mile route within Florida take 1 to 4 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from St. Petersburg to Tallahassee
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from St. Petersburg to Tallahassee are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in St. Petersburg to driving and unloading in Tallahassee, 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 258 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,670 - $4,839 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,265 - $2,540 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $393 - $746 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Big Man's Moving Company, LLC | $185/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 St. Petersburg to Tallahassee?
It costs between $339 to $6,310 to move from St. Petersburg to Tallahassee. The prices below break down your 258-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $1,054 - $6,310
- Moving containers: $1,040 - $3,178
- Rental trucks: $339 - $879
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,054 - $3,833 | $1,040 - $1,761 | $339 - $649 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,670 - $4,839 | $1,265 - $2,540 | $393 - $746 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,145 - $6,310 | $1,787 - $3,178 | $477 - $879 |
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 | $309 - $2,575+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $185/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $100/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $206 - $824 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $52 - $206 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from St. Petersburg to Tallahassee
At 258 miles, your St. Petersburg to Tallahassee 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 St. Petersburg to Tallahassee. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Florida, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 258 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Flex Moving & Storage is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from St. Petersburg to Tallahassee. They've been in business since 2022 (4 years of experience) and 93.4% of their 272 verified reviews are positive.
More Florida moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Tallahassee to St. Petersburg guide.
Considerations when moving from St. Petersburg to Tallahassee
Cost of living: St. Petersburg vs. Tallahassee
The cost of living in St. Petersburg vs. Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee compares to what you’re used to in St. Petersburg.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| St. Petersburg | Tallahassee | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,075 | $1,410 |
| Average home cost | $327,967 | $275,354 |
| Average income (per capita) | $73,118 | $55,931 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,642 | $2,019 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,178 | $4,631 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.6% | 5.1% |
| Average Sales Tax | 7.0% | 7.5% |
- Rent in Tallahassee is about 32% cheaper than in St. Petersburg. That means you’ll probably free up more of your budget for savings, fun, or other expenses.
- Home prices in Tallahassee are 16% lower than in St. Petersburg. That means you’ll have an easier time buying a home, locking in an affordable mortgage, and still having money left over for what matters most to you.
- Income in Tallahassee is 24% lower than in St. Petersburg, which might mean you’ll need to watch your budget, especially if your income doesn’t keep pace with the cost of living.
- The cost of living for a single person in Tallahassee is 24% lower than in St. Petersburg, meaning you'll likely have more financial flexibility, allowing for increased savings, spending, or investment opportunities.
- Good news, living costs are 25% lower in Tallahassee than in St. Petersburg. 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 Tallahassee is 11% higher than in St. Petersburg. This could make finding work more challenging and potentially affect job security, especially if you're moving without a job lined up.
- You’ll find sales taxes in Tallahassee are 7% higher than in St. Petersburg, which means day-to-day expenses on items like clothes, electronics, or dining out may add up faster.
If you typically live on $3,000 a month in St. Petersburg, you’ll need about $2,280 to enjoy a similar lifestyle in Tallahassee.
How life is different in St. Petersburg vs. Tallahassee
Before you move, check out how life in Tallahassee measures up to St. Petersburg. 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.
| St. Petersburg | Tallahassee | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 259,343 | 201,731 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 49.8-48.3 | Democratic 49.8-48.3 |
| Summer high | 90ºF | 92ºF |
| Winter low | 53ºF | 39ºF |
| Annual rain | 51" | 59" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 39.54 | 58.35 |
Tallahassee sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- You’ll notice that Tallahassee has roughly 22% fewer people than St. Petersburg. 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 St. Petersburg and Tallahassee supported the Democratic candidate.
- You’ll find that both Tallahassee and St. Petersburg have similar summer temperatures, so expect the same warm weather you’re used to, without changing your routine.
- During the chilliest part of the year, Tallahassee is colder than St. Petersburg, reaching a low of 39°F while St. Petersburg only dips to 53°F.
- Tallahassee typically gets more rainfall than St. Petersburg, with an annual average of 59 inches compared to just St. Petersburg’s 51 inches.
- Both St. Petersburg and Tallahassee receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
- Tallahassee shows a higher crime rate than St. Petersburg, with index scores of 58.35 compared to 39.54.
Things to do in Tallahassee
Whether you prefer to be in the great outdoors, soak up some culture, or catch a live game, Tallahassee has plenty to offer:
Museums in Tallahassee
- Tallahassee Antique Car Museum
- Tallahassee Museum
- Museum of Florida History
- Florida Historic Capitol Museum
- Goodwood Museum and Gardens
Parks in Tallahassee
- Cascades Park
- Dorothy B Oven Park
- Lake Ella & Fred Drake Park
- Miccosukee Canopy Road Greenway
- Lichgate on High Road
Sports teams in Tallahassee
- Florida State Seminoles (NCAA)
Universities in Tallahassee
- Florida State University
- Florida A&M University
- Tallahassee Community College
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from St. Petersburg to Tallahassee?
Shipping furniture from St. Petersburg to Tallahassee with a moving company typically costs between $931 and $3,173. If you’re relocating a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay anywhere from $1,670 to $4,839. For a four-bedroom home or larger, prices generally fall between $2,145 and $6,310 for that same route.
How much are moving container companies from St. Petersburg to Tallahassee?
If you’re planning a move from St. Petersburg to Tallahassee and thinking about using moving containers, here’s a quick look at typical costs: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices usually fall between $747 and $1,611. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay from $1,265 to $2,540. Have an even larger house? Moves for four- or five-bedroom homes typically range from $1,787 to $3,178.
How much is a moving truck from St. Petersburg to Tallahassee?
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 $363 and $655. Moving a larger apartment? Costs typically fall between $393 and $746. For four-bedroom homes or bigger going from St. Petersburg to Tallahassee, truck rentals usually range from $477 up to $879.
How far in advance should I book St. Petersburg-to-Tallahassee movers?
To make your move from St. Petersburg to Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee?
The cheapest time of year to move to Tallahassee 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.
